Decision points on a used family boat

[Hai Nhi]

Re: Decision points on a used family boat

Nice boat! Congrats 16victor.

I'm still on my journey for a new boat.

Nhi

 

[airdvr1227]

Re: Decision points on a used family boat

Good choice. The used boat market is really picking up in NE Ohio. I wish I had 10 Mid 2000's Larson 210LXi. I'd have them gone by the end of the week.

 

[tazrig]

Re: Decision points on a used family boat

Excellent choice, great looking boat and trailer! Don't let the 760 hours scare you. If it was properly maintained and it sounds like it was as you have all the maintenance records then you shouldn't have any worries. The snap up carpeting gives you a much better idea of what's underneath. Having the access to the mechanic is invaluable as you won't have to guess about hidden issues and a tandem axel torsion suspension bunk trailer (nice!!!) Without trying to sound condescending, congratulations on taking you time, shopping for a boat the right way and ending up with what I think you will be very happy with for some time to come. :clap2:

 

[tpenfield]

Re: Decision points on a used family boat

OK...final update:
Both boats are Stingray 200LS:

Boat Number 1: 1999
Good:
230 hours (!!!)
Perfect Bimini top.
Interior nearly perfect - no wear or tears.


Boat number 2: 2001

Good:
Sold by family moving to a larger boat (someone to discuss it's history with).
Bow and cockpit cover in good condition.
4.3 Merc w/ EFI (!!!)
Fiberglass deck with snap-in carpet (!!!)
Boat 2 was $1500 less than boat 1, plus I don't have to deal with interstate title transfers. It ran like a dream on a lake test Sunday (brrr).

Guess which one I picked? We pay the balance Wednesday and get titles.

:noidea: #2 ???

Congrats.

 

[16victor]

Re: Decision points on a used family boat

Sincere thanks to all for the assistance and guidance, without your help I'd surely have made a serious mistake.

As for this,

:noidea: #2 ???

If you care to expand, I'm all ears.

My summary above grew from a decision matrix I was sketching out. The deciding logic was that, in my boating situation, certain things are inevitable: the interior will wear, hours will add up, scratches will happen. However, a fiberglass deck and EFI provide clear advantages that can't simply be added later. The $1500 price difference covers any interior issues.

I'm at complete peace with my decision for both short and long term.

All the best,

Ron

 

[tpenfield]

Re: Decision points on a used family boat

:noidea:

If you care to expand, I'm all ears.

All the best,

Ron

That is my favorite symbol for guessing . . .

Congrats on the boat.

 

[16victor]

Re: Decision points on a used family boat

That is my favorite symbol for guessing . . .

Gotcha - thought you were indicating that I'd made a questionable choice!

Edit: Doh! I didn't realize you were guessing at which boat I chose - it was number 2.

Thanks for your input all along,

Ron

 

[tpenfield]

Re: Decision points on a used family boat

Gotcha - thought you were indicating that I'd made a questionable choice! Thanks for your input all along,

Ron

I think most experienced boaters would pick the higher hour boat that is in better shape. Really low hours on an older boat is a red flag, as it probably means that the boat was not used for extended periods of time. With lack of use goes lack of care. The condition of the low hour boat, as you described it, seems to support the 'lack of care' theory.

 

[sickwilly]

Re: Decision points on a used family boat

Welcome to the boating club! Also, welcome to the Stingray club. You can also register at their forum with your hull number.

My boat will have that many hours when I sell it. It will also be well-maintained because for me playing with the boat also includes maintenence. I would have picked just like you.

 

[bruceb58]

Re: Decision points on a used family boat

However, a fiberglass deck and EFI provide clear advantages that can't simply be added later.

I agree on the fiberglass deck being a major deciding point.

 

[Alwhite00]

Re: Decision points on a used family boat

any pics????

LK

 

[16victor]

Re: Decision points on a used family boat

Browser froze, can't delete this post, see next.

 

[16victor]

Re: Decision points on a used family boat

They're too big to post so I'll link them:
Pic 1
Pic 2
Pic 3
Pic 4

 

[sickwilly]

Re: Decision points on a used family boat

She is a beauty! CLR will get that calcium off the outdrive. Looks well cared for and loved!

 

[ksukats57]

Re: Decision points on a used family boat

Is that your name for the boat or was it on there?

 

[Alwhite00]

Re: Decision points on a used family boat

Great looking boat, Nice choice.

LK

 

[Toddavid]

Re: Decision points on a used family boat

Congrats!

Now, about that trailer...

Eagle Trailer Warning. Don't tow until you inspect!! - Boat Talk - Chaparral Boats Owners Club


(don't mean to be a downer, but better safe than sorry. You've put a lot of effort into choosing the right boat, I'd hate to see the trailer sabotage your summers.)

 

[16victor]

Re: Decision points on a used family boat

Is that your name for the boat or was it on there?

Nope, not my name...it'll be rechristened Haywire.

Now, about that trailer...

Thanks for the tip - it's been trailered regularly since the previous owners got it in '09, but I'll check underneath when I grab it and bring it home Saturday (I hope). It's a 2001 trailer and the link you posted was for more recently made ones but it's an easy check regardless. Worst case is I get some plate and MIG it.

Now onto a mooring cover...the only thing on my checklist that I didn't get...Break Out Another Thousand ($500 anyway).