What to do.. what to do...

[65fordguy]

Two boats 7500...
one a 1998 Crownline 176 on a fast load trailer (23 feet total)
3.0 4 banger ( yeah yeah I know )
http://i753.photobucket.com/albums/xx174/d4barney/Crownline/IMG_0683.jpg

http://i753.photobucket.com/albums/xx174/d4barney/Crownline/IMG_0680.jpg

Good shape, well maintained... and I love the looks of a Crownline.

The other...

1996 Caravelle 209 Legend... cheapy trailer.. 23.5 feet total.
5.7 L -- needing a new bearing on the Gimbel

no idea of the shape yet, still waiting on better pics... sounds well maintained...

my worry is I know Caravelle went out of business.. dont know anything about the quality of the boat.

Dont know enough about either one to make a quality decision..
Im not worried too much about the engine or boat size.. just interested in getting a boat that isnt dorky looking... cheap.. and or poorly made.

Just something that gets me on the water.. and keeps me there and looks good doing it.

 

[NYBo]

Re: What to do.. what to do...

With boats that old, how they were cared for is more important than the brand, IMO. You need to check out everything before deciding- hull, sole ("floor"), stringers, transom, motor, outdrive, electrical accessories, trailer tires, bearings, lights, etc.

What you're planning on doing with the boat is also a factor. For general cruising around, either motor will suffice. However, if you're planning on pulling your 300# brother-in-law on water skis, the 3.0L will be hard-pressed to get the job done.

 

[65fordguy]

Re: What to do.. what to do...

Plan on using it as more of a cruiser than anything... maybe tube.. fish a bit.. just want to get out on the water.. and for my first boat I dont want to break the bank.

 

[65fordguy]

Re: What to do.. what to do...

What is the general feeling about Caravelle... Good.. Bad.. Better than Crownline? Same as?

 

[NYBo]

Re: What to do.. what to do...

Plan on using it as more of a cruiser than anything... maybe tube.. fish a bit.. just want to get out on the water.. and for my first boat I dont want to break the bank.

What are the asking prices?

What is the general feeling about Caravelle... Good.. Bad.. Better than Crownline? Same as?

Can't help you with that. I own a Bayliner, so what do I know?

Others will chime in.

 

[65fordguy]

Re: What to do.. what to do...

7500 on both... specs wise.. the caravelle wins.. 20'er with a 350 v8..
The Crownline doesnt have an hours meter... the caravelle has 300 hours..
I know thats not low but I dont think its high.. might not even be the same motor.

 

[cr2k]

Re: What to do.. what to do...

300 hours is nothing, if properly maintained. for comparison Airplanes usually get a major overhaul around 1000 to 1500 hours, on a car that equates to 80 to 100K miles. So 300 is nothing. Care is everything. A gimbal bearing is not a big deal in it's self, but why is it bad? poor maint. bad bellows? Was the boat sunk?

All things being = I would consider the larger boat. 17 feet gets small fast when you take a few peeps along, throw in the ice chest, the PFDs, a tube, etc.

 

[ovrrdrive]

Re: What to do.. what to do...

Also on boats that old the manufacturer being out of business isn't a big deal either. It's not like there's a warranty to try to get honored or anything. If anything breaks you'll either justhave to fix it or buy a universal replacement and there are plenty of parts out there. They wouldn't be the ones that made the motor either. Both are most likely either mercruiser or volvo and they are both still making motors.

I think you can do a little better on price for either though.

 

[ezmobee]

Re: What to do.. what to do...

That Crownline is gorgeous. The aluminum I-beam trailer is a huge plus and the 3.0 is perfectly fine power in a 17' and will do well on fuel.

Can't tell much about the Caravelle. Looks like it could be decent. There's a big difference between a 17 and a 20 foot boat. This storage requirements, tow vehicle, etc. You have to decide which you'd rather own.

 

[75TowerOfPower]

Re: What to do.. what to do...

The Caravelle seems like the deal for me if it was well maintained. I would love to have 20' of boat versus 16.5'. 5 people is too much for my seating arrangement and with a tube and skis its tough. PLus if you are thinking of taking some friends out and trying to ski or tube it will be tough on that 3.0L. But that's just my opinion.

Also if you like the lines of the Crownline, in which I like them, I would get it because it does you no good to stare at a boat that you don't like if you get the Caravelle.

 

[65fordguy]

Re: What to do.. what to do...

I like the looks of a Caravelle... When I get some more info tomorrow.. or sunday.. I'll post up some pics... I do like crownlines tho..

originally I was going to get a boat I could get in my 22' garage... but not having a lot of luck.. I found a Tahoe and a Bayliner... looking at some more expensive Sea Ray 175s... but they look awful skinny???

That Crownline only has a few issues... one is its missing one of the jump seats in the back.. the I in Crownline is gone on one side... a couple skuffs in the vinyl.. and carpet is thin where a tube wore it down up under the front seats.. hardly noticeable tho.. no hours meter.

Im not much for Water Sports anymore.. im 6'6" and 240 pds.. skiing was never fun to me.. and knee boarding is out .. bum knee.. Tubing maybe. but, Id rather be driving.

 

[65fordguy]

Re: What to do.. what to do...

http://i753.photobucket.com/albums/xx174/d4barney/Crownline/IMG_0682.jpg

http://i753.photobucket.com/albums/xx174/d4barney/Crownline/IMG_0684.jpg

http://i753.photobucket.com/albums/xx174/d4barney/Crownline/IMG_0685.jpg

http://i753.photobucket.com/albums/xx174/d4barney/Crownline/IMG_0687.jpg

http://i753.photobucket.com/albums/xx174/d4barney/Crownline/IMG_0688.jpg

http://i753.photobucket.com/albums/xx174/d4barney/Crownline/IMG_0681.jpg

 

[65fordguy]

Re: What to do.. what to do...

 

[65fordguy]

Re: What to do.. what to do...

 

[spudshaft]

Re: What to do.. what to do...

Crownline looks good, just a little wear here and there. I have that same trailer.

 

[This_lil_fishy]

Re: What to do.. what to do...

If that crown had a 4.3 it'd be a no brainer for me. That said, without a full set of detailed pics of the caravelle it's still hard to say without bias. Looks to me like that crown has been meticulously maintained though.

Ian

 

[65fordguy]

Re: What to do.. what to do...

So I understand.. is this what the inboard guys call power steering... or power assist?

 

[ezmobee]

Re: What to do.. what to do...

Nah, that's your tilt/trim.

 

[ovrrdrive]

Re: What to do.. what to do...

It's nice but definitely well used. I still wouldn't poay anywhere near $7500 for it. If he would take $5k it would be just an average deal. I gave away a 2002 SeaRay BR176 in 2007 for payoff which was just over $9k. It was garage kept from day1 and in near perfect condition. I was just ready for a new boat. There are good deals out there, don't sell yourself short.

 

[65fordguy]

Re: What to do.. what to do...

AH.. what was I thinkin... ive never heard of power steering on a boat.. but have herad several guys talk about it... and Im used to looking at out boards.. never owned an inboard.