Found a boat, good deal or not?

[paboater]

The boat is a 1991 SeaSwirl with a 175 Evinrude Outboard with around 1000 hrs on it. The interior of the boat looks new and the paint is and hull look to be in great shape, comes with a easyload trailer. They are asking $6500, the boat is fresh water only. Is this a good price? Also which is better to have an outboard or an I/O?

 

[KCook]

Re: Found a boat, good deal or not?

What size and style Seaswirl? In very broad terms outboards are preferred for fishing while I/O is better for skiing. But most folks just buy whichever type they happen to like better. Lots of threads on the OB vs I/O topic, here is just one -<br /><br /> Trailer Boats Boards » ... » What is the real truth? O/B or I/O for salt and fresh water? <br /><br />Kelly Cook

 

[paboater]

Re: Found a boat, good deal or not?

The boat is a 19 foot bowrider.

 

[BF]

Re: Found a boat, good deal or not?

gotta respectfully disagree with Kelly about I/O's being better for skiing. IMHO, a true inboard (direct drive with no "lower unit") like Mastercraft, SkiNautique etc. is the best tow craft, followed closely by a big outboard (what I have), bigger step down to I/O. I have some experience (admittedly limited) with I/O's... my Dad has I/O, and also a couple friends of his. It just seems that the outdrives of I/O's are just not durable. Too many U-joints in 'em and too easy to damage the joints by running the engine with the outdrive trimmed up. Seems like every 2nd season it's time for a gimbal bearing or new u-joints or both.<br /><br />So, for what it's worth, I'd take a 175 hp OB over an I/O any day of the week... you'd get snappier performance too.<br /><br />Brent

 

[KCook]

Re: Found a boat, good deal or not?

I agree with Brent about the direct drive inboards being better for skiing than I/O. However, in the context of this particular thread, Seaswirl has never made a direct drive bowrider. So far as I know. Only outboards and I/O.<br /><br />Kelly

 

[Solittle]

Re: Found a boat, good deal or not?

Make sure you get a water test and go with someone who knows what they are doing. I am a bit weary of a boat that looks great. Some have been given great care and that is what you hope for. Others have been given the "used car lot touch-up" to cover all kinds of problems.<br /><br />On pricing - That is very location and season dependent. Check marine trader on line for comparables for your area.<br /><br />Like the others - I like OBs.

 

[paboater]

Re: Found a boat, good deal or not?

Do you think the 1000hrs is to much to even bother with this or is that not to bad.

 

[POINTER94]

Re: Found a boat, good deal or not?

Not knowing anything, the price seems a bit high to me. I have been looking for my dad the last few months and I have seen many good candidates in this type of boat, under 5K. Remember you are looking at a 13 year old boat. <br /><br />Keep your eyes open. 1000hrs and in perfect condition scare me just a bit. Possibly inconsistant.

 

[bomar76]

Re: Found a boat, good deal or not?

1000 hours on a 1991 is a LOT.<br /><br />Even more so on a boat that I presume is from a cold weather state, since that is where your info says you are from.<br /><br />Price seems high for those hours.<br /><br />I'd be real leery.

 

[paboater]

Re: Found a boat, good deal or not?

Update on the boat, I just went for a test drive on this boat. I was wrong, it is a 1993 SeaSwirl that has been taken care of greatly. The boat was run for the first time today since being winterized last year, one turn of the key and it fire right up. He took me around the lake and it was up to 55MPH in a matter of Seconds. With no vibrations or noises while shifting in and out of gears. The body on the boat if perfect, very well maintained. I got him down to 6000 w/trailer. And he said his brother didn't know what he was talking about when he said 1000hrs but said probably not even close to that. So you guys think I should go for it?

 

[POINTER94]

Re: Found a boat, good deal or not?

How about some information on the trailer, tandum axle I would imagine. What was the RPM at WOT? It sounds much better now that you reposted. 1993, in great condition, with 175 rude, which runs great, and most of all "Do you LIKE IT???"<br /><br />Sounding much better then a couple of days ago, I would bring it to a mechanic to inspect the outboard and read posts here about soft floors, electrics, stringers, but I would feel much more comfortable now. A good 6K boat is sometimes very hard to come by. <br /><br />FYI if started on the first turn my guess is someone started it this spring. Did you get a big plume of smoke when it started?<br /><br />Good Luck.

 

[paboater]

Re: Found a boat, good deal or not?

Big Puff of smoke for about 15-20 Seconds, I love the boat, floor seems very solid. It is a Galvanized single axle trailer EZ loader. Boat weighs less then 3000. I think the boat was running 5100RPM @ 55MPH is that good or bad? by the way what does WOT stand for?

 

[POINTER94]

Re: Found a boat, good deal or not?

WOT = Wide Open Throttle (putting it to the boards. )<br /><br />I would estimate you have a couple or RPM's yet to go but post into the Rude' forum for very specific answers. <br /><br />Loving a boat is a great reason to buy one! The price is right there for the time of year and the condition. Single axle seems a little light but if you are not going too far sobeit..<br /><br />Put up earnest money with the contingency of a report and clean bill of health from your mechanic. Might be tough to get someone to look at it this time of year in a day or two, but one of your most important relationships will now begin. You and your boat mechanic!! <br /><br />Check everything over ............ twice. Sounds like a winner from what you provided, and something you could turn around in a couple of years if you wanted to..<br /><br />Glad to hear you got yourself a winner!!!!<br /><br />Get out there and Boat!!!!