Should I buy a Larson Citation 5500 Mercruiser 170 - 1981

[rasmusbuhl]

Should I buy a Larson Citation 5500 Mercruiser 170 - 1981

Hello Guys.<br />I'm new at this site, but hope you can helpe me.<br /><br />I'm looking at a Larson Citation 5500, think it's from around 1983-84. I have looked on the net to see if I could find any information about it. I found some old brochures on www.larsonboats.com, but that's all. Does anyone have some comments or info on this type of boat? Does this boat have any special things that I need to check before buying.<br /><br />I can get it for 3500 $, but need some paint and new polstery.<br /><br />Rasmus Buhl, Denmark.

 

[Solittle]

Re: Should I buy a Larson Citation 5500 Mercruiser 170 - 1981

Re: Should I buy a Larson Citation 5500 Mercruiser 170 - 1981

WELCOME Rasmus!!!<br /><br />You will need to tell us a lot more to get any meaningful input. Pictures would be a big help. I doubt that we can be of much help on price as I suspect that the market in Denmark will be a lot different than here.<br /><br />Basically you need to look for rot in the floor, transom and engine mounts. The brand does not make a lot of difference in a boat that is 22-23 years old - - condition is what is important. The condition of the engine and outdrive are vital - - have a marine mechanic check it for you. Repairs to a rig that old could quickly exceed what you pay for it. <br /><br />Here a price of $3,500.00 might be in the ballpark but only if in exceptional condition.

 

[swist]

Re: Should I buy a Larson Citation 5500 Mercruiser 170 - 1981

Re: Should I buy a Larson Citation 5500 Mercruiser 170 - 1981

I came close to buying a Larson back in 1985 or so and came to the conclusion that they were pretty average boats for a pretty average price. I would think something like that would have depreciated below $3500 by now unless it was kept in really good condition and/or repowered.

 

[jastacey]

Re: Should I buy a Larson Citation 5500 Mercruiser 170 - 1981

Re: Should I buy a Larson Citation 5500 Mercruiser 170 - 1981

If that is a Mercruiser 470 engine, be carefull, as that engine has some issues, either you love that engine or you hate it, but when it runs, it's a strong running engine, I'd make sure that the alt. was converted to a auto style type. valso make sure that it has a 4" heat exchanger, the 3 " has a tendancey to overheat

 

[rasmusbuhl]

Re: Should I buy a Larson Citation 5500 Mercruiser 170 - 1981

Re: Should I buy a Larson Citation 5500 Mercruiser 170 - 1981

Hello again.. Thanks for your help so far.<br /><br />I have been out to check the boat and engine.<br />The boat is from 1981, with serial LARE09950481. The motor is a Mercruiser 470(MCM470) and the serial is 5949072.<br /><br />The coupling between engine and akseldrive is defect. the splines are worn out. Can this be fixed relatively easy?<br /><br />Do you have any other comments on these serial numbers? Owner says it's imported from switcherland.

 

[magster65]

Re: Should I buy a Larson Citation 5500 Mercruiser 170 - 1981

Re: Should I buy a Larson Citation 5500 Mercruiser 170 - 1981

That's starting to sound expensive... and replacing a drive coupler is a big job for the unexperienced. Does it look like this with different power?<br />

 

[Solittle]

Re: Should I buy a Larson Citation 5500 Mercruiser 170 - 1981

Re: Should I buy a Larson Citation 5500 Mercruiser 170 - 1981

The model and serial numbers are meaningless for a 25 year old boat. If the coupler is shot that means you will not be able to get a water test. <br /><br />You got to calls them as you sees them but I wouldn't touch a 25 year old I/O rig with known problems for no amount of money.

 

[rasmusbuhl]

Re: Should I buy a Larson Citation 5500 Mercruiser 170 - 1981

Re: Should I buy a Larson Citation 5500 Mercruiser 170 - 1981

Originally posted by SoLittle:<br /> The model and serial numbers are meaningless for a 25 year old boat. If the coupler is shot that means you will not be able to get a water test. <br /><br />You got to calls them as you sees them but I wouldn't touch a 25 year old I/O rig with known problems for no amount of money.

It's boat with a nice size of engine, so that's positive to me. But I see your concern about the defects and age.. I will only buy it if I can get some help from an expirenced boat mechanic.

 

[rasmusbuhl]

Re: Should I buy a Larson Citation 5500 Mercruiser 170 - 1981

Re: Should I buy a Larson Citation 5500 Mercruiser 170 - 1981

Originally posted by magster65:<br /> That's starting to sound expensive... and replacing a drive coupler is a big job for the unexperienced. Does it look like this with different power?<br />

Hey..<br />Yes it's something like it. I found the brochure on the net for it. Do you have anyexperience with this type of boat?<br /><br />

 

[rwidman]

Re: Should I buy a Larson Citation 5500 Mercruiser 170 - 1981

Re: Should I buy a Larson Citation 5500 Mercruiser 170 - 1981

I wouldn't touch a 25 year old I/O rig with known problems for no amount of money.

Neither would I. <br /><br />If you have to ask, then no, you shouldn't buy it. This would not be a good purchase for an inexperienced boater or one who was not a mechanic with a lot of time and money on his/her hands. Even if you got the boat free, repairs could easily add up to more than the boat is worth. Unless it's some sort of "classic".