Need some opinions on used boats

[TheFormerlives]

Guys I'm in the market for the 2nd time in 1 year for a boat. Looking around it seems like theres a few options in my area that I like so I need some expertise from you all. Here we go!

1989 Bumble bee 17.9ft 1998 Mercury 150 efi outboard single counsel. Trolling motor, livewells, fish finders etc... $5000 obo. (Never heard of this brand before)

1994 Stratos 18ft Late 80's early 90's Mercury 150hp, single counsel. Livewells, storage etc.. $4000 obo.

1984 Stratos 19.8ft 150hp Mariner (don't know year), livewells, fish finder etc...gas gauge doesn't work. $5500 obo.

These are a couple options that I'm looking at right now. Assuming everything on these boats is in good working order which is most fairly priced and which would you choose. I already blue booked them but those values aren't very accurate for my area. Thanks for any input guys!

 

[SnapperHunter28]

Re: Need some opinions on used boats

Take a mechanic, if he clears them, buy one or all of them!

 

[convergent]

Re: Need some opinions on used boats

I just went through something similar... had 3 or so boats on my list that I was looking at. In the end, I bought the older one '93 over one a little newer because it had been garage kept, rarely used, and well maintained. I was able to talk to the seller's mechanic who had just done some work on the motor and able to give me info on the motor's condition. From the comments I've seen, and my own gut feel... I think that condition and maintenance is more important than age and brand, when you get into boats of this age.

 

[NelsonQ]

Re: Need some opinions on used boats

I think that condition and maintenance is more important than age and brand, when you get into boats of this age.

I totally agree! Sure some brands were better built than others, but if not properly maintained, its simply an expensive resto project.