New Used Boat Advice

jigngrub

jigngrub

Fleet Admiral
Joined
Mar 19, 2011
Messages
8,155
Re: New Used Boat Advice

No registration #'s on the hull/bow, one of the first clues to a scam.
 
tpenfield

tpenfield

Moderator
Staff member
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Jul 18, 2011
Messages
18,143
Re: New Used Boat Advice

Check NADA or BUCValue for price references. In terms of buying a used boat, it is a matter of

1) Condition (you could have a surveyor go through the boat or bring a boating buddy with you) Ususally you will test ride the boat and put it through its paces and make sure everything works. everything.

2) Title & Documentation - make sure with your own eyes that the person/company has the title document to the boat and trailer. (there is lots of B.S. tossed around in this area by those who do not have the proper documentation) You will not be able to register the boat without the previous title.

3) Price - (again the reference guides)
 
jestor68

jestor68

Commander
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Jun 12, 2012
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Re: New Used Boat Advice

NADA says $21,000. Go check it out. Sounds like a good deal.
 
G

gixxerjim

Petty Officer 2nd Class
Joined
Mar 14, 2007
Messages
171
Re: New Used Boat Advice

Forbin said:
Should I be looking for 4.3L or are 3.oL just fine.
Thanks

Kevin
Click to expand...


THis depends greatly on the size of the boat and expected use of it, passengers, powersports, fishing etc.
It seems you are looking for 20' bowrider. Personally in my admittedly limited experience, anything over 17ft is stretching the 3.0l in a glass runabout, and if you are to encounter any kind of waves you will want at least an 18' boat. IMO the resale has been traditionally much better on the 4.3L, however fuel prices lately and economy issues may have made the 3.0L an easier sell....
 
F

Forbin

Seaman
Joined
May 24, 2011
Messages
70
Re: New Used Boat Advice

Thanks. I have a cottage on lake Erie and it get get waves quickly. I was hoping for a 4.3L but haven't found a boat in my price range with a 4.3L. I will keep looking.

By the way that 20' Sea Ray was a scam. You should see the email they sent me!! HA

Kev
 
J

jkust

Rear Admiral
Joined
Aug 2, 2008
Messages
4,942
Re: New Used Boat Advice

Well sure a 3.0 is fine for other people but not for me. I don't know whether you have low expectations, high expectation or no expectations as to what is fine for you. What is your budget? How big a crew will you generally have? Do plan on doing any tow sports? Do you want to just get on the water for the sake of enjoying the lake or do you want to get on the water with some style and quality...in otherwords do you want Ford and Chevy (Bayliner, Glastron, Stingray and many others) or Lexus and Mercedes (Four Winns, Chaparral, and a few others)?
The fuel consumption between a 3.0 and a 4.3 is nearly identical because of the obvious situation whereby a 3.0 with its subatantially less power works harder to push the same load. We will need a bunch more detail to give you some more direction.
 
G

gixxerjim

Petty Officer 2nd Class
Joined
Mar 14, 2007
Messages
171
Re: New Used Boat Advice

Now is a good time to buy, at least in this area. I have seen some very nice older boats with 4.3L Mercs going for very fair prices since the 4th of July. Consider going to an older boat with more motor in very good well-maintained condition to get the boat you want in your price range, rather than a newer boat that is small and underpowered. Have it checked over by a pro or at least a knowledgable boater.
 
F

Forbin

Seaman
Joined
May 24, 2011
Messages
70
Re: New Used Boat Advice

gixxerjim said:
Now is a good time to buy, at least in this area. I have seen some very nice older boats with 4.3L Mercs going for very fair prices since the 4th of July. Consider going to an older boat with more motor in very good well-maintained condition to get the boat you want in your price range, rather than a newer boat that is small and underpowered. Have it checked over by a pro or at least a knowledgable boater.
Click to expand...

Want a boat to cruise with the family. Occasional tubing. Budget about 15000.

Should I go with a newer 3.0L or an older 4.3L ? Also does year matter when you look at hours on a boat. I liek the 1998 Fourwinns fuel injected 4.3L with only 97hours but is that too old. Then there ar 2006 Bayliners 3.0L. What do you think?
 
H

haulnazz15

Captain
Joined
Mar 9, 2009
Messages
3,720
Re: New Used Boat Advice

If you get a 19'+ boat with a 3.0L, you are going to be disappointed in the performance. Get the 4.3L, hands down if that's the biggest engine you come across. Rarely does anyone complain about having an engine too big, as you can always take it easy on the throttle. There's nothing you can do about a boat that is low on power aside from leave people/gear at the dock.
 
K

KFS

Petty Officer 3rd Class
Joined
Jul 12, 2012
Messages
99
Re: New Used Boat Advice

gixxerjim said:
Now is a good time to buy, at least in this area. I have seen some very nice older boats with 4.3L Mercs going for very fair prices since the 4th of July. Consider going to an older boat with more motor in very good well-maintained condition to get the boat you want in your price range, rather than a newer boat that is small and underpowered. Have it checked over by a pro or at least a knowledgable boater.
Click to expand...

Thanks! You give me hope (and thanks OP for asking the question).

We are looking for something mid-90's or newer. Well maintained and reliable but we are willing to overlook a little surface "pre-love" for the right price. We are looking to boat Ohio lakes - not Erie - and just want something for swimming and towing the family around on skis/tube. We are upgrading from an 85 hp 16' Bayliner Capri - which has been great to us - but it's time. Our 15 yo son and his friends add some serious weight to a tube and our little boat that could struggles.

Your advice to "go with an older boat with more motor" is just what we need. Thanks!
 
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