Thinking of trading in for older but bigger boat

[Maxum21]

so, Ive been kicking around the idea of trading in my 2014 Stingray (20'5") bowrider/150 Yamaha in for a low hour 2007 Regal 2400 bowrider with a v8 volvo duo-prop i/o. I bought my stingray brand new last year and i like it, but a larger boat allowing more people on board would be nice now that i live on a lake. My thoughts on the Regal are: Its probably a higher end boat, will ride smoother in chop, has a massive swim platform and most importantly will fit more passengers. The cons: it will use more gas, more engine/drive maintenance compared to my 4stroke outboard, and its 7 years older.. The book values are surprisingly close between the two and the dealer is willing to make an even trade. My current boat still has 2 year engine warranty remaining which makes the decision even harder.. Would this trade be a bad move? Been giving this alot of thought and but making a decision has proven to be difficult. I'd like to hear any opinions/thoughts you might have. thanks!


I tried adding a picture of the 2 boats as an attachment, but the pic uploads upside down every single time i try. Is there an obvious way to rotate the picture thats uploaded off your computer?!?!

 

[NYBo]

If your current boat no longer meets your "needs", go for it. JMHO!

 

[Scott Danforth]

I sold my 2002 19' bowrider for a 1988 24' cuddy. Condition means more than age.

 

[JoLin]

Is this a fresh water boat? If not, it's time for manifolds and risers.

Only you can decide if this trade is worth it to you. In no way, shape or form does it make sense financially. You're taking a huge depreciation hit on the Stingray. But, if you can't make the Stingray work for you, you won't enjoy it. I'd spend a lot of time deciding what it is I want and need- you won't want to do this again in another year.

On the plus side, the Regal will be a hot rod, if that's what you're looking for. My 1999 Chris Craft 24' express cruiser with that drivetrain could hit mid-40's. It was heavier and had a deeper V than that Regal. You oughta touch 50 mph. I assume you've read the test report at boattest.com?

http://www.boattest.com/oem/237/boats/214/0/off/640x360

My .02

 

[Maxum21]

i was told the Regal has been used in saltwater, but flushed and kept on indoor rack. engine hours under 100.. I did check out boattest and according to them this particular regal/motor combo will top out at 47. My stingray actually outperforms it in every aspect from 0-30, top end, mpg etc, but the regal has about 2000lbs on it so it will absolutely provide a much better ride and of course fit more people aboard. Did you have a dual prop outdrive on your chris craft? I bet its an awesome drive and I heard it handles extremely well when docking, but if it ever had to be replaced i'm sure it'd cost a small fortune?

 

[tpenfield]

If you can make that swap without much cash involved, it sounds like a decent deal. As long as the Regal is in good condition, there is nothing substantially wrong about trading for an older boat. You might be hitting some maintenance items with the older boat, but still would be worthwhile to have more boat.

 

[keith2k455]

I think you're in a good position - have a nice boat that no longer fits your needs combined with opportunity to swap for a boat that will fit your needs. See if you can get manifolds and risers as part of the deal, to make it a no brainer.

 

[Maxum21]

should I automatically assume the man/risers are bad due to the age? good idea on asking them to include new ones into the deal(if they are in fact bad).. bellows, gimbal bearings, manifolds and risers are all what make me like my outboard. but i'm sure its real nice having a large full width swim platform.
thank you guys for your input

 

[JoLin]

i was told the Regal has been used in saltwater, but flushed and kept on indoor rack. engine hours under 100.. I did check out boattest and according to them this particular regal/motor combo will top out at 47. My stingray actually outperforms it in every aspect from 0-30, top end, mpg etc, but the regal has about 2000lbs on it so it will absolutely provide a much better ride and of course fit more people aboard. Did you have a dual prop outdrive on your chris craft? I bet its an awesome drive and I heard it handles extremely well when docking, but if it ever had to be replaced i'm sure it'd cost a small fortune?

Yes, I had the duo-prop and really liked it. They're pricey (especially the props) but they're a simpler, more robust design than the Bravo 3. If it's in good shape and well maintained it'll stay that way for a long, long time. I would never, ever take a seller's word for it that the engine had been flushed after every outing.

Rack storage isn't popular around here and I have no experience (so correct me if I have this all wrong) but I question who would have taken the time to flush it? Guy pulls in, they lift the boat, transport it to the rack- at what point is it being put on muffs for 20 minutes to flush the engine?

My .02

 

[keith2k455]

I question who would have taken the time to flush it?

Me too. I seriously doubt it was flushed

 

[Maxum21]

from what i understand, some rack storage places will flush them and some wont. I'm being told this boat was at place that did..whether it actually was or not, who knows. i'm going to look it over well. The problem is if there is corrosion, its most likely going to be internally( engine cooling passages & such) where it cant be seen correct? Ive also read that if the props aren't removed/greased regularly on these duo-drives, they freeze on the shaft and are next to impossible to get off without a torch. That could be an indication of lack of maintenance. Maybe i should consider getting a survey? worth the cost?

 

[keith2k455]

Some guys swear by the survey, this may be a chance for someone to weigh in on these specific questions and whether or not it would be checked through a survey.