Newbie bowrider advice

[180shabah]

Re: Newbie bowrider advice

$7800 is way high

As for the OMC, the engine is the same as used by merc and volvo(or yamaha for that matter) The manifolds and risers can be expensive (if available), but a creative mechanic can replace them with merc or volvo parts. The drive is another story. Yes it is reliable if maintained. However, parts are getting very expensive and harder to find. For this there are no cheaper substitutes.

FYI - I paid $6600 for an almost new (the boat was stored after the owner passed away. It had less than 46 hours on it) '96 mariah 180 with 4.3 4bbl and a brand new trailer. Granted, I had to put a little sweat equity into it, bellows, belts, carb rebuild, etc. These are things I probably would have had to do on almost any used boat, and I have a much nicer boat than I could have afforded new.

Bottom line - after 2 years of fun, the boat still lists for more money than I have spent on it (excluding gas of course ). We plan on upgrading soon, it is alot easier when you don't have to obsess about how much you lost on your current boat.

Good luck.

 

[jonw9]

Re: Newbie bowrider advice

If everything works out, I would start at $4500 and maybe go as high as $5500 depending. Since the NADA is around 4900 (high) and I can get a set of toys (skiis, tube, etc) for $500 from Overton's.

I am leery of the OMC because the parts are becoming scarce (apparently).

Is there a directory for surveyors, or do I just look in the yellow pages?

 

[Gary H NC]

Re: Newbie bowrider advice

My Starcraft 19 ft. 4.3 OMC that is in my avatar i gave 2500 bucks for.That was with a newer trailer with brakes.
If everything checks out and the boat is in VERY good shape i think the 4500 is max asking price. just my opinion but i always hold out for that better deal to come along. The OMC parts can still be found.One big concern is the exhaust manifolds.If they are the original 1 piece manifolds they will need replaced and thats an easy 1000 bucks.

 

[jonw9]

Re: Newbie bowrider advice

That is good to know. I think there is a picture of the manifolds in the links above, but I don't know if it we be able to see if they are the ones you are talking about.

 

[cbavier]

Re: Newbie bowrider advice

jonW9

I posted a new thread this afternoon. Check out this one and what people have to say about OMC. Keep watching it before you even go look at that boat. The thread is found in New Posts. Read what peole are saying. I thought this was the best way to find out from the guys who have been around longer than me or at least around OMC. OMC used to have a great reputation but after reading these thoughts, Opinions, and experiences and I'm sure there will be many more to come. It makes me begin to wonder.

The thread is "OMC What do you think about "

John You can find a "marine Surveyors" list for every state through Google. I'm sure there are some in the Lansing area. the one I used was out of Harrison.

 

[Gary H NC]

Re: Newbie bowrider advice

looked at the pics again.Those are the 2 piece manifolds..Thats a good thing!

 

[cbavier]

Re: Newbie bowrider advice

Jon here's the web site for the surveyors. I didn't see one in the Lansing area but didn't look at them all either. I got interrupted. I'm sure one of these is close to you anyway.

http://www.marinesurvey.org/index2.html

Chuck

 

[cbavier]

Re: Newbie bowrider advice

Jon here's an article from the other thread i posted you will want to read.


http://fishing.about.com/library/weekly/aa011501a.htm

 

[jonw9]

Re: Newbie bowrider advice

Thanks for the help Chuck.

I just finished the OMC thread (that seemed to head a bit off course). I will check out the other one as well. I am becoming more leery of the OMC from reading the first thread.

 

[cbavier]

Re: Newbie bowrider advice

Jon
I don't blame you one bit. After reading the other post. I would steer clear of OMC no matter how nice or cheap. There are plenty of Boats out there and there's one that's just right for you and your Family.
I was looking on Ebay this morning and there are a lot of Boats for sale on the Ebay web site. I found a boat that looked good until I brought the pictures up and saw it had a FORCE engine.
FORCE like OMC is out of buisness, so you want to steer clear of them too.

 

[POINTER94]

Re: Newbie bowrider advice

Jon,

Just my two cents. You live in Michigan and there are bargains galore there with the economy the way it is and all. Year isn't as important as condition and who the owner was. An anal owner who loved a 10 year old boat can frequently be a better boat in all aspects than someone who simply owned a boat for 4-5yrs. My dad and brother own a boat that has 2800hrs. on the engine without doing anything but upgrading to electronic ignition and oil changes. As for the OMC thing, just don't. If you were experienced, did your own work and had a source for parts, then things may be different. The above mentioned boat has an OMC "stringer" outdrive which may be one of the worst drives ever, and it still functions perfectly. But it has been babied and recieved the best of care. It has many limitations vs. Merc or Volvo's. Your options are wide open right now, don't hamstring yourself for a thousand or two on the purchase price. You will end up paying for it down the road. Also avoid the rare yamaha outdrive, parts are harder to get than the OMC.

Note, canvas and upholstry can be VERY expensive. I just redid all the upholstry in the cockpit of my 25ft'r and it ran over 2K. That doesn't include one stich of canvas.

Look for a loved boat. I too prefer the outboard in this size boat. They are easier to maintain, and provide equal performance in a runabout. A surveyor is a nice luxury, but there are probably thousands of people right here who could evaluate a bowrider. Also boat values on line are a benchmark and not quite the same as NADA values on cars. If the crownline is in top flight condition, the extra grand over published value is meaningless. Make sure that what you buy fits your family, tow vehicle, and performance expectations. I subscribe to the theory that if you can get the largest engine the hull is rated for, you are doing yourself a favor. Also find a mechanic in your area you will be working with going forward and have ALL prospective boats looked over by him. His comfort level with your equipment will pay dividends down the road. If you don't have a mechanic, ask anyone with a boat in their driveway. Boaters love to talk about their boats with anyone, including strangers.

Bring your wife with you to look at boats. If she isn't happy, you won't be happy.

FWIW, I would never buy a new boat. Depreciation is extraordinary and there are so many people that buy a boat, use it for one summer, then forget about it for 3 or 4 years, and decide to get rid of it. There is your target.

 

[jonw9]

Re: Newbie bowrider advice

Just an update (in case anybody is interested).

I have pretty much decided to avoid anything OMC. They may be a good system, but due to my lack of knowledge, I would feel safer staying away.

I went to the local marina this weekend (commonly referred to as "Grand Theft Marina" by the folks around here". It was nice to look at the shiny new boats. The sales guy was decent enough. He showed me around, and leaned heavily on the Bayliners. We actually had to ask about other boats. I got the impression from him like "Why buy a Four Winns when a Bayliner is less expensive". Then I sat in a 19' Four Winns. Oooh it was nice. Now if I could only figure out where I left my extra $25k+. We let him write up a quote for an 18' Bayliner so we could leave. The thing came to over $17k. What a bargain!

I am back to scouring eBay, Craiglist and any side road I usually don't take looking for something that will fill my urge to spend. I will definitely keep you updated as things progress. I am looking forward to spending some time on the water this summer.