Which boat to buy? Engine hours matter how much?

[globalgrl]

I can buy a Chris Craft Catalina 1970 that has been completely restored, it is prettiest I have ever seen cosmetically.
Engines also and they have 100 hours on them. Bottom paint is all that I can see it might need as that was done 10 years ago.
Or I can buy a SeaRay Sundancer for 10k more. It is newer, a 1986 and also looks well cared for, just had bottom paint and new seals but the engines have 900 hours. Runs well but if given the 2 which one would you buy?
Do engine hours really matter if boat is well cared for?
thanks!

 

[blackhawk180]

Re: Which boat to buy? Engine hours matter how much?

I''m guessing a typo? A 1970 boat with only 100 hours on the engines seems "a bit" low. I put double that on mine every year.

 

[globalgrl]

Re: Which boat to buy? Engine hours matter how much?

no it isn't a typo, the guy replaced them.

 

[agallant80]

Re: Which boat to buy? Engine hours matter how much?

Go for the one in better condition. Hours is one indication but its really about over all condition. Do a compression test on any boat you buy.

 

[globalgrl]

Re: Which boat to buy? Engine hours matter how much?

Thanks!!

 

[dingbat]

Re: Which boat to buy? Engine hours matter how much?

Neither. We're taking 30-45 year old boats here.

While the engine hours doesn't bother me too much, the age of the motors do. Every gasket, hose and seal on that boat is suspect. Most will not show any signs of deterioration until put it back in service.

I would not walk away, I'd run. Far too many problems in the future

 

[H20Rat]

Re: Which boat to buy? Engine hours matter how much?

Does he have documentation on the replaced engines? To a somewhat unscrupulous seller, hour meters are golden! It is dirt cheap to buy new ones and run them up to whatever X # of hours you want before selling a boat. That is far cheaper than actually replacing engines!

 

[redneck joe]

Re: Which boat to buy? Engine hours matter how much?

Does he have documentation on the replaced engines? To a somewhat unscrupulous seller, hour meters are golden! It is dirt cheap to buy new ones and run them up to whatever X # of hours you want before selling a boat. That is far cheaper than actually replacing engines!

that and which one do you really want? I like the Catalina's myself and given the same length boat I think it's better laid out.

 

[Bondo]

Re: Which boat to buy? Engine hours matter how much?

I can buy a Chris Craft Catalina 1970 that has been completely restored, it is prettiest I have ever seen cosmetically.
Engines also and they have 100 hours on them. Bottom paint is all that I can see it might need as that was done 10 years ago.
Or I can buy a SeaRay Sundancer for 10k more. It is newer, a 1986 and also looks well cared for, just had bottom paint and new seals but the engines have 900 hours. Runs well but if given the 2 which one would you buy?
Do engine hours really matter if boat is well cared for?
thanks!

Ayuh,... Welcome Aboard,... Gotta know What motors, 'n drives,....

 

[JimS123]

Re: Which boat to buy? Engine hours matter how much?

With either one you'll be fixin more than boatin. Nothing worse than being on vacation and the boat don't run and the local mechanic is backed up for 4 weeks.

 

[JoLin]

Re: Which boat to buy? Engine hours matter how much?

With either one you'll be fixin more than boatin. Nothing worse than being on vacation and the boat don't run and the local mechanic is backed up for 4 weeks.

OP doesn't say if the Searay is an inboard or I/O, but a Catalina is straight inboard, without even the complication of a V-drive. If the engine and tranny are in good shape there isn't much to go wrong. It's a simple boat.

My .02

 

[Ned L]

Re: Which boat to buy? Engine hours matter how much?

Boat for boat, which will better suite your needs? I wouldn't be scared at all by the 1970C.C., and I see the straight inboard (C.C.) as a big plus (reliability, simplicity, less moving parts, etc). The Catalina is a nice boat that I think given good maintenace will hold its value. But this is me.

 

[Brian 26]

Re: Which boat to buy? Engine hours matter how much?

I would be less concerned about the hours than the rest of the boats. I would assume that 900 hour searay has been rebuilt a time or two along it's life.

 

[bonz_d]

Re: Which boat to buy? Engine hours matter how much?

Old boats are either one of 2 things. Either they are work boats and not pretty or they are Labors of Love. Kind of like old cars, they are either beaters or Old Classics. Both can still run well.

 

[Bondo]

Re: Which boat to buy? Engine hours matter how much?

I would be less concerned about the hours than the rest of the boats. I would assume that 900 hour searay has been rebuilt a time or two along it's life.

Ayuh,.... Why would ya think that,..??

A SBC, or BBC has an expected motor life of 'bout 3000 hours til rebuild, provided it's Properly Maintained,...

As I asked before, What motors is the question,...

Chriscraft used some real oddball motors over the years,...
Many, ya can't buy parts for,...

 

[Brian 26]

Re: Which boat to buy? Engine hours matter how much?

Ayuh,.... Why would ya think that,..??

A 30 year old boat that's had who knows how many owners with who knows what maintenance. No telling where it's at, what's been done or what it has left in the engines.

 

[globalgrl]

Re: Which boat to buy? Engine hours matter how much?

You are right in odd motors,the motors are 327 Chevy, as in the old Corvettes. For the Catalina. The seller rebuilt them and has rebuilt several boats and cars. If the interior (which I know does not correlate to motor) is any kind of indication it would be great because he did perfect job on inside of boat.
The SeaRay has two 7.4 Crusaders in great shape according to the seller and Borg Warner Velvet Drives.

 

[globalgrl]

Re: Which boat to buy? Engine hours matter how much?

Thanks everyone, lots to consider and decision time is this week, will post my big decision. LOL

 

[tazrig]

Re: Which boat to buy? Engine hours matter how much?

Globalgrl, Before you buy anything you should spend a few hundred dollars and have a certified marine surveyor go over the boat from top to bottom so you know for sure what condition the motors, electrical system, structural and mechanical systems are in. Either boat of that age is bound to have some problems but at least you will know what they are and how much it will cost to fix them.