Shopping boater hoping to get some brand recommendations

[mrfizban]

Hello. <br /><br />Since you guys were so knowledgeable in the other forum area with me, I wanted to brush another question by you experts. Since I have to stay under 2700lbs, looks like I'm going to be looking for a used / like-new 17-19 foot bowrider. So far all I've heard is stay away from Bayliner and Sea Ray and Larson are high quality. If I list 10 or so brands that I see here in my local ads can someone give me some sort of ranking or notes on which ones might be high quality or low quality for sure? Thanks again guys. <br /><br />Brands:<br />Larson<br />Sea Ray<br />Reinell<br />Monterey<br />Chaparral<br />Glastron<br />Regal<br />Bluewater<br />Champion<br />Seaswirl

 

[KCook]

Re: Shopping boater hoping to get some brand recommendations

Do you mean "Champion" or "Campion"? Champion is a high quality US built bass boat and fish-n-ski line. Campion is a Canadian built value line of bowriders, etc. Very different boats.<br /><br />That is a big list of brands. On the used market it is unlikely you will find a boat in nice shape for a nice price for each and every one of those brands. Might want to put up specific boats that catch your eye, and go from there.<br /><br />Kelly Cook

 

[mrfizban]

Re: Shopping boater hoping to get some brand recommendations

You're right. OK how about this. I'm looking at two other local boats that fall within my price range but they seem to have lower blue book values than similar model Sea Rays or Reinells that I've been looking at. Can anyone tell me if either of these boats are lemons or just diamonds-in-the-rough? They are a Monterey and a Chaparral. Thanks.<br /><br />Jeff

 

[fatpratt1996]

Re: Shopping boater hoping to get some brand recommendations

Chaparral-good that's all I know. Good luck

 

[KCook]

Re: Shopping boater hoping to get some brand recommendations

Assuming same year, size, and options I would expect price ranking to go like this:<br /><br />Sea Ray Select (highest price)<br /><br />Chaparral, Campion Chase<br /><br />Four Winns Horizon, Regal<br /><br />Larson LXi, Monterey<br /><br />Campion Allente, Glastron GX, Larson SEi, Sea Ray Sport<br /><br />Blue Water, Four Winns Freedom, Reinell, Seaswirl<br /><br />Glastron SX (lowest price)<br /><br />In the used market an extra low price may be because the seller needs to sell quick. Or that boat may have a troubled history. You will never know until after talking to the seller. Used prices are not as predictable as with new boats.<br /><br />Kelly

 

[NYMINUTE]

Re: Shopping boater hoping to get some brand recommendations

Rinker Captiva (open Bow)<br />Fiesta Vee (Cuddies, Cruisers)<br />A lot of bang for the buck

 

[mrfizban]

Re: Shopping boater hoping to get some brand recommendations

Thanks for all the info. One more thing. Are Bayliners really all that bad? I've heard from two other brand boat dealers that Bayliners are just "pretty" crap and that they're worthless within a few years, and that they change the parts on them every few years and nickel and dime you to death. I've now had two Bayliner salesman that I had earlier emailed outraged when I told them I was being steered away from Bayliners saying "I stand by my product" and "we're the best selling boat in America for a reason"... So I thought I'd get some neutral party thoughts. Is it common-knowledge that they're products are junk? Thanks.<br /><br />Jeff

 

[KCook]

Re: Shopping boater hoping to get some brand recommendations

For their price I like the current Bayliners. Unfortunately there are NO neutral party thoughts! Especially here at iboats. There have been many threads about Bayliner here. One example -<br /><br /> WANTED: Past and present owners of late model 18' to 21' Bayliners <br /><br />Kelly

 

[Stratocaster]

Re: Shopping boater hoping to get some brand recommendations

So I thought I'd get some neutral party thoughts. Is it common-knowledge that they're products are junk?

Nothing brings the cockroaches out of the shadows of this board faster than this question. Ask your questions on a truly neutral board like BoaterEd. Ask actual Bayliner owners about the problems with particular models at baylinerownersclub.org. Believe it or not, they are not all in blind love with their boats. And to answer your question about Bayliner depreciation, check a NADA or BUC guide or check the asking prices on YachtWorld.com. You'll find it's no better or no worse than any other boat.

 

[SteveRay]

Re: Shopping boater hoping to get some brand recommendations

Two Words...........<br /><br />SEA RAY.....They have great resale and are quality boats. Not as expensive as say Cobalt. Chaparral also make great boats. Just my $0.02<br />I LOVE MY SEA RAY