Help first time boat owner decide between these 2 boats!!

I am a first time boat owner, have had them in the family but now its my turn! I am trying to decide on 2 boats.
1- 1994 Maxum 2700SCR with the single 454 merc. Excellent condition, only about 400 hours and a brand new trailer. Asking 12,000
2- 1998 Stingray 240CS in incredible condition and maintained and has the original fuel-injected Chevrolet Alpha Mercruiser engine that was recently rebuilt.
Both seem like great deals, any insight or opinions, I am open to all. Thank you so much!!
Doug

Re: Help first time boat owner decide between these 2 boats!!

If the Stingray was so well maintained, it wouldn't need a rebuilt engine, which it probably needed because of neglect. Rebuilt means the engine is not original, just the block of iron is.

Aren't these two completely different types of vessels? The first is going to be much, much bigger; the second is more compact than just 3' would indicate -- no?

Salt water boats? The Stingray probably had some rotten something or the other -- riser/mani -- lead to water intrusion.

Re: Help first time boat owner decide between these 2 boats!!

I enjoy picking boats for other people . . .

I'm going with the 2700 SCR, even though I am not a fan of Maxum's. Bigger will be better. 454 Mercruiser should be enough to move it along, although it may not be a rocketship.

You did not state what size engine is in the Stingray . . . maybe it is the 5.7, Stingrays tend to be light boats, but the cruiser versions would pack on the pounds. I would also stay away from a 'recent rebuild' , as often they are for sale because the rebuild did not meet expectations and is causing problems. More details would have to be known, but it is a 'red flag'. If the boat has been used for a couple of seasons with no issues after the rebuild, then no cause for concern

Use NADAguides.com to cross check the pricing.

Boats of this age group are prime candidates for early stages of structural rot. So, you want to spend some time looking below via the engine room for things that don't look too good.

When are we going for a test ride?

Re: Help first time boat owner decide between these 2 boats!!

Thanks to you both for the insight. Here is what the Stingray owner had to say about it....
This boat was my divorce present to myself and has been my baby ever since. It had 100 hours on it
when I bought it, it has about 493 on it now.
The boat is in top running condition and has been maintained by Adams and Durvin Marine. It is a 1998 model, so you will be pleased to know that just about everything in the engine compartment is new ? alternator, engine
computer, wiring, batteries, pumps all clean, etc This boat gets an amazing 6 gal per hour fuel economy. All my friends with larger boats are always jealous ? theirs just go slower and use more fuel! This is the original fuel-injected Chevrolet Alpha Mercruiser engine; my boyfriend owned Citizens Machine Shop and at about 420 hours I had him rebuild it for me. receipts since I bought the boat. Top speed is about 48 mph. Cruising rpms are about 3200. I have been asking to see it but she says she got the trailer inspected and it needed to new rollers.
I do not know too much more about the Maxum and (New trailer) other than it has been in covered storage for the last 7 years. They are retired and never use the boat. I am going to see it tomorrow.

Thanks again for the insight gentleman. I look forward to your responses and advice!

Re: Help first time boat owner decide between these 2 boats!!

alaskahammer said:

Thanks to you both for the insight. Here is what the Stingray owner had to say about it....
This boat was my divorce present to myself and has been my baby ever since. It had 100 hours on it
when I bought it, it has about 493 on it now.
The boat is in top running condition and has been maintained by Adams and Durvin Marine. It is a 1998 model, so you will be pleased to know that just about everything in the engine compartment is new ? alternator, engine
computer, wiring, batteries, pumps all clean, etc This boat gets an amazing 6 gal per hour fuel economy. All my friends with larger boats are always jealous ? theirs just go slower and use more fuel! This is the original fuel-injected Chevrolet Alpha Mercruiser engine; my boyfriend owned Citizens Machine Shop and at about 420 hours I had him rebuild it for me. receipts since I bought the boat. Top speed is about 48 mph. Cruising rpms are about 3200. I have been asking to see it but she says she got the trailer inspected and it needed to new rollers.
I do not know too much more about the Maxum and (New trailer) other than it has been in covered storage for the last 7 years. They are retired and never use the boat. I am going to see it tomorrow.

Thanks again for the insight gentleman. I look forward to your responses and advice!

Click to expand...

Run from that stingray. Sounds like it was sunk

Re: Help first time boat owner decide between these 2 boats!!

It's NOT the original engine. If you dropped over 5,000 bucks on a rebuild, you'd never call it the original engine. It's either an original engine or a rebuilt engine.

It's got red flags all over it: the main one being an ignorant owner, or a lying owner. Neither fares well here.

Re: Help first time boat owner decide between these 2 boats!!

alaskahammer said:

This boat gets an amazing 6 gal per hour fuel economy. !

Click to expand...

Bwaahaaahhhhaaa!

Okay, not saying anything bad about the boat, but between that and the 48 mph comment, suggest you verify everything he tells you. And have it surveyed before you buy.

My .02