larson 180 sport vs stingray 180 rs

[coondogger]

I'm looking at a 2007 Larson sport 180 that doesn't seem like it's seen much use. It's a turnkey boat. They're asking 15,900. I'm also looking at a 2000 Stingray 180 RS that needs a good interior cleaning and new cockpit cover. They both have 3.0 L engines. The larson has a Volvo; the Stingray has a mercury. They want 7,200 for the Stingray.
Any thoughts?

 

[fossill]

Re: larson 180 sport vs stingray 180 rs

Larson.
Can't vouch for the stingray but the Larson has a warranty of 5yr and life on the hull.
I got one and can personally vouch that them honoring the warranty is absolutely no quibble. Just my experience.
Personally I'd be looking for a 4.3L engine though as a minimum on a boat.

 

[JWFails]

Re: larson 180 sport vs stingray 180 rs

I have a 2002 Stingray 190LS with the 4.3l and love it. It is a great boat for tubing, skiing,etc. Stingray's are lighter and have a fast hull design. They are not designed for larger lakes, tend to ride pretty rough. Most owners add sport tabs. I also would recommend a 4.3L versus 3.0.

 

[AZSenza]

Re: larson 180 sport vs stingray 180 rs

We looked at a 2008 19 foot Senza with a 5.0L. I thought it had just enough power to pull my tubers and skiers. I couldn't imagine a 3.0L. Just my 2 cents. Its VERY expensive to upgrade engines on an existing boat, you want your initial purchase to have at LEAST the right engine. We settled for an older 22 foot LXi with a 5.7 and Bravo III. The 5.7 is at the lilmit for that big of a boat!

 

[coondogger]

Re: larson 180 sport vs stingray 180 rs

The 3.0 has been more than adequate for pulling a couple of kids with two adults on board. The boat's only 18 feet.