opinion on this mako, please

[spartaboat]

Hi, I'm Jim and I've been lurking here for a while. At the end of the month, we're moving onto Lake Erie, just south of Monroe, Mi. The kids are out of the house and I LOVE to fish. I'm sort of a rookie boater (U.S. Navy doesn't really count). What is your opinion on this Mako......is this in the time where they were making them well? I've heard bad things about Force motors.....is that true? There's another one near me for half the price but apparently has some bad fiberglass. Finally, the other boat I'm considering is Slickcraft, but I'm thinking anything >21' will be a little tough for me to handle by myself. thanks a bunch.

http://grandrapids.craigslist.org/boa/2907047466.html

 

[tx1961whaler]

Re: opinion on this mako, please

1982 was a very good year for Mako. The Force is "OK" if it is running. They quit making them quite awhile ago, so some parts could be hard to find. Their bad rep is somewhat undeserved. They are pretty simple low-tech motors that do OK if they are maintained. Many went on entry-level boats that got trashed by their owners through simple (and willful) neglect. West Bend begat Chrysler begat Force (US Marine) begat Force (Brunswick/Mercury) and the lineage ended there. I've owned 2 US marine Force motors and ran both in saltwater for a few years with no unusual problems.

 

[Home Cookin']

Re: opinion on this mako, please

the old mako's are great boats and great fishing platforms. I'd say get it and plan to repower--keep an eye out for a newer OB at a good price and grab it before you need it.
It can takes months between the time an old motor breaks down, gets certified dead, and replacement found, hung and in the water running.
Don't start with a "bad fiberglass" boat.

 

[Philster]

Re: opinion on this mako, please

Yep... that Mako is from the better years.

It's probably the better of the Force engines, too. Just a discontinued line and the various challenges associated with it.

 

[lprizman]

Re: opinion on this mako, please

your basically buying a solid hull and a decent trailer,,,that motor is questionable
if it's running good and you have it checked out professionaly what a sweet set up
my boat is actually 21' 6" and I unload and go all the time by myself,,in time you will out grow this one
best of luck!!

 

[spartaboat]

Re: opinion on this mako, please

this is the other one I'm considering. I've talked to the owner and the boat was his uncle's before him. He is selling because he has little kids and can't get on the water with them now.

http://nmi.craigslist.org/boa/2932189613.html

 

[ezmobee]

Re: opinion on this mako, please

That Mako is a nice boat but it's priced as though the motor was a still-supported brand.

That Starcraft is really nice and fairly priced but it is very underpowered. It will probably not plane with a couple adult passengers. That 70 is an absolutely fantastic motor and looks minty fresh but is just too small for the boat.

 

[coastalrichard]

Re: opinion on this mako, please

can't speak for the motor, but my buddy has that boat with a 88 special on it docked in his canal right now. It's a sweet bay rig and, on a good day, we've been 12 miles to Franklin Reef. A solid, good fishing boat.

 

[Home Cookin']

Re: opinion on this mako, please

Mako--except that 4' difference is significant. I have both a 17' and a 21' boat and there is a world of difference.

Buy them both and put the 70 on the mako; sell the starcraft.

 

[spartaboat]

Re: opinion on this mako, please

thanks for the comments guys. I thought a 70 would be plenty on that 21' aluminum, but that's why they pay you guys the big bucks. Doesn't the mako weigh more than the starcraft? I know weight isn't the only determinant. .....how much max HP do you think each boat is rated for? Will the mako handle the rough water in Erie better than the Starcraft? I had a 22' Sabre for a year and it really pounded in 2 to 3' waves.




um, but you

 

[spartaboat]

Re: opinion on this mako, please

Also, amiright in thinking his one has some fiberglass issues? it's close to where I live......is it worth checking out or stay away?

 

[spartaboat]

Re: opinion on this mako, please

whoops, forgot the link....

http://detroit.craigslist.org/wyn/boa/2921859844.html

 

[ezmobee]

Re: opinion on this mako, please

whoops, forgot the link....

http://detroit.craigslist.org/wyn/boa/2921859844.html

If she's solid that could be a real winner there.

On the Starcraft, yes she is light for a 21' but still not in 70HP territory. My buddy has a 21' Chieftain, now granted it has an aluminum cuddy on it but it's the same hull. He has a 90 on it and the turd can only hit 26MPH tops. A 70 would just be sad. His Chieftain is rated for around 175.

 

[spartaboat]

Re: opinion on this mako, please

Thanks mobee. I've been sweating that the Starcraft would sell before I move to Lake Erie at the end of the month. The 70Hp might be why it's sitting. That, and its Oscoda location is kind of out of the way. If I go for a test ride on it with him, I'd be able to see how it does with two big guys in it. I see you have an 18' SC with a 90Hp.....does the extra 20 horses make a big difference?
What's a relatively easy way to check on the 2nd Mako I posted whether the fiberglass and stringers are in good shape? I'm a little nervous when he says that it takes on water. Do you know anything about the 115 Hp 'rude it comes with? Good motor?
Thanks for bearing with me on all my questions. I want to get this right.

 

[ezmobee]

Re: opinion on this mako, please

A 70 would be fine on my boat but not on a 21'. It MAY plane it and go ok with a light load.

The 115 on the Mako is an excellent motor. I'm not much use on looking for rot on a fiberglass boat. I usually just avoid 'em

 

[Home Cookin']

Re: opinion on this mako, please

Will the mako handle the rough water

yes they are very seaworthy and will feel more solid than an aluminum ... of the same size.

A fiberglass hull should not be letting in water.

 

[spartaboat]

Re: opinion on this mako, please

thanks guys, I think I will stay away from both of them. How's about this one? 3.0L mercruiser, used in Saginaw Bay, needs some vinyl work on the engine cover and he says there is a soft spot in the deck to the port side of the helm. Can't expect a 24 year old boat to be perfect...he's also bought another boat, and said he's willing to negotiate. I appreciate your opinions.
http://flint.craigslist.org/boa/2940816219.html

 

[ezmobee]

Re: opinion on this mako, please

Boats tend to rot from the bottom up. That means by the time there's a soft spot in the deck, there's typically more serious rot already present below in the stringers. Not always, but usually.

 

[Home Cookin']

Re: opinion on this mako, please

also, it doesn't have an outboard. Pass.