Need help deciding on new boat purchase

[Timmy8504]

I'm looking at 2 different boats and would like input on which is better. I would be using the boat on a river while wake boarding/tubing/and just cruising. The first boat is a 2000 Caravelle Bowrider 209 with a 5.0 mercruiser carburetor engine. The boat comes with a nice ski tower and interior is in great shape. Second boat is a 1995 Chris craft concept 21' Bowrider with a fuel injected 5.0 cobra ford engine. Interior looks newer than most 2000 models and is in great shape. No ski tower though. Both are the exact price and both come with trailers. Just curious which boat is better, and what engine has less problems. Let me know what you think. Thank you in advance!!

 

[oldandintheway]

Re: Need help deciding on new boat purchase

I would avoid the OMC Cobra. I had one, never again.

 

[Timmy8504]

Re: Need help deciding on new boat purchase

What issues did you have?

 

[jestor68]

Re: Need help deciding on new boat purchase

Well, starting in 1993, everything behind the transom plate is a Volvo stern drive.

So there shouldn't be any particular issues with it.

 

[agallant80]

Re: Need help deciding on new boat purchase

Its about condition at that age not really who makes it.

 

[oldandintheway]

Re: Need help deciding on new boat purchase

What issues did you have?

At the time I lived in the Seattle area, and no one wanted to work on them.
There were also issues with finding parts.

Now, I just don't like them.

 

[JimS123]

Re: Need help deciding on new boat purchase

Cobras were better stern drives than Merc ever made. They just didn't catch on (Merc had a stronghold), and now parts are a problem and mechanics won't work on them.

Caravelle is a low end boat. A CC is upper middle class. That was when new. Looking at boats that old they both undoubtedly need a lot of work to be made reliable, plus rotten innards are likely.

 

[masongardner]

Re: Need help deciding on new boat purchase

I had an cobra also, beat the crap out of it and never had an issue. Some people hate em, some people love em. Personally the fuel injection is what stands out to me. Big difference between carbed and injected. I personally would take the fuel injected and find a tower on craigslist if those 2 boats were my only choices. Whats your budget? Maybe keep looking or look a little bit away from where you live to find a better boat for same price!

 

[Timmy8504]

Re: Need help deciding on new boat purchase

Both boats are listed at $8000 and that's 200 miles away from where I live in virginia beach. Boats around here are a lot more expensive than that. I'm looking to spend no more than 10k

 

[thumpar]

Re: Need help deciding on new boat purchase

The problem I have with OMC is that they are out of business. There are some people that will still work on them but it is not common. Just for reference, I picked up my Crownline with 5.7l EFI Bravo 1 for well less than your budget.

If it was me I would keep looking. Find the boat and engine combo that you want. It took me a couple months to find what I wanted.

 

[masongardner]

Re: Need help deciding on new boat purchase

I don't know you're area very well, but where I am in colorado or Texas 10 grand would get you a much nicer boat.

 

[Augoose]

Re: Need help deciding on new boat purchase

I disagree that boats that age need a lot of work or commonly have rot. My first boat was a 1989 Caravelle with a Merc and my 2nd is a 1999 Chris Craft with a Volvo Penta. Both were great and neither were rotten. I think each have their pro's and con's, but I personally would go with whichever one is in better shape, following the numerous inspection points that have been listed on many threads. If all things are equal, I'd go with the Caravelle for the age difference and Merc over OMC.

I also disagree that the Caravelle is a low end boat- I don't feel that it is. Caravelle makes great boats and I believe they are put together with greater attention to detail and materials than several other manufacturers. Same for Chris Craft, however and as said, OMC parts MIGHT be an issue but it just depends on the component. For example, I recently did some parts swaps between a 1994 OMC outdrive and a 1999 VP SX and although many components were the same, some were not - the gimbal housing was one that wasn't.

Lastly and for price, I agree- $8,000 can get you a better boat or they should drop their price. I bought my 1999 Chris Craft 200 BR with 134 hours for $4,500.
Do a full inspection on each and see what your gut tells you

 

[thumpar]

Re: Need help deciding on new boat purchase

Augoose I completely agree with you on the rot and age part. My old boat was a 1983 in my sig. It was totally solid. It is about care more than age.

 

[Augoose]

Re: Need help deciding on new boat purchase

Augoose I completely agree with you on the rot and age part. My old boat was a 1983 in my sig. It was totally solid. It is about care more than age.

Yup - like Agallant80 said, its all about the condition and how well the previous owners looked after it.

 

[Timmy8504]

Re: Need help deciding on new boat purchase

Thanks for all the input! I'll continue to look around. I've been looking for a few months and these were the best deals.

 

[Timmy8504]

Re: Need help deciding on new boat purchase

Also found a 2003 glastron GX 205. 5.0 volvo engine with 180 hours. Hull and interior are in excellent shape with galvanized trailer. Asking $10500.

 

[Bob_VT]

Re: Need help deciding on new boat purchase

Use the iboats link Boats For Sale - Buy & Sell, New & Used Boats, Owners & Dealers and enter your zip code, your price range and go shopping.