[middleton1]

2000 Princecraft Pro 166/2000 Evinrude 70 4-strokeI'm considering purchasing this boat. It's an aluminum deep v, walk-thru windshield, fish and ski type. It is a new boat, has been sitting on the showroom floor since 2000. Price is $11,900 with no add-ons or accessories.Hull weight is 995#, 6 person capacity, and is rated at 90 hp. I'm a little concerned about the weight of the 4-stroke and not having max power.I have two questions (I'm looking forward to JBs answers on this as I know he has the Suzuki DF70):1. Is the weight to power ratio on this deep v-hull acceptable if we plan on skiing and cruising with 4 adults and kids?2. What possible problems could result in the engine sitting idle for so long?This forum is awesome, I have learned much from it.

[CalicoKid]

Is this the model you're considering? That's pretty roomy for a 16 footer and may be alright for 4 people but looks tight for 6. Do you plan on spending most of your time on Lake Mendota?

[middleton1]

Hi CalicoKid,Yes, that's the model and yes, most of the time on Mendota. Our current boat is a fiberglass 15-foot trihull we have been using for years. It has about a 2'x4' area of open floor space, so this boat seemed like a dance hall compared to that. We are limited by storage space for the boat, so going beyond 17 feet would be difficult.Does the 70 4-stoke seem like enough to you?

[Ripsnort]

FWIW:NADA shows that same boat with motor and trailer listed at $9,900 USD. Canadian $$ mileage may vary.

[middleton1]

Yes, I checked NADA. The $9900 is for that boat with a 2-stroke 50 hp. The one I'm looking at is for a 4-stroke 70. It would come with a 2-year warranty on the motor, liftime on the hull.Thanks for your feedback. Any other opinions on value and performance?

[DJ]

Middleton1,The 70 will be more than adequate, just make sure it is propped correctly. A 90 would make it a real flyer.Since the engine is EFI, sitting for a long period will probably not be an issue as far as the fuel system goes. I really would not worry about that aspect of it.

[crazy charlie]

Sounds like a good deal.Keep in mind that nada asumes the boat has been used.This is new.The difference is worth it.You can also make a lower offer.I am sure the dealer is tired of looking at it on the showroom for that long.Charlie

[JB]

That boat is about the same size and weight as my Whaler, Middleton.You should have no worries about the weight or performance of the Suzi. You will love it.I suggest that you start with a 17" prop, with maybe a 15" for towing toys.Bon Voyage

[POINTER94]

Looks like a great buy, I really like how open that is. Lots of room for a 17 footer. Try and get the goodies for the boat if they are fixed on the price. Engine hourmeter, depthfinder, really big cooler.. Perfect boat for mendota.

[CalicoKid]

Hi Middleton, I drive a 16' shallow vee Baja with 110 hp on the WI River and I wouldn't think of taking it out on Lake Mendota or the rest of the chain for that matter, I'd get pounded to death. On the other hand, I wouldn't try taking that 16' Princecraft up the WI River past the I-90 bridge where I like to play either. So here's the deal: I really like that Princecraft and four stroke OB but I can't have another boat. You buy the Princecraft and we'll trade boats and lakes every other weekend. Seriously, If I was on the Madison Chain, with the big lakes, locks, etc. I'd want a boat pretty much set up like that one. I wouldn't mind a few extra horsepower but you can never get enough right? There's a lot of no-wake area and time on those lakes and the Yahara River and that 4 stroke would be wonderful in those situations.

[middleton1]

Thanks everyone for your feedback.I pulled trigger and bought the boat yesterday. We dealed and got sunpads for the bow area and split bench seats for the back. They are rigging it up and as soon as I can, I'm getting it out.I have a long line of people waiting for a ride. It's funny how they didn't care too much about riding in my old boat!Calico, I haven't taken my old boat on Lake Wisconsin because I don't have power trim and tilt. This boat may make the trip. The neighbor always does great for walleyes up there.I'll post a pic when I take delivery.Thanks again for the feedback.

[rogerwa]

Just going from the 50Hp Force to the 70 Evinrude will seem like a ton more horsepower. It will be a totally different boating experience.Similar to when I went from a pull start engine to a electric start. I owned a 50 Hp Force and it served me fine. But it was not very powerful 50hP rating or not. Besides it was noisy and smelly. Yo will be in a different more enjoyable world.

[mellowyellow]

resale value for a 4yr old boat will be muchlower even if it is unused.... what does a 2004cost? $15K?curious,M.Y.

[middleton1]

Hi Mellowyellow,Edited. Sorry Middleton, solitations to sell are not allowed on the message boards. We have had the Sea Sprite trihull since it was new (Dad bought it and we grew up with it). I'll likely keep this one for 30 years too, so resale wasn't too much of a factor.

[mellowyellow]

understand it's a longshot, but if she sinkstomorrow, insurance claims will sure use it againstyou.safe boating,M.Y.

[middleton1]

Sorry about breaking the rules. I'm new at this. And I was kidding about selling the Sea Sprite. It's a family heirloom, I don't know what we'll do with it. It's like an old friend.

[mellowyellow]

PS. I have a 72' 16' seasprite tri-hull bow-riderin MY barn (yellow) safe boating,M.Y.