Larson BR worth?

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djtrixx

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Jun 13, 2011
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Hi pros!

Looking at a 2007 18' BR with a 4.3 volvo stern drive. 175 hours, I have not seen it in person, just through craigslist. Pics look nice and clean, all covers in good shape, 2 tubes / wakeboard / skis / ropes all included, as well as anchors, all necessary equipment. Bunk trailer, looks like it has surge brakes & swing tongue. Asking $16k. I'm not good with boat prices at all or accessories. Is that a fair ballpark price? I've never owned a volvo before, only mercs, is there any issues with them?

I was really hoping to up the size to a 20' for this year, but I like the lines & coloring of this boat.

Any advice is more than appreciated.
 
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1979checkmate

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Re: Larson BR worth?

my dad was looking at one of these a few years back at the boat show. I want to say the boat show price (i believe this was in 2010 or 2011 was around 21,000 new. I do not recall if this was with a 4.3 or the 3.0 though.
 
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Starcraft5834

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Re: Larson BR worth?

use NADA guide....get an idea....."I was really hoping to up the size to a 20' for this year, but I like the lines & coloring of this boat." be patient and get a 20ft boat, if your willing to spend 16K,, you can get a slammer 20ft boat for far less money, on CL. I moved from a small 15 ft boat to a 20ft cuddy.... trust me on this, moving from 18 to 20 will make a difference too.. I've always read others saying get the larger boat if you can,, it's true, you wont be unhappy, especially on those days with the wind is up a bit :D
 
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Starcraft5834

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Re: Larson BR worth?

also, I would not buy anything but a Merc..........getting parts for them is a whole lot easier...
 
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BRICH1260

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Re: Larson BR worth?

I wouldn`t be afraid of the Volvo from a quality of the product standpoint, but I agree that waiting for a bigger boat might be the better thing to do in the long run.
 
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1979checkmate

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Re: Larson BR worth?

+1 to the above. My father did not end up purchasing the Larson. We ended up finding a cherry 2000 model Crownline 180. The thing was almost showroom condition for 8,000.00. a 20 ft is very possible in your budget
 
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djtrixx

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Re: Larson BR worth?

Wow thanks for the insight all. The 18~20 difference isn't a HUGE deal for me, as it's usually just me and the kid, but sometimes it would be nice to take out a few more people and not sit on each other's laps lol. I did look at NADA, but didn't know used value on the accessories.

The volvo blocks are still pretty much all GM like the Mercs, right? Is it just the drives that are different?
 
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Starcraft5834

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Re: Larson BR worth?

be patient and look for the bigger boat..........someone is always looking to get rid of one.....arm yourself with some knowledge and you can find a jem...
 
JASinIL2006

JASinIL2006

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Re: Larson BR worth?

I've got an older Larson ('97) in that size range, and if you're planning to be out on Lake Michigan (or large inland lakes), I think you'd appreciate a slightly larger boat. I really like my little Larson, though...

The Sea Ray that Slip linked looks really sweet, especially if you'll be staying in the 18' range.

Jim
 
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djtrixx

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Re: Larson BR worth?

99% of the time I will be on the Wolf River, or Lake Winnebago. Maybe 2 or 3 times a year I'll go to the dells/ Lake Delton area.
 
greenbush future

greenbush future

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Re: Larson BR worth?

Yep 2 foot-ite-iss can be expensive and what works good today will change. You mentioned just you and your kid, but your kid will grow, and so will his/her friends list. And then you have your friends too. I learned really quick, if I thought 18 would do it, ya better go for 20. And your budget allows for both and then some. Have fun selecting what works for you, knowledge is power on this, and you came to the right spot to learn. If you post pictures of your suspects you will get opinions like crazy. We like pictures!!!
 
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djtrixx

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Re: Larson BR worth?

Here's the link to the larson

2007 18' Larson Bowrider

And I will continue to look for a 20. The kid is a daughter, and as she and her friends get older, I wouldn't want to take them out lol for fear of being called a dirty old man :embarassed: But I understand what you're saying. Price ways I would prefer to stick well under 20, but don't want to go cheap and buy a mechanics special. I'm ASE certified, but would rather play with toys than work on them :)
 
redneck joe

redneck joe

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Re: Larson BR worth?

don't be afraid of newer volvo's, if you have sosmeone in yrou area that works on them. That said, mercruisers are a dime a dozen.
 
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Slip Away

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Re: Larson BR worth?

The Larson looks nice. Couple things that I noticed, plexiglass short windshield and no extended swim platform. Your daughter and friends will appreciate
the swim platform, and having a taller windshield that the Sea Ray has. Just a thought.
 
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djtrixx

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Jun 13, 2011
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Re: Larson BR worth?

Thanks Slip, I never thought of the windshield height. I'm sure I would on the first chilly morning though.

Yet another question that should probably go in another thread....

RADIOS! For some this may just not matter, but I go out quite a bit alone in my procraft, and more than likely would in the new tub. The radio is in the driver's console on my fishnski. Why do 70% of the boats I look at have the radio in front of the passenger that I would have to lean over to operate? Not that I'm lazy, but you would think that should easily be in reach of the driver. Of course this is not a dealbreaker, just an annoyance :)
 
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1979checkmate

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Jan 15, 2011
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Re: Larson BR worth?

djtrixx said:
Here's another one I glanced at, but in comparison for age/hours etc seems like he is asking a lot. Or is there something I'm missing?

1999 Crownline 202 Br low hours!!
Click to expand...

I do think he is a bit steep - but he could just be feeling the market - who knows what his got-to-have price is. It does look like it has been very well taken care of. Larson makes great boats - but i think that Crownline is a step or two above - especially in fit and finish. Chevy vs cadillac if you will. the interior materials and especially the gelcoat on Crownline's is gorgeous. Just food for thought
 
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