Intro and questions about 2 boat choices for new owner.

[JJ Schnell]

Just signed up as we are getting ready to purchase our first family boat. We have 4 kids and all love the water and with about a dozen large lakes within 45minutes of us it's a must around here! We think we have it narrowed down to 2 options but there is quite a bit of difference between them and we are torn. Any advice would be appreciated.

1993 Crownline 196BR with a less then 100hrs 300hp 350 in it. Boat honestly could pass off as a 4-5yr old boat it is in that good of condition. Includes 2 props, Monster Tower, Bimini, regular canopy and covers, $1000+ worth of stereo, 2 towables and lines, dozen or so vests, dual batteries, dual axle trailer with new tires, brakes and surge brake. Guy is asking $13,500 for it though which I think is crazy high even though it could almost pass as a new boat condition wise.

1994 Mariah Talari 20' with 4.3 Merc with 588 original hours. Boat is pretty much stock with stainless prop and decent stereo. Also comes with duel axle trailer. Boat is in good condition for age, but nothing like one above. Guy is only asking $7100 though but I am a little more concerned about the higher hours. Also, is that motor a little small for a 20' boat?

Any insight would be great. I was thinking of offering first guy $10k and the second one $6500?

 

[Maclin]

Welcome Aboard!

The Mariahs then were heavy, I think you are right in considering it may be on the cusp of being underpowered. I know the prices are far apart, but if those were absolutely the only two boats on the list, then between the two of those the Crownline would be the better choice. You will see many posts here about "nobody ever complains about having too big an engine".

Both are aged and aging, so condition is really the first thing to consider.

 

[mr 88]

100 hours on a 25 year old boat. ??? Something doesn't add up ,especially with a wake board tower,those guys usually put some hours on them. 550 on the other is low for the year of the boat as well. At any rate if the motor is serviced when it supposed to be there us no reason that they can't hit 5 - 6,000 hours. Take a ride in each boat with a few people to see how the motor respond to your right hand and if the 4.3 is enough. 13,500 is stupid high for thst boat if you ask me.

 

[JJ Schnell]

The 100hrs is on a new motor. Current owner is a older guy and he's had it for a few years and they used to go out with kids and grandkids but just don't use it anymore.

I agree on the price, however boats here are very expensive for whatever reason.

 

[Need A Vacation]

The CL does seem pretty high, and maybe the M by a little bit as well for the age and hours...

If you’re somewhat close to Mid Mi we are seriously looking at selling our ‘99 CL 180 BR 4.3 Merc, ~100hrs, new bimini top, tires, and electric brakes (single axle trailer) this July. Interior is in very good shape. PM if you’re interested.

Good luck shopping!!!

 

[JJ Schnell]

No, I'm in North Idaho. Like I said, boat prices around here seem very high in general when I look around.

 

[tpenfield]

Crownline price is crazy high. I think they are trying to re-coup the cost of the new engine. Let them do that with somebody else.

The key thing with boats of this age is structural moisture and rot. Boats can look great on the outside, but have all kinds of issues on the inside. The 'skeleton' of boats of that era are mostly wood. So, study up on the structure of boats so that you will know where to look and what to look for when you inspect a boat.

A 20' boat will seem a bit small for a family of 6 after a while. So, think about when friends are invited along, etc. Boat capacities are only theoretical and in practice would be about 2/3 of the limits on the certification placard.

 

[Need A Vacation]

No, I'm in North Idaho. Like I said, boat prices around here seem very high in general when I look around.

Unfortunately prices can vary greatly based on the area you’re in. How long have you been looking? Maybe consider waiting until spring, or keep “watching” the CL to see if the price drops.

Good luck!!!

 

[89retta]

Since your in North Idaho have you considered buying a boat north of the border. Lots of good deals in both BC and AB plus with the exchange rate you could end up with a smoking deal. Most boats here priced between 10-15 are all 2000 and newer . Also average under 200 hours. Here's one for example www.kijiji.ca/v-powerboat-motorboat...85/1383032928?enableSearchNavigationFlag=true