Planning to Upgrade

[Bulbash]

Hi everyone,
It seems that I might be upgrading my 1989 Bayliner Capri 1750 2.3 OMC Cobra bowrider. A few questions came up.. I live in Canada and planning to go to US to pick another boat, my budget will be around $10000. I was looking at newer bowriders 17' to 19' with a 3.0 I/O. Now, I'm not sure what brand's to look at? I would really want to buy something with less wood in it so I won't have to deal with rot. Also, since most of the boats are sold in atlantic states, I really wonder what should I look at when buying boat that was used in a salt water, my plan is to use it in a fresh water only... Thank you

 

[haulnazz15]

Re: Planning to Upgrade

For $10K, you should be able to buy most any mid-90's model runabouts. I'd be looking at 19-20' models to make it worthwhile to upgrade from the 17'er you have now. Also, you won't likely find many with less than a 4.3L V6, but you should try and find one with a V8 if at all possible. The 5.7L is a very popular engine option in that size range. With that age of boat, the brand is less important than the overall upkeep/maintenance. However, the quality brands of that time period are similar to today: Cobalt, Formula, Mariah, Sea Ray, Rinker, Crownline, Regal, etc

 

[The Rooster]

Re: Planning to Upgrade

For $10K, you should be able to buy most any mid-90's model runabouts. I'd be looking at 19-20' models to make it worthwhile to upgrade from the 17'er you have now. Also, you won't likely find many with less than a 4.3L V6, but you should try and find one with a V8 if at all possible. The 5.7L is a very popular engine option in that size range. With that age of boat, the brand is less important than the overall upkeep/maintenance. However, the quality brands of that time period are similar to today: Cobalt, Formula, Mariah, Sea Ray, Rinker, Crownline, Regal, etc

+1^^^. It shouldn't be that hard to find a fresh water only used bowrider if you're concerned about salt water usage. Good luck !!!

 

[Bulbash]

Re: Planning to Upgrade

What should I look at if I will be buying boat that was used in salt water? Is there any disadvantages in such boat? What problems arise from salt water use?

 

[RotaryRacer]

Re: Planning to Upgrade

Where in Canada are you?

It really shouldn't be hard at all to find a fresh water only used boat in the sub 20' bowrider range. Salt water use requires more maintenance such as exhaust manifold replacements and drive service on a sterndrive boat. Also if it was moored in salt water there are more concerns with galvanic corrosion.

Honestly, I don't think I would even consider a boat from one of the coasts. There are so many great boats on the market that were used on inland lakes or the Great Lakes that there is no need to "compromise" on getting a boat that was used in salt.

 

[Bulbash]

Re: Planning to Upgrade

I'm in Aurora Ontario, just North of Toronto.

But how do you find out that boat was used in fresh water or salt water??

 

[RotaryRacer]

Re: Planning to Upgrade

Most people are pretty honest when it come to how a boat was used. Come to Michigan or up state New York, PA or Ohio and it is pretty likely that the majority of boats were never in salt water.

Condition in king when it comes to a 10+ year old boat The only real concern with salt water is if the boat wasn't properly maintained. If a boat makes a few trip into salt during its life that is fine. If it lived in salt 24-7 with little or no maintenance then you will have problems. And it is pretty obvious when you see all the rust and corrosion on all the fittings, electrical and anything else metal on the boat.

 

[Howard Sterndrive]

Re: Planning to Upgrade

there was a time when folks could save a bundle going across the border for used boats. I see equal or better deals in Ontario these days. (even at a dealer with a 1 season used boat warranty there are some great deals)