Looking at this 18' Islander, need advice.

[Alex_C]

Re: Looking at this 18' Islander, need advice.

If I was interested in 2 boats that were nearly identical, the same age, and in the same questionable condition, I'd pay a small premium for a boat made by a company that was still in business.

Even if that means it's a late 70's thru 80's Bayliner, which are often marked as less likely to survive intact & in great shape after 20yrs.

Why is that?

 

[Alex_C]

Re: Looking at this 18' Islander, need advice.

You will do very good with planning on the survey. Offer the seller a deal and see how confident he/she is. Ask them to split the survey cost .......... that usually weeds out "suspect seller's".

That's some very good advice and I will keep that in mind for my next purchase.

 

[jbcurt00]

Re: Looking at this 18' Islander, need advice.

Why is that?

In business vs out of business means it is somewhat more likely (if only slightly) that I could find a part or piece of the boat if needed. Not specifically motor/outdrive parts, parts of the rest of the boat.

There have been so many 20-30yr old boats posted @iboats forums that need a complete gut & rebuild to be seaworthy, that I'd be suspect of any used boat. I'd expect most marine surveys cover you about as well as most home inspections do. Most of the bad gets noticed & hopefully none of the really bad gets missed.

It's all just my opinion, and having never gotten a marine survey, nor shopped for a 20+ft fiberglass cabin boat, it's worth about what it cost you.

Good luck in your search & future boating