Choosing between a couple of boats

[Bearfan]

We've narrow it down and I am looking for opinions:

New 2010 Starcraft Stardeck 22' w/ 150hp Honda VTEC, a ski/tow bar addition and fish finder addition before tax: $28,949

Used 2008 Bennington 2277 RFSi 22' Triple Tube w/ 200hp Yamaha 4 Stroke: $25,000

Used 2008 Bennington 2575 RCW 25' Triple Tube w/ Mercruiser 5.7 350 Mag V8 310 HP: $35,000

Used 2007 Bryant 236 Deckboat w/ Mercruiser 5.0l 220HP and Wakeboard tower: $27,000.

All of the used boats were club owned and used by the members.

I would love any insight since I've only owned bowriders.

 

[rickdb1boat]

Re: Choosing between a couple of boats

I'm partial to outboards on toons, so I would go with the 22' Bennington with the 200 Yamaha. The price is excellent and the Bennington is a great toon and the Yamaha 4 stroke is a very reliable motor. Course if you plan on having large crowds aboard (10 or more) often, then you may want to move up to the 25'er with the 350 Mag.

 

[Bearfan]

Re: Choosing between a couple of boats

Should I have any concerns about the Bennington being owned by a boating club instead of an individual?

 

[EGlideRider]

Re: Choosing between a couple of boats

I vote with Rick provided the club boats did not have excessive hours which I doubt if they do. In any case, I would get a mechanic to connect their computer to the used ones and give you a printout of the total hours and the amount of time spent at WOT.

I think you can assume that a club boat was always properly maintained so I wouldn't have a big concern about them except for the total hours.

 

[Bearfan]

Re: Choosing between a couple of boats

I appreciate your opinions. I'm going to take the boss to see it today and if she's on board with it (this boat specifically, she's on board with another boat ), I think we'll buy the Bennington 2277.

 

[Bearfan]

Re: Choosing between a couple of boats

Done. Bought the Bennington 2277. Took it out today (60 degrees here) and she ran great. Quiet engine that 200hp Yamaha. So thrilled.

 

[EGlideRider]

Re: Choosing between a couple of boats

Well it looks as if you've gotten a great Christmas present.

Enjoy!

 

[5150abf]

Re: Choosing between a couple of boats

Good job, you should be very happy with that boat.

I was going to weigh in but decided to stay out of it as I am a little bias.

I have worked for Bennington since we started, I was actually the 5th person in the company.

That is a great package too, a 22 with a 200 tons of power and just the right amount of room and you have a great warranty on the boat still and the company is going strong and should be around for many many years to come.

Things have picked up so much in the last 2 months that we had to bring in part of the weld shop on Sunday to get caught up.

Wel have fun with your Christmas present and if you have any of that 60 degree weather left over send it up, 27 here.

 

[Bearfan]

Re: Choosing between a couple of boats

I think we got a real deal on it, and it is alot nicer than the other models we've looked at. You do certainly turn out a nice product, and I look forward to the 200hp on my triple 22.

 

[rickdb1boat]

Re: Choosing between a couple of boats

Congrats on the purchase. I'm sure you will have many good times on the water with it..

 

[Bearfan]

Re: Choosing between a couple of boats

The worst part of buying a boat in winter is right now. I saw snow flakes today and still have boating thoughts.