Torn between two used boats

[G22inSC]

Re: Torn between two used boats

What lake in SC?

Keowee or Jocassee. Hartwell is too shallow and too nasty.

Let me know where your located and I'll be glad to scan some boats for you.
Mike

Upstate SC

 

[mpdive]

Re: Torn between two used boats

I have the option of two different used boats for the family.

1. 2003 Glastron SX175 with 3.0 (no carpet, swing-a-way tongue that will fit in garage)
2. 2003 Chaparral SS180 with 4.3 (carpet I think on top of wood floor, trailer that will need modifying to fit in the garage, higher cost)

I am leaning towards the Glastron because I would not have to worry about a rotten wood floor or altering the trailer to fit in the garage. I know it has a smaller engine; however, the wife complains about higher speed cruising anyways. I am trying to justify that by thinking of the better gas mileage with the 4 cylinder. I am a complete rookie to buying boats and just found these locally. What do you'll think? Which is the better boat? Thanks.

Just a few that caught my eye right away...
http://greenville.craigslist.org/boa/2572555035.html
http://greenville.craigslist.org/boa/2561326156.html
http://greenville.craigslist.org/boa/2570975169.html Be easy to water test
http://greenville.craigslist.org/boa/2570406904.html I would look real hard at this one

I'll send more if you want me to

 

[G22inSC]

Re: Torn between two used boats

I had actually already looked at all those except the Bryant

Just a few that caught my eye right away...
http://greenville.craigslist.org/boa/2572555035.html
Not sure about the Stingray
http://greenville.craigslist.org/boa/2561326156.html
Don't like the back/back seat on the Bayliner
http://greenville.craigslist.org/boa/2570975169.html Be easy to water test
If the motor was a Yamaha would probably jump on it. Not sure about the Johnson
http://greenville.craigslist.org/boa/2570406904.html I would look real hard at this one
You might be on to something with this one. I don't really know anything about Bryants.

This is the chaparral I had found. Just can't get a face to face with the guy.
http://greenville.craigslist.org/boa/2535923703.html

Keep the ideas coming....
I would prefer a two-stroke outboard but I know that is asking a lot in this day and time. I have to keep it under approximately 20'7" total length with trailer in order to fit in the garage. That means I have to really hunt for a swing-a-way trailer and probably 18' and under (maybe even 17' and under). I prefer captains chairs and either no carpet or snap-in carpet. My list is making it extremely difficult to find a suitable candidate. Thanks for any help.

 

[V153]

Re: Torn between two used boats

Good suggestions mp. Never heard of one but I'd take a long hard look at that Bryant. The 4.3 is a major incentive.

Stingray is a good boat too & probably a faster/more efficient hull. The 18 w/3.0 has been clocked in excess of 50mph.

 

[V153]

Re: Torn between two used boats

I would prefer a two-stroke outboard

Hmm. Not to be sarcastic cuz I'm learning how sensitive people here can be. But if that's the case then why waste everyone's time asking their opinion re a 18-19' I/O when what you really want is a 17' OB?! Sorry but I guess I just don't understand the logic?

 

[G22inSC]

Re: Torn between two used boats

Hmm. Not to be sarcastic cuz I'm learning how sensitive people here can be. But if that's the case then why waste everyone's time asking their opinion re a 18-19' I/O when what you really want is a 17' OB?! Sorry but I guess I just don't understand the logic?

Trust me...you're not hurting my feelings. That is what I would prefer; however, I can't find anything with a two-stroke outboard except for bass boats. If I can find a good, sound I/O that is in the right price range then I will jump on it. As far as length, that comes down to a case by case basis. I just have to take a tape measure, trim the motor down and possibly turn to the side and then measure the total length to the end point on the trailer. I know every boat and trailer combination is a little different which is why I am leaving my options open initially to see as many as possible. If it goes far enough for a meet, it then has to pass the "steel tape" test.

 

[mpdive]

Re: Torn between two used boats

Good suggestions mp. Never heard of one but I'd take a long hard look at that Bryant. The 4.3 is a major incentive.

Stingray is a good boat too & probably a faster/more efficient hull. The 18 w/3.0 has been clocked in excess of 50mph.

I love my Stingray. It has been problem free for the past 2 years. Bought it with no water test. I am going to attempt bellow replacement next month once I put my bravery shoes on. After working on cars for 25 years I'm hoping it's no big deal. Don't tell the original poster but I'm going to push him towards the Stingray. Mum's the word......I will send him a subliminal message....uybay the ingraystay LOL

 

[G22inSC]

Re: Torn between two used boats

I love my Stingray. It has been problem free for the past 2 years. Bought it with no water test. I am going to attempt bellow replacement next month once I put my bravery shoes on. After working on cars for 25 years I'm hoping it's no big deal. Don't tell the original poster but I'm going to push him towards the Stingray. Mum's the word......I will send him a subliminal message....uybay the ingraystay LOL

I already received an email response on the Stingray. When asked, they stated it had gelcoat cracks, was stored in the driveway and had no maintenance records. I'm not sure about the rear seat. I can't tell by the pic but it looks a little different. So far the downside to the Bryant (and the Stingray) is no swing-a-way trailer. I would have to cut and insert the "kit" to fit the garage.

