New Boat ....Finally

[redneck joe]

Another six years older so watch for the usuals.

 

[SDSeville]

Another six years older so watch for the usuals.

​Yeah, will definitely get a survey.

 

[SDSeville]

OK. I am getting close to making a decision on these 2 boats. They both appear to be in similar condition (not yet surveyed) and have almost identical hours on the motors (332 and 350) and both have brand new full camper type enclosures.

1998 Maxum 2700 SCR with 7.4 Merc (with trailer) 9'6" Beam $15,000
2003 Larson 274 Cabrio with 5.7 Volvo $25,000 8'6" Beam

Any suggestions?

 

[SkiDad]

nice looking boat !

 

[SDSeville]

Thanks SkiDad. The Maxum looks almost identical to the Larson.

 

[Maclin]

Quite a price difference especially if no trailer with the Larson. The Larson seems nicely equipped inside. Aside from from the canvas, are the two boats equipped similarly regarding head, sinks, galley, etc.? If not is that even an issue?

Larson is newer, but no trailer.
Maxum has the bigger engine and comes with trailer for half the moolah..But no equipment is listed to compare to, may not be in the same league so to speak..

 

[SDSeville]

Quite a price difference especially if no trailer with the Larson. The Larson seems nicely equipped inside. Aside from from the canvas, are the two boats equipped similarly regarding head, sinks, galley, etc.? If not is that even an issue?

Larson is newer, but no trailer.
Maxum has the bigger engine and comes with trailer for half the moolah..But no equipment is listed to compare to, may not be in the same league so to speak..

​The boats are almost identical with equipment (radar, GPS, VHF,...) and layout (seating, cabin, sinks, microwaves, stovetops, heads...). The Larson comes with an aftermarket bait tank bolted to the swim step and I am not sure if the Maxum's GPS includes a fish finder.

​Here is a link to the craigslist ad for the Maxum -

https://orangecounty.craigslist.org/boa/5522838920.html

 

[redneck joe]

Beam baby beam. Trust me, been there. Plus trai,er if youhave the tow vehicle.


Survey

 

[SDSeville]

Upon further inspection --

​The Maxum has a wider beam but the Larson measures 6" to 1' wider throughout the cabin and cockpit.

The Maxum has spent 1 year in the water and was trailered the rest of its life (guy lives 1 mile from the harbor), while the Larson has spent its entire life in the water. Does that matter?

 

[roffey]

I've had crappy luck buying used boats but I would think a survey would tell the whole story, as they say condition is every thing.

 

[redneck joe]

Upon further inspection --

​The Maxum has a wider beam but the Larson measures 6" to 1' wider throughout the cabin and cockpit.

The Maxum has spent 1 year in the water and was trailered the rest of its life (guy lives 1 mile from the harbor), while the Larson has spent its entire life in the water. Does that matter?

Not really what matters is how it was taken care of, especially if it was effectively covered. Effectively being the key word

 

[Old Ironmaker]

We actually spent a few days last summer on a identical Larson. We launched from Long Point Bay Ontario and took the run across lake Erie to Erie PA. We had fair weather the entire trip. She handled very well and it didn't seem crowded with 4 adults aboard. If I remember our cruising speed was in the low 30's at around 4K RPM but don't quote me. We were glued to all the wind and weather sites before we left each port. A very nice boat. If she's solid you won't be unhappy with her.

 

[pckeen]

I like you thinking - go for the bigger boat - you'll be happier in the long run.

 

[SDSeville]

Wound up going with the Maxum. The Larson was a little cleaner (Maxum owner just got back from a weekend in Catalina with his family and hadn't detailed it to get it ready for sale), but the Maxum was so much less expensive for a very similar boat. ...and until a few months ago the Maxum was owned by the seller's 75 year old uncle (original owner), not abused at all. Survey to come Monday. I will keep you posted.

 

[25thmustang]

Did you confirm the Maxum is under the 29.5' length? I would triple check and make certain, as a lot of 27' boats are longer when measured with pulpit, outdrives, etc.

 

[SDSeville]

Did you confirm the Maxum is under the 29.5' length? I would triple check and make certain, as a lot of 27' boats are longer when measured with pulpit, outdrives, etc.

Great point -- measured 28.5. Barely made it.

 

[SDSeville]

So I went with the Maxum. The survey went well. Surveyor was very impressed with the price I paid. Here are a few pics. Will post more later when it is delivered.

 

[bruceb58]

So, what are you planning on towing this with?

 

[SDSeville]

So, what are you planning on towing this with?

It is going in a slip as soon as I have the bottom paint taken care of. PO is delivering it to a boat yard a block from the water. I will either launch with my 1500 or have the boatyard launch for me.

 

[Maclin]

Sounds really good so far :encouragement: