Looking at a 1989 Arriva 2050

[Garveyburger]

This will be my first boat as an owner as well as my 1st post here!
My family had several boats growing up so there is some familiarity, and I am mechanically inclined.
The boat looks very clean and well maintained. How is the reliability of Arriva?
Obviously I understand the boat is 20 years, so I know not to expect a new boat. I own a few 60's era Lambrettas & Vespa so I know all about old engines and the related joys and pains.
The engine is a 5.0 Mercruiser.
How is this boat for a 1st timer? Mainly looking to cruise around some of the lakes & rivers around PA with my family and do some occasional wakeboarding/tubing.
Maybe put it in the Narragansett Bay when I got to RI for vacation every summer.
And how accurate is the NADA site when estimating prices?
Thank you for any and all help and for tolerating a newbie.

 

[ezmobee]

Re: Looking at a 1989 Arriva 2050

5.0 Mercruiser is a good package. Your main concern with that boat (or most any 20 year old boat) is rot. Soft spots on the deck, rotten stringers, or transom are major repair hassles and will quickly make any good deal go sour. Inspect it carefully. The arrivas are really sharp looking boats.

 

[Garveyburger]

Re: Looking at a 1989 Arriva 2050

Thanks for the tips. Yes, I love the lines and look of it. I have a check list of what to look for and plan on going over it as closely as I can. Meeting with the owner tomorrow to give it look. We'll see how it goes!
Thanks again.

 

[ezmobee]

Re: Looking at a 1989 Arriva 2050

Where are you located in PA?

 

[ksliger]

Re: Looking at a 1989 Arriva 2050

How did your inspection go? I am currently restoring a 1989 Arriva 2050. I took it on as a project boat because I knew it had rot when I bought it and I got it really cheap. I have the inside completely stripped out at this point and the engine and stern drive removed. I can tell you that mine had really bad rot damage on almost all of the internal wood. I don't think much fiberglass was used when it was built. Considering that I was suprised when I removed the deck and found all of the stringers to be perfect. They are glassed in very well and I had no rot anywhere under the deck. Also, the transom was perfect. My boat had been left out in the open for many years and was like this so hopefully the one you are looking at was propperly cared for and in good shape.