How do Crownline bowriders compare to other brands?

[Hoobz]

This is my first boating related post in here, so please be nice

After doing my own thing as far as hobbies go, we've decided to buy a boat so we can enjoy a lot more time together as a family. I'm not into fishing much at all, and have a very heavy penchant toward motorsport, being a motorcycle and car racer type fella from wayyy back. So after looking at heaps and heaps...and heaps of boats over a couple of months we have found the Crownline 19SS BR with 5L Mercruiser the one to our liking the most. We just want to cruise around and have fun in the water with wakeboards and the usual tubing etc.

We want to buy new, and the biggest point by far is the boat has to have a beam under 8' 3" (2500mm) wide so we can get it down our driveway. This is so I can store it at home in a garage. We live only 3 miles from the local ramp. There will usually only be the three of us in the boat, my wife, our 7 yr old and me. Occasionally I'll be inviting a few buddies to knock off early from work, and go out boarding and stuff, so def want the power, couldn't give a rats about economy.

So, without starting an argument or two can a few of you please comment on how Crownline boats compare to the others around here. In my area are Crownline, Sea Ray, Glastron, Bayliner, Chaparral, Four Winns, and a couple of others. I'm not too fussed about a couple of thousand dollars here and there, it much more about the company itself, quality and finish etc.

For sure, the Yamaha jet boat range appeals to me a lot too, but they don't come to Australia and the model we'd want is too wide for our drive anyway

I'd also like to comment on what an excellent forum this is. Nothing like it locally in Oz that I have found, they are all mostly fishing boat based. Over the last couple of months I have spent at least 100 hours lurking about, learning so much about it all. Many very knowledgeable characters in here who contribute much. It's great. Very entertaining.

One more question, not to name any one, but he seems very knowledgeable and wise, and I dunz wanna tread on his toes, but what the hell does 'Ayuh' mean and imply? How do you pronounce it? Lol. I have no idea whatsoever :facepalm:

Friscoboater and a couple of others have over convinced me 'NOT' to buy second hand also. Not an option. The last thing I want to do in my spare time is work on the structure of the boat. After 50 hours a week working as a carpenter/construction supervisor I'm totally over it by the weekend if you know what I mean. I do like working on engines and had to do that with all my stuff so it was much more affordable, rebuilding Subaru WRX gearboxes etc, so no problems there.

I hope this doesn't turn into a brand slamming session, being a forum moderator I know how it can go, but I just gotta know. What do you all think?

Regards from Australia.

Dave

 

[etracer68]

Re: How do Crownline bowriders compare to other brands?

Crownline is a boat in the top, they are detailed, and very good boats. I would concider a 5.7 though. By the way, Heaps, are racecars, and Barges, are boats. Good Luck.

 

[Hoobz]

Re: How do Crownline bowriders compare to other brands?

Thanks etracer. The 5.7 isn't available in the 19SS. And the boat the next size up won't fit up our drive, and I really want to keep it garaged at home.
I can play with the engine later on too. Quite a few stroking them in here I've noticed.

 

[etracer68]

Re: How do Crownline bowriders compare to other brands?

Stroking a 305 to a 383 if done alot, but the alpha outdrive is only rated for 300hp. Unless your planning on making a 350 for it.

 

[Hoobz]

Re: How do Crownline bowriders compare to other brands?

As far as plans for the engine goes, nothing is locked in yet. I'm thinking we'll have tonnes of fun with it as is for a year or so, then pull it out and play with it.

Everyone seems to have the 4.3 in the 19 footers here mostly. I really want to make sure it's not underpowered too much to begin with.

We started thinking we'd spend about 15 grand on a boat. Saw what that would get us, and it just went up and up from there :facepalm: as it tends to do.

 

[etracer68]

Re: How do Crownline bowriders compare to other brands?

A 305 (5.0L) should get you around good. I just thought if money wasnt a point, then go with the 5.7 if it were avilable.

 

[Hoobz]

Re: How do Crownline bowriders compare to other brands?

I forgot to mention that it's the 5L MPI 260HP Mercruiser.

I'm getting told top end speed won't be much different compared to the 4.3 220HP, but it will be a fair bit stronger for pulling people out of the water with. Plus it'd be sweet to have the V8 sound and feel I think.

