Need advice

[san dimas]

What can you guys tell me or advise me about a 1988 Sylvan 18' aluminum walk through? It has a 130 hp Mercruiser 4 cylinder inboard/outboard. Ad says it runs perfect and will go 40 miles per hour. Also says the boat is in very good condition. I would be using it mostly for fishing on small fresh water lakes in the Sierra Nevada mountains. My tow vehicle is a 2008 Ford Escape which is rated to tow 3500#. How much do you think this boat would weigh? He is asking $3800.00. Any help you can give me would be great!

 

[Bob_VT]

Re: Need advice

Dry weight of that boat (minus the fuel/toys etc) is about 1400 lbs then add in the trailer and you should still be well under your 3500 lb limit. You must have the V-6 and tow package in the escape to be rated at 3500

 

[Bob_VT]

Re: Need advice

I looked it up on NADA and the asking price is way high. I would hope the boat is in absolute pristine condition, great interior and proper maintenance records too.

 

[san dimas]

Re: Need advice

 

[san dimas]

Re: Need advice

 

[san dimas]

Re: Need advice

Sorry it took so many attempts at getting the pictures but I think I got it.

Edit: Got rid of those two. All good

 

[southkogs]

Re: Need advice

Price would be hight for my area, but the boat looks like it's worth a look.

 

[san dimas]

Re: Need advice

The area code indicates San Diego area. I'm assuming it may have been used in salt water. What do you think it might be worth?

 

[greenbush future]

Re: Need advice

The boat is similar to my alum Spectrum in size, walk through. I do enjoy my boat, and it's a nice all around boat. On your picture I see the owner has added a "whale tail" to the outboard. I would be curious as to why? One reason could be that the boat struggles to get up on plane when stating out. That could mean you may have some extra weight in "wet foam" under the floors, or it could be a tired engine. Do a full inspection, including a sea test if you decide to look further. My 19 footer will run at 40 with a 90 hp merc outboard. Try doing a compression test on the outboard to better understand how she will perform.

 

[san dimas]

Re: Need advice

I was a little curious about that myself. Maybe he loads it with a lot of weight.

 

[Bob_VT]

Re: Need advice

Clean looking boat. Teak could use a bit of sanding and oil. The outdrive does not appear beat up.

Hey if that is what you are in the market for I would make an offer. Use the NADA as a negotiating tool Squawk about the rust on the trailer......be a picky buyer.

I would ABSOLUTELY do a few more things too..... Compression test and water test if you can. I am a huge fan of aluminum and it looks good. Don't let the whale tale scare you.....it can be removed and you can add trim tabs if needed.

 

[southkogs]

Re: Need advice

^^^^^ What Bob said an' if it runs well an' floats like it's supposed to: I'd be trying to get it more like $3k. (If it's solid, it might be a little pricey at $3,800 but worth it if the PO took really good care of it.)

 

[robert graham]

Re: Need advice

A Ford Escape wouldn't be a great tow vehicle for any long distance hauling....might be O.K. For a "few miles to the lake" type towing....the engine/transmission/cooling system/brakes are just not designed for extensive towing....

 

[crabby captain john]

Re: Need advice

I had the 20' version long ago. This one looks like new. Even the carpet is original. Have to dig deep into the boat & motor looking for problems. Without any, he is priced high but not by a huge margin. For a fresh water lake this should work well. I bought 3 new Sylvans and never a problem with any of them.

 

[roscoe]

Re: Need advice

These boats use the classic Starcraft 18' SS hull.
Great hull.
No wood under the floor.


THe Escape will do fine if it has the 6. But adding electric brakes to the trailer would really help.

 

[san dimas]

Re: Need advice

Do you think I could troll with engine/drive combo? Also, I launch my 14' tinny by myself all the time. Do you think this would be too difficult to do? Trailer brakes sound like a good idea, how hard are they to install. I'm pretty good mechanically.

 

[san dimas]

Re: Need advice

Are there any issues with the 3.0 or the Alpha 1.

 

[QC]

Re: Need advice

What lake you wanna tow to? I am concerned about our hills around here. You look to be close to me. I would be concerned about a hard stop without brakes. My guess is Ford says brakes above 1500 lbs. I think CA law says so as well although I did it without for years with similar weight and a Bronco 2, but that was more of a truck frame for sure. I would not call my old combo safe by any stretch.

Solo launching is cake with that boat. The 3.0 will troll fine. No big deal at all as long as it is slow enough for you.

Easy to take the tail off and try without even during a test run. I would not immediately suspect salt water due to Area Code. It could've spent entire life at Diamond Valley or Cuyamaca etc. Rocks look plenty inland.

Edit: 3.0 and Aplha 1 are fine products as long as you understand I/Os. OB would be better if you have that option and want to fish. I/Os make a little bit better family boat due to cleaner transom.

 

[AChotrod]

Re: Need advice

Looks like a great boat and price is good for around my area.

 

[san dimas]

Re: Need advice

I fish Puddingstone once a week and take about 3 trips a year to the June Lake loop.