Should I buy a 2004 Larson 180 SEi Ski & Fish?

[rauch0812]

Now we're looking at a 2004 Larson Ski & Fish 18' with 20hrs on the motor for $9500 as our first boat.... any thoughts on this one? Volvo engine 135HP

Thanks,
Desera

 

[ezmobee]

Re: Should I buy a 2004 Larson 180 SEi Ski & Fish?

Rather have a V6. That price is fair for that package but not smokin'. (just my opinion)

 

[labguy]

Re: Should I buy a 2004 Larson 180 SEi Ski & Fish?

Whether or not the boat is a good deal really depends on the condition. The price seems reasonable enough. Have you inspected the boat thoroughly?

 

[rauch0812]

Re: Should I buy a 2004 Larson 180 SEi Ski & Fish?

Haven't inspected it yet, but that's why I'm posting here first. It's a 4 hour drive from me so it would have to be "smokin" as someone before said. They are sending over pictures to show me it's in "new" condition. Only 20 hours on the boat. They'll put it in the lake when we get there to test drive it. Does this boat have enough power to pull up a skier that's 6'5" and 280lbs? Why are the Larson's prices lower than other boats only 5-6 years old?

 

[JimS123]

Re: Should I buy a 2004 Larson 180 SEi Ski & Fish?

Larsons are OK boats, but not really high on the quality list. Not a real widespread dealer network. Volvo parts not that readily available (though getting better) and fewer servicing dealers vs. Merc.

The 135 will get that skiier up if its propped right. But you may not be happy with the performance when you are not skiing.

 

[rauch0812]

Re: Should I buy a 2004 Larson 180 SEi Ski & Fish?

sorry - really messed up posts.

 

[rauch0812]

Re: Should I buy a 2004 Larson 180 SEi Ski & Fish?

someone should kick me off the forum - I can' use it right. How do i delete all these multiple posts? I've just gone back and changed them. I'll leave the last one. Sorry.

 

[rauch0812]

Re: Should I buy a 2004 Larson 180 SEi Ski & Fish?

3rd times a charm - I'll leave this one:
What do mean by the performance when not pulling a skiier? What would be ideal for a boat in this size range?

 

[ThreeMileBayWaker]

Re: Should I buy a 2004 Larson 180 SEi Ski & Fish?

The 3.0 is a good cruising motor, and honestly thats about it. It pulls tubers with no problems. If you really want to get a good use out of a boat it needs a V6 to benefit both worlds.

Like said above, if propped right it can pull skiers up. I've had them pull me up on a wakeboard but I knew it still was struggling, so I opted for the V6 in my first boat I purchased in my sig below. I am 6'3" and 200lbs.

 

[labguy]

Re: Should I buy a 2004 Larson 180 SEi Ski & Fish?

I had a 3.0l OMC that pulled me up no problem on ski's (I am 6'1" 280 lbs), however, if the boat is loaded with family/friends, forget about it. As stated above, you would be happier with a V6. When you do go to inspect a boat, if you are looking at an inboard, make sure you look at the oil. If its milky, walk away, water is getting in. If it looks brand new, run it in the lake and then check oil. Again, if its milky, walk. Always lake test. Simply running on muffs does not tell the whole story. A boat may run great on muffs but when under a load, may reveal all types of stuff. A friend of mine bought a boat that ran great on muffs but when he put it on the water (after he bought it) it would not run. A year later and is now sitting out in the weather, uncovered, and not being used. I bought a boat without lake testing. The thing would not go from forward to neutral under a load without shutting off the motor. Took to "mechanic" and could not fix it (whole 'nother story). Check for soft spots in the floor. Even what seems to be minor soft spots in the floor could be an indicator for something more serious going on. Inspect the transom carefully. Also, wouldn't be a bad idea to pull the foot oil plug to look at a sample of the oil. If its milky, then the seals are bad. Something you would need to consider before buying. Good luck in your search and happy boating!!!

 

[rauch0812]

Re: Should I buy a 2004 Larson 180 SEi Ski & Fish?

So what's the opinion on a 2001 LARSON 190 sei with 190HP w/ trailer for $7995 from dealer?

 

[JimS123]

Re: Should I buy a 2004 Larson 180 SEi Ski & Fish?

3rd times a charm - I'll leave this one:
What do mean by the performance when not pulling a skiier? What would be ideal for a boat in this size range?

The 3.0 Liter Mercruiser (Chevrolet Based Cast Iron Block "Iron Duke") is a fine motor. It will do most everything you ask it to do, sip fuel and last almoast forever (if maintained). I love mine. With the right propeller (17 or 19 pitch - maybe a 4-blade) it will ski just fine. But, when you decide to go cruising with just a couple aboard, you will be disappointed because you will not not be able to reach the speed potential of the boat, and you will have to monitor the engine rpm closely so that you don't over-rev the motor.

If you put on a 21 pitch prop, she will go like hell but you won't be able to get a skiier out of the water.

In the old days, when we ran a 35 HP outboard (the fastest thing on the water in those days) we carried a "speed prop" and a "power prop" and stopped to drink a few beers while we changed them in between our skiing and cruising activities.

Pick a boat that you can afford and will satisfy your prime objective, then set it up to be optimum for that activity. If you insist on having a "do it all" boat, buy one with a V6 or a V8.

 

[JimS123]

Re: Should I buy a 2004 Larson 180 SEi Ski & Fish?

So what's the opinion on a 2001 LARSON 190 sei with 190HP w/ trailer for $7995 from dealer?

Another Volvo?
How many hours?
Any soft spots in the floor?
Salt or fresh water use?
Service records?

 

[roscoe]

Re: Should I buy a 2004 Larson 180 SEi Ski & Fish?

So what's the opinion on a 2001 LARSON 190 sei with 190HP w/ trailer for $7995 from dealer?

Not bad.

$7999 asking price? even better - should be able to get them down a grand or so.

 

[rauch0812]

Re: Should I buy a 2004 Larson 180 SEi Ski & Fish?

I'm guessing that 18' Larson with a 115 Evinrude would not be at all what I'm looking for, right? Just want to make sure 115HP doesn't make a difference when it's on a outdrive and not an I/O. I'm guessing there isn't any?

Desera

 

[ezmobee]

Re: Should I buy a 2004 Larson 180 SEi Ski & Fish?

Actually I'd prefer an outboard well above an I/O but that's just my preference. Do to being much lighter, an outboard of less horsepower can perform similarly to higher rated I/O. That 115 would probably perform on-par to possibly better than the 135HP 3.0 I/O.

 

[JimS123]

Re: Should I buy a 2004 Larson 180 SEi Ski & Fish?

I'm guessing that 18' Larson with a 115 Evinrude would not be at all what I'm looking for, right? Just want to make sure 115HP doesn't make a difference when it's on a outdrive and not an I/O. I'm guessing there isn't any?

Desera

No, there certainly IS a big difference. That 115 Rude may be an excellent choice.

By the numerous posts you have been making on widely different crafts, maybe you should give us some details and what you want to do with the boat. Like......# of people in the family, where will use it, what will you do with it.

Or, maybe go to every dealer in your town and ask them the same questions.

 

[Maxum21]

Re: Should I buy a 2004 Larson 180 SEi Ski & Fish?

Appearantly, according to NADA, theres about 600lbs weight difference between the i/o and outboard version. Imo, you will have better overall performance with the outboard

 

[rauch0812]

Re: Should I buy a 2004 Larson 180 SEi Ski & Fish?

I think you're right... I need direction! I'm going to start a new thread but just ask what boat!