late-80's Century?

[ckone0814]

Local boat for sale - 89 18' Century bowrider w/ 4.3 @ $3500. Is that brand/year/price worth a look?

 

[marine4003]

Re: late-80's Century?

Thats a hefty price for a 19 YO boat, keep looking, its a buyers market...or offer him 2K.

 

[ezmobee]

Re: late-80's Century?

When you get that old the brand is pretty irrelevant. It's all about condition condition condition. I would certainly go look at it. As Tashasdaddy's common post says "a well maintained 30 year old boat can be in better condition than a poorly maintained 3 year old". I prolly wouldn't pay over $2500 though even if immaculate. And make sure it's not an OMC.

 

[tmh]

Re: late-80's Century?

I prolly wouldn't pay over $2500 though even if immaculate.

I would....and here's why. Let's say it's in great condition - engine, deck,transom, interior. A 20 year old boat in great condition was loved and babied! It has many good years left in it with minimal work. A similar boat in OK condition may go for $2500-$3000 or so. So, you miss a great boat over $1k or less but now you don't have the great boat! You'll spend that much in the 1st year fixing up little issues on the OK boat, and you'll be missing boating time while you're at it! However, this is only if in great condition....otherwise it's a dime a dozen boat.

Maybe $3k or up to $3300 if in VG condition. As was said, not an OMC though.

 

[Backyardhockey]

Re: late-80's Century?

I have a mid-80's Century 2000 (18'). Like it. Mercruiser 5.0. top speed is 45 on glass. As others have said it's about condition. Make sure you check the floor and transom. If they are bad you will spend several g's or several months.

 

[ckone0814]

Re: late-80's Century?

A couple of things;

OMC.. what's that stand for :redface: ?

I am not confident I can judge whether or not the floor or transom (or anything else for that matter) is good. So, any deal I make depends on a survey or inspection by someone qualified? Also, as far as a "sea trial" goes I wouldn't have the first clue what I'm listening, feeling, listening, whatever, for! If I'm gonna do this, at some point I'm just gonna have to throw {some} caution to the wind and jump.

Maybe I'll just get a rowboat. I can handle that... I think?

 

[ezmobee]

Re: late-80's Century?

OMC I believe is outboard marine corp. They made Johnson and Evinrude outboards. For many years they also made stern drives. Nothing particularly wrong with the drives but many parts for them are no longer made. You'll have a much easier time finding parts and service for a mercruiser or volvo drive.

Floors are easy to check. Just walk around, knock around looking for soft spots. Transom a little more difficult. Just go look at the boat. If it looks to be in nice shape great, if it looks like it's spent some time outside not under cover, do some more investigating.

 

[oops!]

Re: late-80's Century?

if it does not have an omc drive......weigh the boat at local scales....that will give you an indication if the boat is waterlogged.....

your best bet is to find a boat that was kept in a garage all its life

 

[ckone0814]

Re: late-80's Century?

ahhh, this is so frustrating! I could buy a new one but that would be dumb and terribly impulsive. I think(?) I should be looking for something newer, maybe around $8k. Then, i see these older "mint" boats around $2k listed and I think, hey that'll be fine to start. Been down to the local lake several times over the summer watching them at the ramp and I do admire all ages of boats that are kept nice. For example another local boat - 79 glastron 17' w/ 115 merc, guy says motor, trailer, and boat are "perfect"... $1200. I mean, sounds like a fit for a newbie, right? How can I lose? Then I go back to, hey dummy, what do you know about whether a boats is ok, particularly an old one? you could be buying garbage. Plus, I don't want to bother someone "window shopping" but if I don't look I don't ever buy..

 

[ezmobee]

Re: late-80's Century?

Hey that Glastron could be nice. My boat has a '73 Johnson 85 motor. We spent a good bit of coin getting it all fixed up when we first got it but we've used it for 4 seasons now with no additional work!

 

[Bigprairie1]

Re: late-80's Century?

ahhh, this is so frustrating! I could buy a new one but that would be dumb and terribly impulsive. I think(?) I should be looking for something newer, maybe around $8k. Then, i see these older "mint" boats around $2k listed and I think, hey that'll be fine to start. Been down to the local lake several times over the summer watching them at the ramp and I do admire all ages of boats that are kept nice. For example another local boat - 79 glastron 17' w/ 115 merc, guy says motor, trailer, and boat are "perfect"... $1200. I mean, sounds like a fit for a newbie, right? How can I lose? Then I go back to, hey dummy, what do you know about whether a boats is ok, particularly an old one? you could be buying garbage. Plus, I don't want to bother someone "window shopping" but if I don't look I don't ever buy..

Sounds like you might need to take a moment and consider what you are trying to achieve with all this. I recommend you review Tashasdaddy's recommendations on determining boat choice. I would couple that with CATtransplants financial approach (of which I subscribe to) to that decision.
I would not make any hasty decisions on this either by trying to get a super bargain or throwing larger money at it.
Basically: is this your first boat? do you have lots of time? do you have family? why do you really want to get a boat? etc (again read T-daddy's info on this)
Keep us posted
BP

 

[ckone0814]

Re: late-80's Century?

Sounds like you might need to take a moment and consider what you are trying to achieve with all this.

ha ha - if I take any more moments thinking about it it'll be 2010 .

I know, I'm kinda all over the place huh? My reason for wanting a boat? Do I need one? I just want one, always have, and now at a spot in my life family-wise and financially where I can justify it and do it. Mid-40's wife and I kids are grown and mostly out. I want to start fishing (again) plus we'd like to take a shot at tubing and skiing. Wife want to lounge. I pretty much know what type, a bowrider or fish and ski (with a little comfort twist) will work. I obviously like the thought and look of a new(er) boat but also admire nice older boats. If I could say "i'm looking for a $5k 18' foot boat" that would sure simplify things but I'm not there. I'm window shopping a wide range (so far not bothering people by actually looking) I know.

 

[MERIT6419]

Re: late-80's Century?

There Are Alot Of Boat Out There This Is The Time Of Year To Buy I Was Am Will Be Selling My 1986 Century 2000 18 Foot Boat It Has A 260 Mercruiser In Other Words A 350 Chevy I Love The Boat But Am Getting A Larger One From My Brother I Have Been Trying To Sell This Boat Since Beginning Of Aug For 2200 Lots Of Lookers No Buyers So I Would Go Look At It And If You Like It Offer A Low Ball Price And Go From There Make Sure You Check The Floor I Had To Replace Mine Ask How They Stored It If It Was Outside Or Inside. Good Luck If You Get Post Some Pics.