silverline boats?

[fishdog4449]

Hey guys,
any feedback on Silverline Boats, quality, etc?
Specifically, I'm looking at a 1970 17' trihull bowrider with a Mercruiser/Chevy 250 straight six. Floor was replaced just a few years ago and the boat is solid as a rock. Cosmetically needs TLC. Engine and outdrive in great condition. Price is 1400$ but seller said negotiations are possible.
How does this price sound to yall and is there anything I should know about these boats or this engine setup?
My dad insists I would regret making the transition from OB to I/O, but from what I've heard I/Os are just as reliable but require closer attention and more frequent maintenance.

 

[rrhodes]

Re: silverline boats?

For $1400 you can't really lose but you hit the nail on the head "more frequent maintenance" Bellows, joints, ect...... I don't think I will ever go back to an I/O boat.

 

[fishdog4449]

Re: silverline boats?

rrhodes,
Joints and bellows etc, do you mean you would never go back to more freqent maintenance or are is it that parts and etc are more expensive?
Thanks!

 

[fishdog4449]

Re: silverline boats?

Going to look at the silverline today, also found a 1988 Glastron 19' cuddy down the street, which to me is preferable to a bowrider.
the glastron has a "rebuilt" 3.0 mercruiser which seems way underpowered for a 19 footer, especially compared to the 17' silverline's 4.3.
I would much prefer a cuddy over a bowrider, but still want to be able to pull tubes/skiiers and I'm concerned that a 3.0 on that rig just wouldn't cut it, but maybe I'm underestimatng that motor.
Price for the Glastron is 2300.

I'm leaning towards the Silverline because I've talked to the owner several times and he has maintained it very well, in addition to replacing the floor just two or three years ago.
Going to look at both boats this weekend.

 

[mthieme]

Re: silverline boats?

My dad insists I would regret making the transition from OB to I/O, but from what I've heard I/Os are just as reliable but require closer attention and more frequent maintenance.

Do not be afraid of an I/O.
I've had many of each and the I/O's are cheaper in the long run.

 

[fishdog4449]

Re: silverline boats?

Mtheime,
thats what I was thinking, until I went and looked at the boat and it turns out when the original owner upgraded from a 3.0L mercruiser (base engine) he didn't put a marine engine in. The 250 chevy engine appears to be from a truck or other non marine application. It runs great and the alpha one is in great shape, but I've heard horror stories about putting non-marine engines in boats.
..was wondering why the price was so low!

 

[mthieme]

Re: silverline boats?

The biggest difference from a marine and car engine is that the marine engine has been water/rust proofed to a degree...brass freeze plugs, no steel gaskets (head), marine parts where applicable (starter, flame arrester, etc.). As long as the job was done right, you're good. This needs to be checked out though, you don't want a rebuild on your hands.
Cheap is relative. $1,400 for a boat pushing 40 years old may not be "cheap".
Trihulls were popular in their day, but I can't remember the last time I saw a new one. You can pick them up around here all day long under $2K.

 

[fishdog4449]

Re: silverline boats?

Well he dropped the price to 900 but I still think I might pass.