97 maxum 1900sr 4.3 or 99 bayliner 2050 ls 5.0?

alex3012red

Seaman
Joined
Nov 20, 2006
Messages
65
looking for my next boat, came across these 2, the 97 maxum with a merc. 4.3 , turn key condition. i would rated at 8 out of 10 condition overall,asking 5k (offered 4k), on the other hand the 99 2050 with the 5.0 has closed coolling but is not a turn key boat, batt. dead, weathered seats and hull, but price is lower 3k.rated 7 out of 10, i can get the seats redone and shine it back up with the price difference. Please give me your input, good or bad to help out with making my choice.. my budget is 4.5k
 

jkust

Rear Admiral
Joined
Aug 2, 2008
Messages
4,942
Walk away from the one with weathered seats. It and the the hull I'm sure are a harbinger. Way too many beautiful condition trailer queens out there. 90's boats are dirt cheap and there's no shortage of them.
 

garbageguy

Lieutenant Commander
Joined
May 8, 2012
Messages
1,598
Condition, condition, etc. But I don't think I'd base my decision on non-critical components such as seat covers - although that, and a dead battery (and "weathered hull"), don't bode well for the condition of critical components. How do the engine/drive conditions compare? Any service records? How do any/all of the fluids in them compare (level, condition)? You can often get a good feel for how well a machine may have been maintained by other things (how do the rest of the seller's stuff look?)
 

jkust

Rear Admiral
Joined
Aug 2, 2008
Messages
4,942
Condition, condition, etc. But I don't think I'd base my decision on non-critical components such as seat covers - although that, and a dead battery (and "weathered hull"), don't bode well for the condition of critical components. How do the engine/drive conditions compare? Any service records? How do any/all of the fluids in them compare (level, condition)? You can often get a good feel for how well a machine may have been maintained by other things (how do the rest of the seller's stuff look?)

Vinyl replacement from a vinyl shop is extremely expensive to have performed. It's one of the main components to condition cost wise assuming the stringers and floor are not rotted. Here in the north, you have to be pretty neglectful to get fading given our sun just isn't strong. Of course poor winter storage then becomes a problem. Actual sun damage takes carelessness but of course in sun states, it is easier to get sun damage to vinyl upholstery.
 

alex3012red

Seaman
Joined
Nov 20, 2006
Messages
65
Condition, condition, etc. But I don't think I'd base my decision on non-critical components such as seat covers - although that, and a dead battery (and "weathered hull"), don't bode well for the condition of critical components. How do the engine/drive conditions compare? Any service records? How do any/all of the fluids in them compare (level, condition)? You can often get a good feel for how well a machine may have been maintained by other things (how do the rest of the seller's stuff look?)

went to started today, and it started right up with a jumper, they do have all records of maint. runs good, outdrive seem to shift and work fine on the hose, checked for any soft spots didn't find any, just the weathered seats, but i think i might pull the trigger on it, i offered 2700 for it today, i can get the seats done 1k, and i would bring back the shine myself, waiting on the final o.k from the seller
 

jkust

Rear Admiral
Joined
Aug 2, 2008
Messages
4,942
went to started today, and it started right up with a jumper, they do have all records of maint. runs good, outdrive seem to shift and work fine on the hose, checked for any soft spots didn't find any, just the weathered seats, but i think i might pull the trigger on it, i offered 2700 for it today, i can get the seats done 1k, and i would bring back the shine myself, waiting on the final o.k from the seller

You have a quote to have the boat reupholstered for a grand?
 

alex3012red

Seaman
Joined
Nov 20, 2006
Messages
65
ended up passing on both boats, currently looking at a 98 2052 cuddy cabin, haven't gone to check it out but looks like it doesn't need anything..don't know what engine yet, will find out tomorrow
 
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