Selecting a new used boat?

[duststang]

Hey guys it has been a while. I have been very busy selling the Celebrity and now planning on purchasing another boat. I really prefer to stay under $13,000. I have been looking at the following boats and not sure what?s good or what to stay away from (pro's vs con's). Feel free to let me know if you recommend something not listed. We will use this boat to cruise weekends and sometimes pull kids on tubs.

1996 Four Winns Sundowner 22.5ft, 5.8L, Volvo, beam 8?4?, weight 3590 (I think might have wood floor?) $13k
1998 Rinker 232 Captive 23ft, 7.4L, Merc, beam 8?6?, weight 4215 (composite floor?) $14K
1998 Caravelle Interceptor 230 sc, 23ft, 5.7L, Merc, beam 8?4?, weight 3200 (composite floor) $12k
1999 Caravelle Interceptor 232 sc, 23ft, 7.4L, Merc, beam 8?4?, weight 3200 (composite floor) $14K
1999 Maxium 2300sc 23ft $12K

 

[duststang]

Re: Selecting a new boat?

Re: Selecting a new boat?

they all seem to be very well cared, very clean and 300ish hours. all stored indoors, never left in water and only used in fresh water- I was leaning towards the Four Winns because I hear they are higher end but I dont think it is a composite floor.

 

[ezmobee]

Re: Selecting a new boat?

Re: Selecting a new boat?

Avoid the Ford in the Four Winns (parts support). I doubt the Rinker has a composite deck.

 

[calvinator]

Re: Selecting a new boat?

Re: Selecting a new boat?

That 1996 Four Winns seems pricey. My area that is a $6500-$8000 boat. It has a Volvo Penta 5.8L (Ford 351 block) some would say stay away from b/c Ford is not in Marine biz. I had that same motor in my Wellcraft and could always get parts from iBoats, ebay, Volvo Penta website. Holley 4 bbl carb. Volvo Penta puts the water pump on the engine block for easy maintenance. If this has the VP SX drive that is a nice combo. It will do all your watersports no problem.

 

[southkogs]

Re: Selecting a new boat?

Re: Selecting a new boat?

Ah, you meant a "used" boat. In that case pick the one that has had the better care and maintenance and fits your needs.

+1 - tough to tell without a frame of reference on a used boat.

 

[billyman]

Re: Selecting a new boat?

Re: Selecting a new boat?

WOW, a dead heat between the FW and the '99 Caravelle.
Providing all is as you stated, my vote is the Caravelle.

Good luck and post some pics.

 

[spdracr39]

Re: Selecting a new boat?

Re: Selecting a new boat?

All seem pretty expensive for 14 + years old.

 

[Slip Away]

Re: Selecting a new boat?

Re: Selecting a new boat?

The FW also has the VDO gauge cluster, known to fail, and not replaceable. Expensive fix too. Condition of the boat is everything.

 

[duststang]

Re: Selecting a new used boat?

I thought about it yesterday and I am going to see if the four winns will come down more like $10K. If I am in the $14K range I will probably go with a newer model boat even if it is not as good of a brand.

 

[h2odick]

Re: Selecting a new used boat?

Dunno what area you're in, but if it helps (price wise) I paid $12k for my sig boat last year. It had a couple minor issues, nothing major. Needed batteries. But after looking for this size bowrider on the west coast (between California, Arizona, and Nevada (wanted a freshwater boat)) $12k was a steal for this boat and options. Pricing varies widely from place to place, even Arizona was $2-4k higher then Cali and Nevada on the exact same boat/same year/powertrain. We can't see the boats you're looking at, so if you and the seller can come to a price you can both agree on and feel good about, that's all that matters.

 

[crabby captain john]

Re: Selecting a new used boat?

If you are in Canada those prices seem about right. might even be just a little high around NY & NJ where Sandy curtailed the inventory and created a high demand. Other than that- the ask seems about 20% high before negotiations begin.

 

[duststang]

Re: Selecting a new used boat?

I am located Cincinnati Ohio. Seems like they are a little higher? what about Maxium is that a decent brand? you guys are awesome.

 

[crabby captain john]

Re: Selecting a new used boat?

Not a bad boat. On the up side of a mid-tier boat. Motor, hours, condition makes a difference. use the NADA book value as a guide as different brands are in/out of favor in different areas. A local dealer may give great prices on a good boat or not so good boat which can see prices higher for no other reason than that is the make seen most often. Example - along the Carolina coast Carolina Skiff has name recognition and prices hold well. There are a lot of boats just as good or better at a lower price. Of course there are a few worse boats too --- Boston Whaler has a high price new and used there are a few better boats in the same range and a few of slightly less that cost a lot less - like a McKee Craft which is a fantastic boat.

I am located Cincinnati Ohio. Seems like they are a little higher? what about Maxium is that a decent brand? you guys are awesome.

 

[jestor68]

Re: Selecting a new used boat?

Since the Maxum is not on the "voting" list, I'll cast a vote for that one here.

 

[duststang]

Re: Selecting a new used boat?

Since the Maxum is not on the "voting" list, I'll cast a vote for that one here.

yes it was added later. its the one of the newest and the most reasonable priced. I usually think its better to buy high quality vs newer to some extent but I dont want to get bottom of the line either. decisions decisions...
This is the boat I am replacing 1986 22.5 celebrity 300hr always stored inside. it was a beast ran great and I did all the interior my self but wanting something newer. hope I dont regret selling!

 

[crabby captain john]

Re: Selecting a new used boat?

300 hours on an '86,,, the motor is hardly broken in.

yes it was added later. its the one of the newest and the most reasonable priced. I usually think its better to buy high quality vs newer to some extent but I dont want to get bottom of the line either. decisions decisions...
This is the boat I am replacing 1986 22.5 celebrity 300hr always stored inside. it was a beast ran great and I did all the interior my self but wanting something newer. hope I dont regret selling!

 

[duststang]

Re: Selecting a new used boat?

well guys I ended up with a Chris Craft cuddy 5.7 volvo duo prop

 

[billyman]

Re: Selecting a new used boat?

Nice looking boat. Congrats!!