Need Help Buying Cuddy

[rbestsaints]

I was hoping to get some basic feedback. Looking to buy my first used cuddy cabin and don't really have any info. on them. Best Brand (or worst Brand may be more helpful). What to look for - engine size, model, etc.
Any help would be appreciated!
For starters I was interested in this one
http://kansascity.craigslist.org/boa/1244331713.html

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: Need Help Buying Cuddy

actually that is a great combo. i would try to get it for $5,000. when were the bellows, exhaust mainfolds last changed? outdrive off for service and alignment? check for any rot or soft spots. have marine mechanic do a prepurchase inspection. and buy all means atleast a 1 hours test run.

 

[TilliamWe]

Re: Need Help Buying Cuddy

That Bayliner is WAY WAY WAY overpriced.
Bayliner is the entry level brand of boat. Not bad, just usually cheap. But if well cared for, they are fine boats.

Sea Ray, Cobalt, those will be the top lines, and much more expensive.

Chaparral, Regal, Four Winns, will be somewhere in between.

Get ready for lots of discussions, or links to the millions of thread about what boats are the best.

Good luck.

 

[ezmobee]

Re: Need Help Buying Cuddy

For I/O's your best bets are Mercruiser and Volvo systems. OMC's are no longer made or well supported with parts. For outboards you may want to avoid Chrysler/Force outboards for the same reason.

Bayliners and Sunbirds are entry level brands and especially in the 80's were very prone to rot in their wood components. However, if properly maintained they are fine boats. I'd rather have a well cared for '87 Bayliner than a neglected 2002 Cobalt.

The specific boat you posted definitely looks to be worth checking out. It appears to be in good condition and the 5.0 will be good power for that boat. However I agree that $5000 is about the most I'd be willing to pay for it and that assumes it's in great condition.

Boat brand is fairly insignificant in used boats. You are looking for a well maintained boat with no rot powered by an engine/drive than is running and well supported with parts. Good luck with your search.

 

[skargo]

Re: Need Help Buying Cuddy

Wellcraft!

 

[rbestsaints]

Re: Need Help Buying Cuddy

actually that is a great combo. i would try to get it for $5,000. when were the bellows, exhaust mainfolds last changed? outdrive off for service and alignment? check for any rot or soft spots. have marine mechanic do a prepurchase inspection. and buy all means atleast a 1 hours test run.

How often should outdrive be serviced? Would rot be in floor only or should I look other places in particular? And would a 4WD V8 Ford Explorer be OK to tow this boat? Thanks so much for your reply - really happy to get several already and I am so out of my league looking for a boat it's scary!

 

[rbh]

Re: Need Help Buying Cuddy

what are you going to be using it for, overnight camping, weekly camping, marina to marina, how many people?
what will you need in the way of facsillaties, sleeping, cooking, head, hotwater, generator?
big lake or ocean?
twin or single engine (how much fuel we will need if no marina)
These were the questions we asked our self before we bought.
rob

 

[rbestsaints]

Re: Need Help Buying Cuddy

We live in Midwest so it would be just lake cruising, camping, skiing - we have two toddlers. Do you have a cuddy? My concern is that we would lose interest and after the "newness" wore off be tired of being cramped on a boat?
Thanks for the help!! Good thoughts.

 

[rbh]

Re: Need Help Buying Cuddy

yes we have a cuddy/cabin, if you plan on a couple of nights out a cabin cruiser style is best as you can get out of the weather if it gets bad, you dont have to set up a tent, in your case the kids can play below and you dont have to watch them as intense.
just a couple of thoughts.
rob