Thinking of upgrading boats - help recommend ones to look at please!

[dirtyoldman]

I have been boating for about four years now. I've owned an 18' Mark twain and currently own a Sea Ray S-21. It measures 23'6" including the swim platform. I think this translates to a 230 today. The biggest reason to get a newer boat is to avoid putting a new interior in this one, we don't want to put more money in a boat that doesn't fit our needs.

Anyway, we have four kids now and want at least one more, maybe next year. Our current boat is feeling small and we're looking to upgrade. The oldest is 7, so the kids are all small. We don't really weekend or have an interest in weekending. We've identified the following criteria:

1) 24'-28' open bow.
2) 260 minimum hp, preferably big block
3) MPI fuel system
4) name brand boat (cobalt, sea ray, etc.)
5) no older than 15 years.
6) 25k budget
7) 10 (preferably 12) people capacity
8) swim platform


My wish list includes:
1) bravo III drive
2) fridge and cooking capability
3) 8'6" beam (this will be trailered)
4) walk through transom

I am looking at the sea ray 280 bow rider and love it! I found a few in my budget but they are older than I would prefer. What else should I look at?

 

[nlain]

Re: Thinking of upgrading boats - help recommend ones to look at please!

Of course SeaRay, Cobalt, Chapperral, or any boat that fits what you want that is in good condition. Be sure to get a survey on whatever you decide on.

 

[DC20]

Re: Thinking of upgrading boats - help recommend ones to look at please!

My last boat was a Larson 248 LXI, all of your needs except cooking and fridge.
An awesome rough water boat with lots of room and seating. 300hp MPI Bravo 3

 

[MikePNJ]

Re: Thinking of upgrading boats - help recommend ones to look at please!

Have you thought about a deck boat?

I was kicking the idea around myself for more room. You get a lot more space in the bow with a wider beam and still have the power to pull skis and tubes and not give up anything in the looks department IMO.

Check out the Hurricane Sundeck and Sundeck Sport models and Nautic Star boats. They make some nice models with windshields that look like a bow rider or a more open cockpit helm area.

www.hurricaneboats.com

www.nauticstarboats.com

I think one of these will be my upgrade in the future. Hurricane is running a great deal on new before March 31st on some models. Too bad i can't swing it just yet

Mike

 

[Philster]

Re: Thinking of upgrading boats - help recommend ones to look at please!

Opposed to twins?

Chaparral 280 SSI Twin Volvo-Penta 5.7 GSI SX. Just an example below of the boat, but ones just a few years older are routinely listed for 29,900. I would think there's a shot to get close to 25k on one.

http://www.desertautoplex.com/web/u...pen-Bow-Boat-Twins-2005-Tempe-Arizona/744264/


EDIT: this is exactly what you are getting at -- http://www.boattrader.com/listing/2004-Chaparral-260-Ssi-101437304

Single engine, Bravo, walk-thru transom, platform, open bow fridge/sink/etc, etc Price 27k

 

[dirtyoldman]

Re: Thinking of upgrading boats - help recommend ones to look at please!

The Mariah 302 looks incredible!! One of our problems was that the kids are little and the smaller ones still need naps. Napping on a boat is next to impossible for them, but I don't want to give up the seating up front to get a cuddy. That looks like a nice compromise.

I am not opposed to twins. I actually like the idea but don't want to deal with extra maintenance.

I have considered a deck boat but generally dislike the lack of windshield and the appearance of them.

I'll need to keep looking fr find some older boats. $25k was pushing the budget a little anyway, and none of the ones shown have trailers. I'll need to trailer the boat.

 

[RotaryRacer]

Re: Thinking of upgrading boats - help recommend ones to look at please!

Take a look at Four Winns also.

The 26' boat from Four Winns is a well liked boat by owners.

http://www.boattrader.com/listing/2004-Four-Winns-250-Horizon-101691571

While the 28 footer from Four Winns has a 9'4" beam it may also be worth a look.

http://www.boattrader.com/listing/2001-Four-Winns-280-Horizon-101692214

 

[dirtyoldman]

Re: Thinking of upgrading boats - help recommend ones to look at please!

I LOVE those floor plans, and the transom seats on the 250!

How big a deal should I make about salt water?

 

[cyclops2]

Re: Thinking of upgrading boats - help recommend ones to look at please!

A HUGE deal to me. Little kids in groups of 4. Going on 5.

You are busy driving & looking for problems. Mother is busy with infant or so big she could not care less or risk being tossed down on the floor.

Salt water to me is a big deal when you are a floating day care center.

I assume you posted that condition last, for a reason ?

 

[Philster]

Re: Thinking of upgrading boats - help recommend ones to look at please!

??????? Cyclops ??????

Salt water requires a more intense survey of exhaust, outdrive and other engine components (when possible) to ensure they are not overdue for replacement. Failure to care for and/or replace a salt water exhaust can result in total engine loss.

Some professional surveyors can make strong recommendations if the condition cannot be guaranteed, such as under their recommendations section of the report, it might include language such as, "replace exhaust risers, manifolds and all gaskets or risk severe engine damage, up to full engine loss, which will require a full rebuild or a remanufactured engine".

If they are really helpful, they might mention that's a 7500-10,000 repair.

So... Factor in the cost of a new exhaust if it hasn't been done.

(Salt water exhausts can have as short as a 3-5 year lifespan. They rust internally and are the number one reason for water intrusion into the engine up to and including hydrolock and total engine failure.).

