Darn it, i just wrote this whole thing out and then messed it up trying to add the pics. Here goes again...
As the title says I am looking for my first boat for our family of 4. Probably an open bow for use in southern california in the bay, Colorado River, and local reservoirs/lakes. Having looked at two boats now I have am sure that a good previous owner that really cares for the boat is key. I have read enough posts on this forum to scare me away from owners that don't keep up with maintenance. They don't seem to know what a bellows is or that the outdrive needs yearly maintenance. I read the sticky on inspections and made a lengthy spreadsheet from it, attached it you need it. Yesterday i showed up to look at a maxum, clipboard in hand and the guy thought I was trying to sell him something, it was pretty funny.
Anyway the reason I am writing is to get some overall tips and your opinions on a couple of boats I am scheduled to see.
2001 Reinell 185 asking $8000
2004 Larson 190 SEI asking $7500
On the Reinell I really like that it has only been in freshwater, the guy detailed the care he takes with the boat, and it just had some major service done. Earlier this year he heard a noise in the rear and realized the gimbal bearing went bad so [FONT="]new gimbal bearing , u joints and baffle( did he mean bellows?)
The larson has only been in saltwater but well cared for and stored above the water, regular flushing and yearly maintenance. I think it is VEC hull, is that a plus in a 12 year old boat?
That's it for now. Let me know if you have tips and opinions on this!
thank you[/FONT]
As the title says I am looking for my first boat for our family of 4. Probably an open bow for use in southern california in the bay, Colorado River, and local reservoirs/lakes. Having looked at two boats now I have am sure that a good previous owner that really cares for the boat is key. I have read enough posts on this forum to scare me away from owners that don't keep up with maintenance. They don't seem to know what a bellows is or that the outdrive needs yearly maintenance. I read the sticky on inspections and made a lengthy spreadsheet from it, attached it you need it. Yesterday i showed up to look at a maxum, clipboard in hand and the guy thought I was trying to sell him something, it was pretty funny.
Anyway the reason I am writing is to get some overall tips and your opinions on a couple of boats I am scheduled to see.
2001 Reinell 185 asking $8000
2004 Larson 190 SEI asking $7500
On the Reinell I really like that it has only been in freshwater, the guy detailed the care he takes with the boat, and it just had some major service done. Earlier this year he heard a noise in the rear and realized the gimbal bearing went bad so [FONT="]new gimbal bearing , u joints and baffle( did he mean bellows?)
The larson has only been in saltwater but well cared for and stored above the water, regular flushing and yearly maintenance. I think it is VEC hull, is that a plus in a 12 year old boat?
That's it for now. Let me know if you have tips and opinions on this!
thank you[/FONT]
