Narrowing boat choices

[ozenine]

Good Day!
I really would like to thank everybody who was very helpful during my other posts. As absolute newbie I do ask a lot of dumb questions and you guys wre great on tolerating them
Talking about dumb questions here is another one :

I think I have narrowed down the search for my next boat to this:
Either
1) 70's -80's Starcraft outboard, 18 footer or so with open bow (like EZ has )
2) Fiberglass (outboard) boat of same size but newer (80's+).

Budget - preferably around 1000 or under 2000 with working motor (70 HP+).
If the deal is very good i can streatch to maybe 3500.
Here is question:
I heard that newer fiberglasses are using minimal wood for stringers and other parts.
So question is which year did that start? and which brands of fibergalsses are good?

 

[ezmobee]

Re: Narrowing boat choices

I'll make it simpler for you .....VERY few glass boats in your price range are going to wood free and will certainly be of an age where rot is going to be a concern. Also, at that age brand doesn't matter. It will be all about the care and maintenance it has received. I'd much rather buy a babied Bayliner than a Cobalt someone left sit under a tree with no cover on it for years. (but of course I'd never do either. I'd look for a tin Starcraft, Smokercraft, Sylvan, Sea Nymph, Blue Fin, Lowe, etc)

 

[ozenine]

Re: Narrowing boat choices

Thanks EZ.....
That is my thinking too. But my wife wants to keep options open for the glass, since they look more modern then tins. I like the idea of tins a lot due to the fact taht the "hull is forever" with proper care.

 

[ezmobee]

Re: Narrowing boat choices

Are you looking for a bit of a project or do you require something turn-key? Because in the defense of glass boats, one you properly rebuild yourself, can also be a "forever boat"

There is always the diamond in the rough scenario also. Exhibit A: http://forums.iboats.com/showthread.php?t=365392

We would, of course, love to have you in the Starcraft club. Check out the Starcraft manufacturer section on here because we do post CL links from time to time. An awesome 18' just showed up near me.

 

[ozenine]

Re: Narrowing boat choices

EZ, I cannot find one in your area. Is it posted in Starcraft forum? or on CL?

 

[Tacklewasher]

Re: Narrowing boat choices

I'll vote for an 18' Starcraft bowrider. Mine is a 77.

Think about the 70hp. Mine came with a 70 and would hit 30 mph with three people. I had a 115 and swapped. I hit 40 now.

The big deal in the speed difference will be if trying to pull a skier. The boat is rated for 150 and you don't want to be under 1/2 the rating (IMHO).

I'm just a bit paranoid about glass boats as so many are not taken proper care of and the gutting is a lot hard then a tin boat.

 

[ozenine]

Re: Narrowing boat choices

I'm just a bit paranoid about glass boats as so many are not taken proper care of and the gutting is a lot hard then a tin boat.

Well that is my fear as well. I have never had a boat so it will be quite difficult for me to look in all "right" places for rot, so there is high chance of having big issues. And also i really hate working with glass - always get so itchy after

 

[Tacklewasher]

Re: Narrowing boat choices

Well that is my fear as well. I have never had a boat so it will be quite difficult for me to look in all "right" places for rot, so there is high chance of having big issues. And also i really hate working with glass - always get so itchy after

Tell you wife the first boat will be more about you learning than being anything fancy. Kinda like learning to drive in a junky pickup than a Corvette. Once you have all the ins and outs figured out, you'll upgrade from the pickup.

 

[ezmobee]

Re: Narrowing boat choices

EZ, I cannot find one in your area. Is it posted in Starcraft forum? or on CL?

It may have sold. Couldn't find it. I found this fine specimen http://annapolis.craigslist.org/boa/1485020356.html

 

[ozenine]

Re: Narrowing boat choices

It may have sold. Couldn't find it. I found this fine specimen http://annapolis.craigslist.org/boa/1485020356.html

This one looks pretty good. Too bad it is quite far for me

 

[ozenine]

Re: Narrowing boat choices

Tell you wife the first boat will be more about you learning than being anything fancy. Kinda like learning to drive in a junky pickup than a Corvette. Once you have all the ins and outs figured out, you'll upgrade from the pickup.

I totaly agree with you and I know she understands, but here is how I look at it - for even 3500 it is going to be a pickup which will require work. The question is whta kind of pickup do i need. if you look at 2009 starcrafts, they look almost like the older ones from outside, glass boat has nice lines to it, but potentially more hidden issues.

 

[Tacklewasher]

Re: Narrowing boat choices

I'd like to say you can get one for a lot less than $3,500, but I just did a search using Search Tempest and there is nothing within 2500 miles of your location on Craigslist.

Found a 15' with no motor in the Vancouver area asking $2,400.

Think you will need to make a run to the states to find a cheap one. I bought mine in the Seattle area and the only issue was in trying to get the trailer licensed with ICBC. The boat was easy to get registered.

The one EZ linked to is nice but has a closed bow.

 

[ozenine]

Re: Narrowing boat choices

The one EZ linked to is nice but has a closed bow.

Thanks for the help!!!
Yep, I want to try and get the open bow becuase i think it is really nice to sip up there and we may ocasionally have more then 4 people on the boat.

And I do not mind going to US just maybe 500 km one way may. I do not feel like going to Florida.....