19ft sunbird bowrider good boat???

[ocbinva]

I have an older gentleman who wants to sell his older 19ft sunbird bowrider, He is second owner and first owner was his neighbor. Due to age and medical reasons he is wanting to sell it to me for $1500 since he cannot fish on it any longer. I think he wants to help me and my son out. It has paint fading and a 115HP outboard, galvanized trailer and runs perfect. He says no soft spots and trailer and boat are great condition. I will be looking at it on Friday. My concern is I have only owned aluminum and wood boats so I do not know what to look for. Also is it a ok boat for brackish water (York and James RIver and cheasapeak bay edge? I am currently restoring a 16 foot Vee Jon Boat but want to fish NOW!!!. Insight is appreciated.

 

[Bondo]

Re: 19ft sunbird bowrider good boat???

Ayuh,.... Generally speakin',... Sunbirds are an Entry level boat, build with Entry level quality...

 

[bcons]

Re: 19ft sunbird bowrider good boat???

Agreed entry level boat.
Couple things to think about,
1st if the boat runs well & boat & trailer in decent shape, $1500 will be fairly easy to recover if you don't like it and choose to sell. An all around boat like a 19' bowrider for that cheap will appeal to several people. So I'd say you're not risking much.
2nd it is glass, so check the transom & stringers. Look in the bilge carefully.
3rd Brackish water has mainly 1 effect on a glass boat like a Sunbird, staining (most boats for that matter). Chances are the gelcoat is chalky and oxidized, if left in alot stains that are hard to remove. Wax the heck out of the hull below the water line & it becomes easier to clean off.

All in all owned by someone you're familar with, older gentleman, if cared for half decent even though an entry level boat, sounds like you might have a cheap way on the water now while in the middle of your project.

 

[bcons]

Re: 19ft sunbird bowrider good boat???

didn't notice the pics, yup oxidized pretty good.
Also if that was the way it was stored outside uncovered, REALLY check the bilge standing water on that boat especially bad. Interior ok or all cracked up & sun bleached?
Check craigslist for similar boat values. Around here a boat like that would be anywhere between $1-$2k, you know this guy so him telling you it runs well is certainly different than someone off the web