I'm planning on buying an SS prop with it also. From what you fellas are saying it's also the way to go.

 

[Philster]

Re: How do Crownline bowriders compare to other brands?

I love Crownlines. That's a nice package you described: Nice balance. Crowlines look good, too... and I agree that Crownline is a top maker.


"Ayuh" is a regional term within the USA that even most state-side folks don't get.

 

[superbenk]

Re: How do Crownline bowriders compare to other brands?

Crown line is good stuff. Wish I could afford one myself.

I always read "ayuh" as "hi-ya" (aka, slang for "hello").

 

[southkogs]

Re: How do Crownline bowriders compare to other brands?

I always read "ayuh" as "hi-ya" (aka, slang for "hello").

I've started to think of it more as Bond-O's own "Tarzan" yell.

 

[LippCJ7]

Re: How do Crownline bowriders compare to other brands?

I call it a Bondo-oism, Bond-o is a wonderful source of information and a willing target for our ribbing.

As for the Crownline get the biggest motor you can, you will not be disappointed, fit and finish on Crownlines are among the leaders in the industry but they provide a sporty look along with the Chaparrals and a few other makes. They are typically a heavier boat with a very good hull so you will enjoy the ride in chop that will tend to beat up lighter boats.

As always I am a bit Biased towards the make, I have had two and don't plan on going to another manufacturer, I'm very loyal.

 

[bnicov]

Re: How do Crownline bowriders compare to other brands?

A 19 ft with a modern 5L is just fine. Crownline boats are Top shelf, they are well made and well put together. They are a 'Cadillac' brand with very nice fit and finish. Enjoy!!

 

[haulnazz15]

Re: How do Crownline bowriders compare to other brands?

A 19 ft with a modern 5L is just fine. Crownline boats are Top shelf, they are well made and well put together. They are a 'Cadillac' brand with very nice fit and finish. Enjoy!!

I wouldn't go so far as "top shelf", but they are good boats. I would probably have them in the mid-tier, may be even upper-mid. A 260HP 5.0L will be just fine for most anything you want to do with it.

 

[Tahorover]

Re: How do Crownline bowriders compare to other brands?

Stroking a 305 to a 383 if done alot, but the alpha outdrive is only rated for 300hp. Unless your planning on making a 350 for it.

Stroked 305 is a 335, how do you get to a 383 with a 305?

 

[NYBo]

Re: How do Crownline bowriders compare to other brands?

Welcome to iboats!

Remember that the trailer is wider than the hull, so make sure to get the proper measurement.

 

[Catchad81]

Re: How do Crownline bowriders compare to other brands?

I've looked at Crownlines in the past during my 2 boat searches (2007 and 2011) as well as know a couple of people that had them. Also have a friend that sales them. Always thought they were good boats. From a guy that had a 204 Chap, get the biggest engine you can get, but the 5.0 is a great engine. If, or when, you get it loaded down with your gear and people, you will need the power. If they are changing props for you during the purchase, I would suggest you research what pitch will best find your needs beforehand.

 

[Hoobz]

Re: How do Crownline bowriders compare to other brands?

Ayyy ahhhh... Thanks for all the replies and info. I appreciate it much.

I must admit after looking through tonnes of boats, when the salesman unwrapped the 19SS and was showing it to us, my eyes really did pop out. Love at first site for some reason. With all the other boats there was always something that was not quite to my liking. Just wanted to really make sure I was doing ok with brand selecting.

NYBo, the trailer that comes with the Crownie is actually the narrowest one out of the lot. In Australia the trailers situation is a bit different. In Victoria, where I live, maximum trailer width is 2500mm, any wider and you need special permits or some junk like that. We have been measuring over the guards on all the trailers as well as the beam width. I think a couple of salesmen were a bit annoyed that I was not taking the brochure's word about beam width.

I'm 99.9% sure the 5L MPI will do the job more than adequately for the 19 footer. But if I do want to the power up later I'm pretty sure I'd have to keep the 305 block (approx. 335 stroked) for insurance and other legal reasons around here. Seeing the hulls are rated for 270HP max. Internal mods they cannot see, but a different numbered 350 block (possibly 388 stroked) would stick out a mile wouldn't it? How do people get around that issue? I did hear a salesman say that it may be possible to get the company to change the maximum HP number on the hull for me if it really meant a sale. Anyone heard of this?