 

[mpdive]

Re: Torn between two used boats

Might be worth the install to find the right boat. In my opinion the most important aspect is going to be hull condition. Next is the drivetrain. After that. the secondarys such as cables, wiring, bellows, etc... The point here is to concentrate on a solid boat. If your willing to pay up to 10,000 for a boat, then finding a nice one for 7,000 gives you three thousand to solve your trailer problem whether that be a kit or a good used trailer. Don't let a trailer problem prevent you from a solid purchase. Dad always said, "don't jump over a dime to pick up a penny".

 

[mpdive]

Re: Torn between two used boats

Couple more...
http://columbia.craigslist.org/boa/2538948844.html
http://columbia.craigslist.org/boa/2545878488.html Extend your garage Nice
http://columbia.craigslist.org/boa/2500985802.html

 

[CaptOchs]

Re: Torn between two used boats

Given the comments, I'd agree to pass on the Glastron. There are plenty of boats out there. If you have to pass on these two, don't worry about it. If you're more of an outboard guy, look for an outboard. I would look for a 4-stroke though. If you're spending over $2k, it's worth it to get a mechanic check it out so there are no surprises. Check out a few Marinas too. If you tell them what you're looking for, they might be able to find it.

 

[TilliamWe]

Re: Torn between two used boats

I know you'll say it is expensive and difficult to repair, but how do you repair it? I am assuming that is something left for the pros. I just really don't want to make that the deal breaker. Seems to be a good boat otherwise.

You have to GRIND out the gelcoat, letting the WATER that is trapped under it to run out. Then you have to let the underlying fiberglass dry out. The repair are gets MUCH larger than just where you can see the bumps, because the water has/will wick into the fiberglass under it. So you end up grinding off about 2-3 times the area of gelcoat. Dry it out. Lay in any fiberglass matting if your is damaged. (Time consuming) Seal it with epoxy (expensive material), then re-gelcoat the entire area, hoping you get it to match and that it's smooth. (It isn't applied like paint) If you have that time and ability, then it's not a deal breaker. But if that section blistered, there are others, you just haven't seen them or they haven't appeared yet.
Not a good choice for a first boat.

 

[G22inSC]

Re: Torn between two used boats

If you're spending over $2k, it's worth it to get a mechanic check it out so there are no surprises.

I've never done this before. How do you work this into the deal? I wouldn't assume the seller would be willing to let you leave with their boat to trailer it to a mechanic.

 

[andyk2]

Re: Torn between two used boats

I know where you can get a 19 foot Wellcraft with a 3.0 for $3750. Looked like maybe 1990 model or so. Supposed to be garage kept, pics look nice. Would be a good starter boat IMO.

 

[Knightrider2]

Re: Torn between two used boats

So far ... Sounds to me the boat has not been quite as meticulously maintained as the po might have you believe. And it appears you're trying to talk yourself into it regardless. Don't do it. Pass. Be patient. Leave your money in the bank & shop for something in better condition.

2nd this comment. You can find better for your money. Just take your time and you will find the right boat.

 

[G22inSC]

Re: Torn between two used boats

Here is another boat I looked at today. It is the '97 Bryant 182 Limited linked in the earlier post. The hull looks much better...

How does the engine look? I didn't notice anything strange in person; however, the pic seems to show some pitting on the exhaust manifold. This is not what the so called "motor run too hot" looks like is it?

Think I may make an offer on this one unless you'll say otherwise. He is wanting $7500.00. Thought that might be a little high.

 

[TilliamWe]

Re: Torn between two used boats

The only problem with that engine is those exhaust manifolds. They don't make them anymore. Those are called the "batwing" manifolds. So when they go bad, it's costs about $1000 to replace them with traditional 2 piece manifolds.

 

[mpdive]

Re: Torn between two used boats

That's a nice looking boat. Let him know about the replacement issue with the manifolds, and make him an offer based on you having to replace them. I think you may be pleased with this one!

 

[G22inSC]

Re: Torn between two used boats

That's a nice looking boat. Let him know about the replacement issue with the manifolds, and make him an offer based on you having to replace them. I think you may be pleased with this one!

I want to make sure we are on the same page. Make an offer based on the estimate of the price of replacing the manifolds being deducted. I'm thinking you'll don't actually think they automatically need replacing right now. Is this correct?

 

[jmarty10]

Re: Torn between two used boats

This ain't your daddy's Glastron. Yes they now use VEC, but their quality ain't anything like it used to be. They build light, cheap boats today. Of course this Chaparral is from their "light, cheap" line as well.

Really? Modern day technology vs daddy's glastron full of wood. I'll take a vec hull anyday than a rig full of wood.