Questions about my boat

[Mason78]

Beginning of summer I bought my first boat. I have some questions and would like to hear experienced boaters thoughts.

The boat is a 1994 19ft Crownline 196 BR with a 5.0L mercruiser with Alpha Drive. It has 380 hours on the engine. The interior looks like new except for one broken seat.

I bought the boat for 5,000 from my father in law who is the original owner. He has maintained the boat meticulously since it was new.

Here are my questions;

1. Is Crownline a quality manufacturer? How does it compare with Searay, Fourwinns, Tahoe, Bayliner, ect ect?

2. How long can I expect the engine/outdrive to last? Average number of hours?

3. Any preventive maintenance items I should address this winter (besides the regular stuff)?

4. Any other suggestions/advice/comments?

Thanks in advance for the help/insight!View attachment 115057

 

[John_S]

Re: Questions about my boat

Crownline is usually considered a "top line" boat. Keep up the tradition of keeping it well maintained, and you will get many more hours out of it. I'd review the maintenance history with your father in law, before deciding on what needs to be replaced this season. Things to look for, what was changed every season, and when was the last impeller, and bellows change. Otherwise, you can end up with a long list that in your case, not neccessary.

 

[southkogs]

Re: Questions about my boat

1. Is Crownline a quality manufacturer? How does it compare with Searay, Fourwinns, Tahoe, Bayliner, ect ect?

Crownline has a good name - but at this point, you own it. The crumbiest boat built, well taken care of, will outlast the best built boat neglected. If you're thinking resale value, the name might help some keeping the value reasonable.

2. How long can I expect the engine/outdrive to last? Average number of hours?

My boat was built by a small manufacturer, that built nice boats but ultimately didn't succeed. It's 40 years old - tired to be sure (and a bit cantankerous) - but she's still running, floating and being enjoyed. Mine has 650 hours on an OMC Electric shift - which is like saying I made the golden gate bridge out of wet tissue and cars are still driving across it safely It'll last as long as you take care of it.

3. Any preventive maintenance items I should address this winter (besides the regular stuff)?

There is winterizing information in the stickies in each forum: http://forums.iboats.com/showthread.php?t=515393 I keep mine in my garage (somewhat insulated) in Tennessee, so there's little that I do beyond winterizing and a good cleaning. Though each winter I make a punch list of "stuff I'd like to fix before next year," and get that done.

4. Any other suggestions/advice/comments?

Depending on the climate you deal with each year for winter (Ohio gets colder than we do), you might consider having it shrink wrapped. Especially if it sits outside all winter, that's probably the best protection you can get for it.

 

[jmarty10]

Re: Questions about my boat

4. Just keep up with it. You have a used boat where you know the exact maintenance. Gold!

 

[jmarty10]

Re: Questions about my boat

BTW......5 grand for that boat! Score! Congratulations

 

[ezmobee]

Re: Questions about my boat

BTW......5 grand for that boat! Score! Congratulations

Heck of a steal there!

 

[southkogs]

Re: Questions about my boat

BTW......5 grand for that boat! Score! Congratulations

For real! I thought of that too. Be extra nice to the in-laws for a wile.