Anyway, my wife gets scared even if she accidentally reads too fast. She's such a chicken. It's only when she's not in the boat and it's me and some buddies hitting it, taking in turns, that'd it'd get a bit of WOT hammering.

I've been lurking on crowniehq.net a bit, but of course they'll all say to get one. Just needed some more opinions.

 

[Hoobz]

Re: How do Crownline bowriders compare to other brands?

Catchad, I'll probably have a couple of props at home. And whack on the right one for the occasion before we go out. I often change gearing on a bike before I ride it, depending on the tracks, or road or whatever before a ride. So I'm thinking it would be the same sort of deal for me. Would this be ok? I can't see why not, but I'm new to this either way.
I love experimenting with technical stuff like this. I just have to get the most out of what's available usually.

I have a KTM530 dirtbike, so if that's any indication about having to fix and tune up stuff all the time for the day's conditions...:facepalm: I even adjust the suspension compression and rebound damping to suit each ride.



I'm thinking something like this:

• Have a designated prop for just me and a mate going for some smooth water WOT fun top speed record finding (no pulling anything).
• Have another for pulling it out of the hole the best for wakeboarding, knee boarding and tubing etc.
• And possibly the cheap OEM stock one for exploring a bit with the family, in unfamiliar waters where a prop strike would most likely happen.

Of course I'd be getting the advice on which prop for each objective from people in here for all that, or from a decent prop supplier/manufacturer that I've seen recommended in here a few times.

Someone please correct me if I'm totally wasting my time, or thinking the wrong way about swapping around props.

 

[oops!]

Re: How do Crownline bowriders compare to other brands?

Im gonna let the rest of the gang take this question on the bowriders.

One more question, not to name any one, but he seems very knowledgeable and wise, and I dunz wanna tread on his toes, but what the hell does 'Ayuh' mean and imply? How do you pronounce it? Lol. I have no idea whatsoever :facepalm:

lol.....being a Canadian.....I was wondering what it was all about as well.

"Ayuh" is one of the coolest slangs or accents I have heard form anywhere in the USA

As mentioned above ( and from what I have read)....It is a a very specalized verbal intonation used by a small area of the United States...New England and Main I believe.

The word is pronounced aye yuh.... The "aye" Is, as in "aye aye sir" But a softer "aye", more like an I yuh
The "yuh" is like it is spelled. "what yuh doing today" again.....a softer sound than the standard "what ya doin today?
(As an Auzzie....I hope you are getting this.....a lot of this is local North American accent)

The intonation is used in front of every sentence...it sets the tone of the sentence. and the general feeling to be conveyed.

It actually has several thousand meanings when used in a sentence, As the inflection changes for each sentence.

like.....

Ayuh..............you cant do that to a boat. (translation..Exclamation..your a freekin Idiot !)
Ayuh............. you have to pull the motor to get at the crank shaft. (translation..Introspective. its the only way possible)
(And my personal favourite) Ayuh.............Why do you want an owners manual for tin a row boat? (translation. disbelief..are you for real?)

Bond-o says it way better than I do.

But after reading a few bazillion post by the boating whiz.....I began to actually hear certain intonations in the word "Ayuh"....come right thru the letters on the screen.
Knowing what I know about boats....He has earned the title master shipwright ...his short sentences speak volumes.
So I know what he means when he says something....(or at least I think I do)
If you read the posts carefully......you will be able to pick up on the intonations.... after a while it will become very clear. I think its really cool

In fact......Our master shipwright will more than likely either see this, or be alerted to it by another poster.
He will rip a strip off me, because people not from that area are not supposed to use their language...but I doubt that anything harsh will come out.....it will all be in the "Ayuh"
So if he replys to this thread.....catch the Ayuh....in the reply to this post....you will see what I mean !

 

[Hoobz]

Re: How do Crownline bowriders compare to other brands?

oops!,
Like many of your amazing posts on fibre glassing and other topics, once again the effort you have put into a post is impressive. You have educated me well 'Wordsmith Sensei'.



I am humbly grateful.




I did sense a bit of your interpretation of what 'Ayuh' means when 'Bond-oo7' uses it to start his posts. I haven't been able to fault anything he has typed yet, he speaketh with experience and authority, so good stuff it be.

So it's no 'Hi-Ya!!!' for him then