2003 kayot z201 Value, repairs suggestions ?

[kjlars5]

Hi all-

I'm new to the forums here, and am very excited to be returning to boating after a number of years off raising kids, etc. We've been looking at 19'-21' used bow riders, and a 2003 Kayot z201 (brokered at a marina) with 140 hrs has caught my eye. Has a Mercruiser 220Hp 4.3L MPI, Bimini/Boat/Bow covers, SINGLE axle trailer with surge brakes, skis-tube-preservers, cd player. I also tested a 2002 Crownline 180BR 4.3 Carb-Very Fun- but the wives are reluctant to enjoy the bow ride in it's shallow front. Otherwise I'd have bought that one for sure! The kayot does have a very nice, safe ride...

We've already checked out Pontoons & DeckBoats & feel a bow rider in this length range will best suit our overall needs.

The marina wants $12,800 (plus tax/regis/plates) for it (after negotiating from $14,700-but NADA on the boat is $11040 (ave). Top speed was only 37mph on test ride & salesperson said it needed the acid/power wash to remove lots of growth from underside to get top speed up to 47mph or so. Also, the tachometer reads 3000rpm @ idle~then bounces around when piloting it. Other than as mentioned, the boat's pretty clean for an '03, but needs a good buffing and it does have some spider cracking on the upper surfaces of the hull.

To sum, it does need an acid/power washing, a good buffing(paint is faded), and tachometer repaired. They're willing to do the wash, but are reluctant to even look @ the tachometer repairs, telling me that fuel, trim etc. guages are really all I need to be concerned with. I told them it's important-prop selection at top speed.

I'm asking for some opinions about the boat itself, and it's pricing, bearing in mind I'm in the upper midwest with only a 4-5month boating season.

-Anyone know how much it would cost to repair the tach? Or is the price fair enough as it is? I've not had any luck locating a Kayot dealer to call and ask.

-Is that engine enough for that heavy of a boat, or should I be looking for one with a 5.0 carb? With the same Hp rating, would I really notice much difference in performance? We may do some skiing (2) and tubing, but mainly cruising-running on a 2000+ acre lake.

-Any other comments about this boat or other suggestions of other boats to consider would be most appreciated ! We're looking to be in the $12-$15k MAX range (or less).

Thanks so much in advance to all who are willing to lend their experienced opinions...

Old Newbie

 

[Bob's Garage]

Re: 2003 kayot z201 Value, repairs suggestions ?

Hi all-

I'm new to the forums here, and am very excited to be returning to boating after a number of years off raising kids, etc. We've been looking at 19'-21' used bow riders, and a 2003 Kayot z201 (brokered at a marina) with 140 hrs has caught my eye. Has a Mercruiser 220Hp 4.3L MPI, Bimini/Boat/Bow covers, SINGLE axle trailer with surge brakes, skis-tube-preservers, cd player. I also tested a 2002 Crownline 180BR 4.3 Carb-Very Fun- but the wives are reluctant to enjoy the bow ride in it's shallow front. Otherwise I'd have bought that one for sure! The kayot does have a very nice, safe ride...

We've already checked out Pontoons & DeckBoats & feel a bow rider in this length range will best suit our overall needs.

The marina wants $12,800 (plus tax/regis/plates) for it (after negotiating from $14,700-but NADA on the boat is $11040 (ave). Top speed was only 37mph on test ride & salesperson said it needed the acid/power wash to remove lots of growth from underside to get top speed up to 47mph or so. Also, the tachometer reads 3000rpm @ idle~then bounces around when piloting it. Other than as mentioned, the boat's pretty clean for an '03, but needs a good buffing and it does have some spider cracking on the upper surfaces of the hull.

To sum, it does need an acid/power washing, a good buffing(paint is faded), and tachometer repaired. They're willing to do the wash, but are reluctant to even look @ the tachometer repairs, telling me that fuel, trim etc. guages are really all I need to be concerned with. I told them it's important-prop selection at top speed.

I'm asking for some opinions about the boat itself, and it's pricing, bearing in mind I'm in the upper midwest with only a 4-5month boating season.

-Anyone know how much it would cost to repair the tach? Or is the price fair enough as it is? I've not had any luck locating a Kayot dealer to call and ask.

-Is that engine enough for that heavy of a boat, or should I be looking for one with a 5.0 carb? With the same Hp rating, would I really notice much difference in performance? We may do some skiing (2) and tubing, but mainly cruising-running on a 2000+ acre lake.

-Any other comments about this boat or other suggestions of other boats to consider would be most appreciated ! We're looking to be in the $12-$15k MAX range (or less).

Thanks so much in advance to all who are willing to lend their experienced opinions...

Old Newbie

I am not familiar with either boat, but my inclination would be to go fuel injected.

You don't say how many people you expect to be on the boat at any given time, (how many wives do you have any way?) Intended usage will play a large part in your satisfaction.

I would not even consider buying a boat not prepared to be properly test driven. Do not believe them when they claim an increase of 10 mph, they need to prove it before you buy by cleaning the bottom.

Offer to pay for the tach if they will do the work. If they still wont do it, walk away. As you said the tach is an important indicator of the condition of the engine and needs to be working.

I don't know anything about NADA valuing but a boat, like anything else, is only worth what you think it's worth to you.

Are you keeping this in the water, or towing? Is there a slip available or trailer that comes with it? If you intend to tow this boat at any time or for any reason (maintenance or repairs) do you have a vehicle up to the task?

 

[kjlars5]

Re: 2003 kayot z201 Value, repairs suggestions ?

I am not familiar with either boat, but my inclination would be to go fuel injected.

You don't say how many people you expect to be on the boat at any given time, (how many wives do you have any way?) Intended usage will play a large part in your satisfaction.

I would not even consider buying a boat not prepared to be properly test driven. Do not believe them when they claim an increase of 10 mph, they need to prove it before you buy by cleaning the bottom.

Offer to pay for the tach if they will do the work. If they still wont do it, walk away. As you said the tach is an important indicator of the condition of the engine and needs to be working.

I don't know anything about NADA valuing but a boat, like anything else, is only worth what you think it's worth to you.

Are you keeping this in the water, or towing? Is there a slip available or trailer that comes with it? If you intend to tow this boat at any time or for any reason (maintenance or repairs) do you have a vehicle up to the task?

Ahh, forgot to clarify the WIVES part There would be four of us most of the time in the boat. A good friend and his wife. Occasionally other family members, possibly to eight max-capacity listed on boat is nine. Boat weighs 3275#.

Excellant suggestion about the tach, I'll try that.

Marina offers slip free for balance of year, month or two here in Illinois. Then will be keeping it in WI at a lake using an in/out service. Have use of a van with 5000# + towing capacity for when we would be moving it. Mainly would just be enjoying the lake with occasions of running it good. I guess in comparing the tow boats being considered, we'd have a better ride/room/comfort with Kayot & performance/responsiveness with the 18' Crownline, which comes with a trailer, has been recently serviced and needs nothing.
Thanks for responding!