Buying a new (to me) boat

ctb1010

Seaman Apprentice
Joined
Mar 23, 2015
Messages
32
Hey everyone. I just sold my 1990 Chaparral so now I'm in the market for a new bowrider for my family to take out on the lake. My price point is right around $5000.00. There's a few boats I'm looking at, but I'm having trouble finding reviews of the models. So I'm wondering, which boats are generally of higher quality? Right now I'm looking at a 2001 Bayliner, 2001 Sylvan, 2002 Glastron, 1997 Stingray and 1994 Chaparral. I'm really not familiar with Sylvan, Glastron or Stingray boats, so any general information would be useful. I'm currently leaning towards the newer boats particularly the Sylvan and the Glastron. The Glastron comes up in Nada for $10,000.00 and the guy is asking $6400.00 but it's only a 17 foot boat (I'd prefer a 19 foot).

Any tips are appreciated. Here are the postings if anyone has the time or inclination to look more in detail:

http://richmond.craigslist.org/boa/4992644953.html
http://richmond.craigslist.org/boa/4994086175.html
http://richmond.craigslist.org/bod/4971044776.html
http://richmond.craigslist.org/boa/4990234369.html
http://richmond.craigslist.org/boa/4994702788.html
 

Starcraft5834

Lieutenant Commander
Joined
Jun 2, 2013
Messages
1,677
Condition is everything..what might be considered the "cheapest boat" on your list might be the best one... the finest boat by name on your list left out in a field to rot is worth little. check em out.. "the lake" you speak of,, if you are planning on going to large ones,, bigger is better in the boating world for sure...windy days you will appreciate being in a 20ft boat, compared to 17..
 

ctb1010

Seaman Apprentice
Joined
Mar 23, 2015
Messages
32
Thanks for the tips. I do realize that the condition matters. These boats all seem to be in similar condition and that's why I'm trying to figure out what the quality differences between the boats in general might be. The top of my list is the Sylvan boat. It checks everything off my list, upgraded 4.3 engine, 19ft in size. My only concern is I'm having trouble finding anything about that brand of boat, and I'm not familiar with it at all. The Glastron is interesting to me because at least according to Nada I could be picking up a boat for about $4000.00 less than the Nada value.
 

JaCrispy

Petty Officer 1st Class
Joined
Jul 8, 2014
Messages
391
What engine in the Chaparral? One owner is always nice, looks well cared for.
 

ctb1010

Seaman Apprentice
Joined
Mar 23, 2015
Messages
32
The Chaparral owner hasn't gotten back to me with what engine it has. I'm hoping he gets back to me soon. The pictures look too good to be true to me. I've heard of some stories of people going to look at boats and the owner posted pics from when the boat was brand new and not 20 years old. We'll see. I'm concerned that he's asking $6000.00 when Nada says $4600.00 if it has an upgraded engine. If Nada says $4600.00 I'd like to pay around $4200 and even then I'm buying a 21 year old boat, when that Sylvan is only 14 years old.
 

tpenfield

Moderator
Staff member
Joined
Jul 18, 2011
Messages
17,620
Brand-wise, Chaparral would be a bit higher than the Bayliner, Glastron or Stingray. I am not familiar with the Sylvan though. As stated, condition is the determining factor, but the Chappy would start off on a higher plane IMO.
 

Mule Laker

Petty Officer 2nd Class
Joined
Sep 10, 2012
Messages
140
Brand-wise, Chaparral would be a bit higher than the Bayliner, Glastron or Stingray. I am not familiar with the Sylvan though. As stated, condition is the determining factor, but the Chappy would start off on a higher plane IMO.

That's true.

The Sylvan is a lower priced product. I would think you'd get the most for the Chappy, and then the Glastron after that. But yeah, I'd want whichever boat is maintained and stored properly first. Funny, only one of the sellers even claims to have maintained their boat. Receipts?
 

Slip Away

Lieutenant
Joined
May 11, 2010
Messages
1,431
Pass on the 3.0L Chap. Not sure anything on your list would be something I would consider. Keep looking.
 

ctb1010

Seaman Apprentice
Joined
Mar 23, 2015
Messages
32
I'm taking the Sylvan out on Sunday. It checks everything on my list. If it looks well maintained I may make an offer.
 
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