Better Choices, But still need opinions

[dodger11]

Need opinions choosing between 2 boats, the first is older pontoon, but with new carpet, new upholstery, and a newer motor. The second is all original equipment. Both look good to me, my family likes to both cruise, tube and fish. We are looking for a balance between the two. I have included links from the seller for both. Thanks!

1. http://www.buzzsmarine.com/1997starcraftstarfish_usedfishingboats.html


2. http://www.buzzsmarine.com/used2003crestliner_pontoonboats.html

 

[mcruea]

Re: Better Choices, But still need opinions

well i have a 50hp on my pontoon and it doesnt pull a tube very good with the good whipping action, i have to use my bass boat with the 125hp , so i'd say go with the 90hp or if you can find bigger would be better
mcruea

 

[Bearfan]

Re: Better Choices, But still need opinions

Do they REALLY mean $10,995 on that 1997????!?!?!? Just google 1997 Starcraft and you can see how this really shocked me.

 

[dodger11]

Re: Better Choices, But still need opinions

Yes, They told me it was due to the newer bigger motor, upholstery and carpet
that they installed.

 

[Jeep Man]

Re: Better Choices, But still need opinions

Dodger, I have a 20' with a similar layout to the Crestliner. Of the two, I prefer this one but I can say for certain that the layout is not conducive to fishing, and the 50 hp is too small for tubing. I have a 60 and it is a minimum for tubing.
The price of the '97 is too high. Otherwise it is well suited for your requirements. Prices vary greatly from place to place but I would consider that motor to be worth about $5k and the boat to be $3k -$3.5k.

 

[Bearfan]

Re: Better Choices, But still need opinions

I agree with Jeep Man. I figured that to be at least $2,500 high.

 

[Bob_VT]

Re: Better Choices, But still need opinions

Well I imagine that "dealer" is making $3500 profit!!

 

[EGlideRider]

Re: Better Choices, But still need opinions

As usual, JeepMan is right on target. Get the price of the 97 down to a reasonable value and it will work for you. For tubing, I would not go below 90hp and 115 would be much better.

 

[dodger11]

Re: Better Choices, But still need opinions

Thanks guys, going to the dealer tomorrow, feel a lot better with the advice I received here. Great place for learning, appreciate your time posting replies!

 

[dodger11]

Re: Better Choices, But still need opinions

Thanks to this forum I was able to negotiate a much better deal, got some extras thrown in also! We are a 'toon owner! I am sure I will wake up in the morning asking why we did it. I guess summer will be the proof in the pudding.
Thanks again for all the advice!

 

[ezmobee]

Re: Better Choices, But still need opinions

Pics when you get it!

 

[dodger11]

Re: Better Choices, But still need opinions

Plan on pics, the dealer let me leave there as things are somewhat chilly yet!
I will post pics when we get it home when weather warms a bit! Thanks again, will be back with more questions as it warms up I am sure. This forum has really helped in the process and being prepared as a first timer.