91 Ranger for $5k VS 92 Straos for $7k

[phil_pick]

Hey guys, I am looking to buy a fish and ski boat. I have found a 19' 1991 Ranger 397V and a 1992 Stratos 274 SF.
The Ranger is only $5,000 FIRM and has a 200HP Mercury. It seats 7 or up to 900 ponds.
Now the BAD: The rear seats are very worn, the front trolling motor doesn't work on 24v only 12v. The live wells don't pump, the locator doesn't work right and the tires and all the wood on the trailer need to be replaced.

The Stratos has a 150HP Johnson. It's in amazing shape. Everything works. It has very little use for it's age.
The BAD: it only holds 5 people, but the main thing is the price: $7,000. The seller would entertain a reasonable offer but it's still a lot more than the Ranger.

So does anyone know if the boats are worth the price and what boat would you recommend based on value?
Note: I am fairly mechanically competent and could do some of the wiring or trailer work myself.

 

[jigngrub]

Re: 91 Ranger for $5k VS 92 Straos for $7k

It sounds like the Ranger has been neglected and there very well may be other problems that will crop up after you buy it, plus you're going to have to put more money into the Ranger to fix the things you already know about.

The Stratos sounds well maintained and is probably the best deal IMO.

 

[Texasmark]

Re: 91 Ranger for $5k VS 92 Straos for $7k

Both are well known quality boats when manufactured. Agree on buying the one that has been cared for. It's what you don't see on the Ranger that will cost you the most to repair.

HTH

Mark