 

[JoLin]

Re: Thinking of upgrading boats - help recommend ones to look at please!

??????? Some professional surveyors can make strong recommendations if the condition cannot be guaranteed, such as under their recommendations section of the report, it might include language such as, "replace exhaust risers, manifolds and all gaskets or risk severe engine damage, up to full engine loss, which will require a full rebuild or a remanufactured engine".

If they are really helpful, they might mention that's a 7500-10,000 repair.

So... Factor in the cost of a new exhaust if it hasn't been done.

(Salt water exhausts can have as short as a 3-5 year lifespan. They rust internally and are the number one reason for water intrusion into the engine up to and including hydrolock and total engine failure.).

Philster- where you pulling those figures from???

My exhaust manifolds and risers were replaced with Volvo OEM last Spring at a total cost of $3500 (parts and labor) for BOTH engines. AND, Volvo parts are more expensive than Mercruiser or aftermarket. AND, mani's and risers for the 4.3 V-6's are more expensive than for the 5.0 and 5.7 V-8's. I can reasonably expect my new units to last 6-8 years.

Mani and riser replacement on a single V-8 I/O will run you about 1500 bucks, with 1/3-1/2 of that cost being labor.

My .02

 

[tpenfield]

Re: Thinking of upgrading boats - help recommend ones to look at please!

I have been boating for about four years now. I've owned an 18' Mark twain and currently own a Sea Ray S-21. It measures 23'6" including the swim platform. I think this translates to a 230 today. The biggest reason to get a newer boat is to avoid putting a new interior in this one, we don't want to put more money in a boat that doesn't fit our needs.

Anyway, we have four kids now and want at least one more, maybe next year. Our current boat is feeling small and we're looking to upgrade. The oldest is 7, so the kids are all small. We don't really weekend or have an interest in weekending. We've identified the following criteria:

1) 24'-28' open bow.
2) 260 minimum hp, preferably big block
3) MPI fuel system
4) name brand boat (cobalt, sea ray, etc.)
5) no older than 15 years.
6) 25k budget
7) 10 (preferably 12) people capacity
8) swim platform


My wish list includes:
1) bravo III drive
2) fridge and cooking capability
3) 8'6" beam (this will be trailered)
4) walk through transom

I am looking at the sea ray 280 bow rider and love it! I found a few in my budget but they are older than I would prefer. What else should I look at?

Somthing like this ????

http://www.yachtworld.com/boats/2001/Formula-260-BR-2408820/Fort-Lauderdale/FL/United-States

 

[Philster]

Re: Thinking of upgrading boats - help recommend ones to look at please!

Philster- where you pulling those figures from???

My exhaust manifolds and risers were replaced with Volvo OEM last Spring at a total cost of $3500 (parts and labor) for BOTH engines. AND, Volvo parts are more expensive than Mercruiser or aftermarket. AND, mani's and risers for the 4.3 V-6's are more expensive than for the 5.0 and 5.7 V-8's. I can reasonably expect my new units to last 6-8 years.

Mani and riser replacement on a single V-8 I/O will run you about 1500 bucks, with 1/3-1/2 of that cost being labor.

My .02

I was quoting the price of a new engine (reman or rebuild), which can easily be the consequence of not investing in a new exhaust that has rotted out in salt water.

That is all.

The OP did inquire about salt water and whether that is a concern.

Peace.

 

[JoLin]

Re: Thinking of upgrading boats - help recommend ones to look at please!

I was quoting the price of a new engine (reman or rebuild), which can easily be the consequence of not investing in a new exhaust that has rotted out in salt water.

That is all.

The OP did inquire about salt water and whether that is a concern.

Peace.

Thanks for the clarification.

It's fairly simple, really. A mechanical inspection will reveal any current issues. Then, if the seller can't prove that mani's and risers on a salt water boat have been replaced within the last couple of years, the OP needs to factor that cost into his offer price.

That was the situation when I bought my boat at the end of 2010. I paid for it and drove it right to the marina and mechanic. The service was performed before the boat was used again.

 

[RotaryRacer]

Re: Thinking of upgrading boats - help recommend ones to look at please!

I LOVE those floor plans, and the transom seats on the 250!

How big a deal should I make about salt water?

If you look at some Four Winns you will find they do a really good job with layouts and seating. You will also find the quality is good....on par or better than Sea Ray in most cases.

Where are you located? If you can find a fresh water boat that is really the way to go.

 

[MikePNJ]

Re: Thinking of upgrading boats - help recommend ones to look at please!

I have considered a deck boat but generally dislike the lack of windshield and the appearance of them.

I'll need to keep looking fr find some older boats. $25k was pushing the budget a little anyway, and none of the ones shown have trailers. I'll need to trailer the boat.

Both Hurricane and Nordic Star make deck boats with full windshields. They also have enclosed head compartments, sinks, etc. They could fit the used price range your looking at.

I'm in the same situation myself with small kids on board and room. I was looking for Cuddy alternatives myself.

Mike

 

[four winns 214]

Re: Thinking of upgrading boats - help recommend ones to look at please!

I'm done boating with small kids until grandchildren, but a cuddy sure is nice for little ones- shaded, safe place for naps, changing, etc. If you must have an open boat, consider the Four Winns Funship series. I have a FS 214. It's got a great layout, an enclosed porta potti head, a huge swim platform (one of our favorite parts of the boat), and lots of storage. There's no frig, but has a nice spot for a cooler. Frigs on a 20' class of boat are tiny anyway. The cooking would have to be a grill. A used one in that series will fit your budget.