opinions on these boats

[DevonS]

Hey folks. I was wondering if I could get some opinions on a few boats for sale that I'm considering:

1989 Maxum 17ft 3.0L I/O with Alpha One out drive

1986 BAJA 176 Sunsport w/1997 motor

1994 Starcraft

and one that's a 15 hour drive:
1989 Rinker 180 Bowrider 18ft

 

[sbooy42]

Re: opinions on these boats

I like the baja

 

[mortaz]

Re: opinions on these boats

me too

 

[starsnstripers]

Re: opinions on these boats

Doesn't say what eng/drive are in the other three, just the Maxum. If you want better opinions you might want to give equal info for each.

 

[hungupthespikes]

Re: opinions on these boats

BAJA, the outboard is easier to work on/replace. Lots of ponys.

 

[ezmobee]

Re: opinions on these boats

All look to have been well maintained. None have an obsolete power plant. I can't comment on the prices as they all seem ridiculously high to me but I don't know your market. All but the Baja have the base powerplant. The Baja probably screams!

 

[sleekpete]

Re: opinions on these boats

I'd go with the Rinker. Or if you don't want to drive probably the '"Baja

 

[DevonS]

Re: opinions on these boats

All look to have been well maintained. None have an obsolete power plant. I can't comment on the prices as they all seem ridiculously high to me but I don't know your market. All but the Baja have the base powerplant. The Baja probably screams!

I'm not sure about pricing either. It would be great to find a market where I could pick up a 2000 and newer for $5-6K...

My only worry about the Baja is the upgrade. I'd have to check the capacity plate and see the max HP, but I'm worried about too many ponies for the transom. I'll give 'er a good wiggle and look for cracks if I go see it.

 

[ezmobee]

Re: opinions on these boats

As Bajas are typically go-fast hulls, it would not surprise me if it was rated for that 150.

 

[Jacket4life]

Re: opinions on these boats

All seem high to me too, but is that in Canadian $$? Don't know the exchange...

I know it's less power, but I like the Starcraft better, myself. Power also = more gas burned! Plus, I just like Starcrafts.

Also, from the pics, it looks like the best maintained one.

Best of luck!

 

[Jacket4life]

Re: opinions on these boats

Oh, crap, NM, the Starcraft has a Farce on it. That does it for me. No company=no parts=Big problems in the future.

Maxum or Baja. Depends on your use for it. IF you want to fish at all, Baja. No fishing= Maxum.

Rinker is too far away!

 

[DevonS]

Re: opinions on these boats

I'm checking out the Baja tomorrow at noon. Taking a buddy with me who owns a boat, but it's a new boat so his experience is limited. Any quick tips and general red flags to look for? I'm off to read some stickies while I greatfully wait for spoon-fed info

 

[ezmobee]

Re: opinions on these boats

Soft spots on the floor and/or flex in the transom. A compression test on the motor prior to finalizing the purchase. Crawl under that trailer and look for serious rust. Looks real good from here though!!! Good luck.

 

[dave11]

Re: opinions on these boats

If it is close by, I'd check out the Starcraft, too.

 

[JaSla74]

Re: opinions on these boats

I'd go Baja or Rinker.

 

[ezmobee]

Re: opinions on these boats

If it is close by, I'd check out the Starcraft, too.

Check the pics (I didn't at first either). The "Mercury" is a Force. FAIL!

 

[NelsonQ]

Re: opinions on these boats

DevonS...

I with most of the folks here. Like the Baja.

Doesn't say where in Sask you are? I lived there for a year when I was younger (Langenburg) close to the MB....

If you buy the Baja, where are you gonna find water to run it in? Maybe switch the lower end and add a tiller or wheat prop for skipping through the wheat fields

Just kidding around.... Good luck

 

[RL Gman]

Re: opinions on these boats

Which ever one you pick, multiply the price by .5 or .6 and offer that. Those boats are way overpriced...all of them are 15+ years old!

 

[DevonS]

Re: opinions on these boats

Nelson: I'm in Regina. I know folks from Langenburg, though I don't remember who is from where anymore. I'll look into a wheat prop , but in the mean time I'll be hitting the lakes in the valleys around here and up North (Prince Albert National Park) on our yearly trip.

Gman: The market up here sux. Anything I look at that's mid 80's to mid 90's is over $5K. Probably because we only get 3 or 4 months use per year so the hours:age ratio is pretty low, but I agree... it's still a 20+ year old boat. I'll definitely be looking to get the price dropped, but don't want to **** anyone off with a low-ball offer either.

 

[DevonS]

Re: opinions on these boats

one more question... looks like folks are saying to avoid the FICHT setup on a Johnson, but can't find any pics. Where do I look to see if this engine is the dreaded FICHT (have to look up why it's dreaded too). Also, how can I tell if it's oil injected... can't seem to find specs on this engine and my noon appointment is getting closer. oops... that's two questions!