Manufacture Opinions Wanted

[TC777]

Hello I have been looking for a boat for 2 years. Between 1985-1995 what boat manufactures made well built boats? I am looking for something 16-18ft, bowrider, possibly a fish/ski, more of a family boat. I know that any well built boat can be junk because of how it was maintained, and many boats that were poorly built could be better because of maintence. Out of the "showroom" back then which boat manufactures were the best?

 

[ezmobee]

Re: Manufacture Opinions Wanted

I know I'm just repeating what you just said and already know but.....for a 15-25 year old boat....the brand doesn't matter much at all. They all used the same powerplants. Bayliners and Sunbirds were entry level, Cobalts were top of the line, and darn near everything else was in the middle. Any non-rotted boat with a non-obsolete powertrain would be on my radar. Good luck with your search.

 

[TC777]

Re: Manufacture Opinions Wanted

Thanks guys, how about aluminum boats? Did anyone make a nice aluminum family boat? Something with good seating and a decent ride?

 

[ezmobee]

Re: Manufacture Opinions Wanted

There was only one tinny that I know of that was poor quality and that was Spectrum. I have heard they don't ride well either.

Starcraft, Sylvan, Sea Nymph, Princecraft and many others made great aluminum boats. You can't beat a Starcraft SuperSport for a nice family aluminum hull (obviously biased opinion).

 

[H20Rat]

Re: Manufacture Opinions Wanted

The only time a brand means anything is when you are buying it off the showroom floor. After that, the boats fate/condition/quality are all in the hands of the previous owners. The absolute top boat can become garbage much faster than you can imagine!


Honestly, when buying a boat of that age, the brand is the absolute last thing to think about.

 

[TC777]

Re: Manufacture Opinions Wanted

That is a sweet looking boat ez. I think a tinny is more of what I would be looking for.