Crownline, Four Winns or Sea Ray???

[dgs119]

I am looking at a 2002 crownline 180BR for 13k with 100hrs on it. I have also been looking at a 2008 Four Winns new H190 for about 19k and a 2008 new Sea Ray Sport 195 for about 20K. I am not new at boating however would like a great boat for a family of 4 with 2 young boys. I need some input, tips, or advice please.

Thanks in advance.

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: Crownline, Four Winns or Sea Ray???

they are all great boats, the 2002, even with just 100 hours is going to need some preventive (deferred) maintenance. bellows, probably hoses, etc 7 years old, in this market, rather see it around $11,000.

 

[jacknbella]

Re: Crownline, Four Winns or Sea Ray???

I was also aiming at a 19 footer for a family of 4 with 2 small children, however, after reading a bunch of suggestions from various iBoaters, I went with a 22' Four Winns and a larger motor. As many will tell you, you'll never have enough room so my suggestion would be a larger vessel for your family (if you can afford it). I'm biased to Four Winns myself but Sea Rays and Crownlines are both nice boats too. Best of luck!!!

 

[salmonee]

Re: Crownline, Four Winns or Sea Ray???

I am looking at a 2002 crownline 180BR for 13k with 100hrs on it. I have also been looking at a 2008 Four Winns new H190 for about 19k and a 2008 new Sea Ray Sport 195 for about 20K. I am not new at boating however would like a great boat for a family of 4 with 2 young boys. I need some input, tips, or advice please.

Thanks in advance.

That crownline's not in Spokane, WA is it? Is the '08 Four Winns price for a new? I'm curious because I'm looking at a used H190...

 

[wuttja]

Re: Crownline, Four Winns or Sea Ray???

All sound like nice boats, but I agree with the other poster that you may want to consider something a little larger if you can. I picked up a 21' 1997 Sea Ray bow rider for less than what you are looking at. Sure it's 12 years old, but it has around 250 hours on it and the 5.7L V8. It was well maintained and looks and runs like new. A little more kick because the boys will want friends to come out and tube, ski, wakeboard, etc. and you will want the size and power for the gear and people. Good luck with whatever you choose!

 

[dgs119]

Re: Crownline, Four Winns or Sea Ray???

I like the idea of a bigger boat however I need it to fit into the garage. It seems like the beam is more important than the length or at least you notice it more. As for the Four Winns it was a new price for a 2008 H190.

How often should he bellas and hoses be changed. Is it just an age thing since there are limited hours on the boat. How about the impella?

Thanks,

 

[Utahboatnut]

Re: Crownline, Four Winns or Sea Ray???

I have a crownline 20' bowrider with the 350 merc setup and I love it. I agree that bigger is always better in my case however it didn't make as much sense as I would have had to buy a different tow rig. I think all of those boats are nice choices, crownlines seem to be a bit wider at the beam which helps interior space a bit. Also seating can make a huge difference on how roomy the boat feels. As much as I like the looks of the sport seating, I opted for the more classic type layout. With back to backs and jumpers on either side of the dog house. It has MUCH more interior room than the exact same boat with sport seating. The bottoms of the jumpers can be raised to the same level as the top of the dog house thus turning it into a sun lounge (only big enough for one person though). I also have two young boys and usually have a few others along and it works out quite well, I also have a tower with racks to help get some of the toys off the deck and out of the way up on the racks. Which ever way you go I would highly reccomend the V-8 if possible you will never be sorry you did.

 

[dgs119]

Re: Crownline, Four Winns or Sea Ray???

I like the idea of the seating. It seems like most of the used boats I am looking at have the sport seating. I came across a Milan boat. Does anyone know anything about them?

Thanks,

 

[chiefalen]

Re: Crownline, Four Winns or Sea Ray???

You don't want a cuddy cabin?? Nice to have a porti potty. Believe me, your wife would like it also.

I highly recommend even a deck boat with a porti potty.

 

[Utahboatnut]

Re: Crownline, Four Winns or Sea Ray???

I had a cuddy before I bought the bowrider, and I must say when the kids were babies it was awesome. I could put them up there for a nap or just to get them out of the 105 deg Lake powell sun for a while. The way the hatch slid forward helped alot to vent the cuddy and to get up onto the bow. We do quite a bit of camping on beaches and I could jam ALL of my gear up there for 5-7 days on a beach, it was very nice. Now that the kids are older though the bowrider seems to be a better fit for us, as more of our trips are day trips skiing/tubeing/wakeboarding etc than big camp trips. we can have more seating options than having to force people into the cuddy. I would really love to have been abel to buy a deck boat but the ones I wanted were way out of my price range, they are spendy but very nice.

 

[junior1113]

Re: Crownline, Four Winns or Sea Ray???

fourwinns are very dependable hulls outboard make for a lot more room on a boat that size last longer too.

 

[RotaryRacer]

Re: Crownline, Four Winns or Sea Ray???

In comparing the boats you need to state the engine/drives in each of them.

Also, what are the seating layouts in each.

I like Four Winns. However, if it is sport seating or only has a V6 it may not be as desireable as the others.

 

[grego]

Re: Crownline, Four Winns or Sea Ray???

Remember! That it IS! a buyer's market for toys,just because they are ASKING this mutch for boats, does not mean they will not take less. Look at ebay to gage prices on comparable boats,you may find that some people want more than they could possibly get there, but gives you a working knowledge of prices. As always, bigger is better. I always keep any repair receipts,ask about their's. Don't be afraid to stick your head it the hold to look at underside of decking,that is where mold hides. They are all good boats! Just use common sence and be thorough. imo.

 

[salmonee]

Re: Crownline, Four Winns or Sea Ray???

I like Four Winns. However, if it is sport seating or only has a V6 it may not be as desireable as the others.

This may just be me. I'm looking for sport seating and a V6. I found the exact opposite! A V8 and traditional seating. I guess newbie's like me has alot to learn.

 

[RotaryRacer]

Re: Crownline, Four Winns or Sea Ray???

This may just be me. I'm looking for sport seating and a V6. I found the exact opposite! A V8 and traditional seating. I guess newbie's like me has alot to learn.

It is all about personal preference. To me the sport seating makes the cockpit of the boat feel a lot smaller. I like back to back seats as you can comfortable sit 4 adults plus two more in the jump seats next to the motor. In a sport layout you can get 3 adults and two people with shorter legs in the outer positions of the rear bench. There is usually limited leg space behind the captain/co-captain seats. If you like a large sundeck then the compromise is less space in the cockpit.

As far as the the V8 vs V6 debate, I think that any fuel economy gains by going to the V6 are negated by the need to keep the throttle open more to get a comparable speed. I think that in real world experience any engine in the same boat will get about the same fuel economy if driven the same.

Don't get me wrong the V6 is a fine motor and is certainly capable. However, having a little extra oomph from a V8 is nice and doesn't cost much as far as fuel is concerned.

 

[yam350yfm]

Re: Crownline, Four Winns or Sea Ray???

All are good boats, but as stated the motors do make a difference along with if it is a mercruiser or volvo outdrive. If the outdrive goes the mercruiser can be replaced with a SEI outdrive for less cost then rebuilding. That option is not available for the volvo. As for seating, I have had both and if you will only go with 4 people the sport seating works fine, if going with more the other seating seems to give more room. v6 vs v8 is again how the boat will be used. You can always have a couple of different pitch props for what you want to do...a 17 for skiing/boarding/tubing and a 21 for top end. If you are new to boating I would recommend a survey of the boat, check local resources for an independent survey, usually about $250 to 300. That will tell you what is wrong with the boat.