Need some inputs about bow riders

Blackbart5

Seaman
Joined
Jun 8, 2015
Messages
68
Hello, I'm looking to get rid of my pontoon. I've been searching for bowriders. I'm looking for 22/26ft in length due to the size of family(10/13 inlaws included). With my budget, I'm looking at late ninetys boats, ('95 and newer). I'm hearing of there are several "best" brands out there. I would like to hear some opinions from you guys as to which boats of this length and years are good boats. I have one I'm looking at but I don't wanna start a discussion about just THAT BOAT, so I will not reveal the name. Thank you.
 

thumpar

Admiral
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Jun 21, 2007
Messages
6,138
I am partial to Crownline. Cobalt is another great one. I know there are more upper tier boats but those come to mind first.
 

cptrick3

Petty Officer 2nd Class
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Apr 11, 2015
Messages
157
I rented a 24' Hurricane deck boat on my last trip to Florida. The brand was new to me but what a great boat that turned out to be. Cobalt and Formulas are great boats but I think your paying a premium for the name.
 

Blackbart5

Seaman
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Jun 8, 2015
Messages
68
Thank you for the input so far. The boat I'm looking at is a 1997 crownline 266br with the 7.4. I'm not liking the idea of a 454 due to the fuel line the size of a garden hose. I was also looking at a 1996 mariah 27ft.......can any body tell me the pros and cons of a 1995-1998 crownline br please.......handle, quality, perks, things of that nature. Thanks
 

tpenfield

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Jul 18, 2011
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Any boat of that size range . . . 26-27 feet . . . is going to use a fair amount of fuel versus a small bowrider. You are sooo much better off getting the bigger engine, because they do not use that much more fuel for a larger boat, and in some cases can actually use less fuel than an underpowered boat.

So, don't go getting a big boat / smaller engine thinking that you are saving fuel.

In general, expect about 2.5 mpg regardless of engine size.
 
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thumpar

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Jun 21, 2007
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I have a 1996 Crownline 202BR. They are well built and have the little extra features you only find on the high end boats. I agree on sticking with the big engine. If you were to get a boat that size with a smaller engine I will have to really work hard to get on plane and get any decent speed. Since the 266 you are looking at has the 7.4l I would figure it has the Bravo 1 or 3. The Bravo 3 would be a major plus.
 

Blackbart5

Seaman
Joined
Jun 8, 2015
Messages
68
I have a 1996 Crownline 202BR. They are well built and have the little extra features you only find on the high end boats. I agree on sticking with the big engine. If you were to get a boat that size with a smaller engine I will have to really work hard to get on plane and get any decent speed. Since the 266 you are looking at has the 7.4l I would figure it has the Bravo 1 or 3. The Bravo 3 would be a major plus.
........why would the bravo drives be a plus? It is a duel prop outdrive, is the Volvo just as good?
 
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tpenfield

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No huge advantage of one brand vs. the other(Merc vs VP ) . . . more an advantage of the dual prop drives vs. single prop, which both brands have . . .
 

444

Senior Chief Petty Officer
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Jul 16, 2010
Messages
704
For that age of boat, I would worry more about condition than brand. One that's been well maintained, kept dry, etc.
 

thumpar

Admiral
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Jun 21, 2007
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........why would the bravo drives be a plus? It is a duel prop outdrive, is the Volvo just as good?
A Volvo would be fine but most Crownlines have Merc. What I really meant was the dual prop would be a plus.
 

bruceb58

Supreme Mariner
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Mar 5, 2006
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30,454
Dual props are the best. Way easier to get up on plane and way easier to maneuver at slow speeds. Volvo and Merc Bravos are both good.

I have seen many Crownlines with Volvos. A neighbor of mine up in Lake Tahoe has one.

A Merc Bravo is a plus over a Merc Alpha but if you are looking at boats with big blocks like a 7.4, They will be Bravos unless you are looking at a much older boat.
 
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Blackbart5

Seaman
Joined
Jun 8, 2015
Messages
68
Guys, thanks for all the input. I have my list of things to check as I hope it checks out ok. I would really like to purchase this boat. It's big/roomy/powerful. Just what I'm looking for. But rest assured, I will walk if I see any sign of water where it's not supposed to be.
 
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