I have some information and observations for those that may be interested in an entry-level boat. I was at the Fort Washington boat show yesterday and gathered some information. The brands are listed in the order in which I perceived as higher quality (fit and finish) to lower quality. Prices are the Show Price (No haggling) and include freight and prep unless otherwise noted. Some of the prices were much less (1000s of dollars) then MSRP. Please feel free to add your comments. <br /><br />Four Winns:<br /><br />190 Horizon (2004), 5.0L (220HP) Mercruiser I/O, $26850<br />180 Freedom (2004), 150HP Johnson OB, $21400<br />180 Freedom (2003), 150HP Johnson OB, $19700<br />(Best of the bunch.)<br /><br />Caravelle:<br /><br />187LS (2003), 4.3L (190HP) Mercruiser I/O, $18500<br />187LS (2004), 4.3L (190HP) Mercruiser I/O, $19650<br />(This and Chaparral were pretty even. Big gap at deck/hull joint on transom, filled with silicon. If there was no gap in the deck/hull joint, Caravelle would beat Chaparral hands down.)<br /><br />Chaparral:<br /><br />180ssi (2004), 4.3L (190HP) Mercruiser I/O, $18995 <br />(Not sure this price included freight and prep. Remember Suds before buying!)<br /><br />Bayliner:<br /><br />185 Capri (2004), 4.3L (190HP) Mercruiser I/O, $17500<br />180 Capri (2004), 125HP Mercury OB, $15995<br />205 Capri (2004), 5.0L (220HP) Mercruiser I/O, $20995<br />210 Classic (2003), 5.0L (220HP) Mercruiser I/O, $20864 (Not at show)<br />215 Classic (2003), 5.0L (220HP) Mercruiser I/O, $18459 (Not at show)<br />(Fit and finish not too bad for a value boat.)<br /><br />Seaswirl (Sport Boats):<br /><br />190 VEC (2003), 4.3L (190HP) Mercruiser I/O, $19250<br />210 VEC (2003), 5.0L (220HP) Mercruiser I/O, $22750<br />(The fit and finish on these was very poor. There was even a good amount of flex in the floor of the 210 VEC.)<br /><br />EDIT: All Boats included a trailer.
