add ons to 2005 boat? types of trim tabs?

[lovlakes]

For inland lake (calm water cruising) use, we are looking at a 2005 deck boat that appeas in condition with 18 hours on its Merc alpha 1 5.0 L motor. It was a trade in to dealer who sells mostly very large boats/customizes yatchs. The asking price is reasonable, and dealer is happy to have it evaluated by an independent marine mechanic (which we would do). So, sounds pretty good.

It does not have a few items we thought we wanted. Dealer says he can add/customize it. Question is, are these things worth the bother and how much money should they cost?? Or should we just make an offer with all of these included? Any of these really not a good idea as an add-on?

1) Bow door (does it really matter in cool weather or with some waves?)
2) Stern shower (there is a porta potti on this boat, but no water system or sink, so not sure how easy it is to add a water system?)
3) Floor mounting for a bow and/or stern table
4) Stainless steel prop (It currently has a single aluminum prop, does ss really matter?).
5) Dual battery switch and second battery
6) Bow fill in cushion (not a big deal but nice to have for sun pad)
7) Swing away tongue on trailer (redo the existing Ezloader trailer that has surge and electric brake option, or accept another trailer?)

This boat does have trim tabs, but I don't know much about them...whether hydraulic, electric. Does it matter which type?

We have also considered whether a dual prop is worth going to a different boat. With the trim tabs added, does it matter about the dual prop?

Thanks in advance for any help.

 

[180shabah]

Re: add ons to 2005 boat? types of trim tabs?

All of the items on your list are good to have, but none of them should be deal breakers. With that said.....

The bow door will eliminate airflow under the windshield, it will make evening and late season boating more enjoyable.

Floor mounts for table. tables are great, do already have a table? If not, do you have a place to store one(and the pedistal)?

Stern shower - probably the highest cost/least return item on the list since you don't currently have a fresh water system. They are good to have if you boat in salt water though. A few things to clarify before having one installed. Will it be a fresh or raw water system - raw water systems offer no benefit IMHO, since all they do is pump lake/river water up to the sprayer. Ona fresh water system, you need to agree on where the tank will be mounted. Also, will it be cold only, or hot and cold(more complex and more expensive).

SS prop IS better than aluminum, BUT that doesn't meen that you need or even want one. So if the prop that is on it is in good shape, go with that one. You can change, upgrade, modify the prop later.

Dual battery w/ switch - this is probably the most important thing on your list. If you are remotely capable of DIY this is a very easy project that you can do for under $150. Depending on the dealers price it may be worth just letting them do it.

Bow filler cushion - like you said, nice but no big deal. And remember you still need to store it when not in use.

Swing away tounge - This only matters if it will allow you to store the boat in your garage. If it still won't fit, or you won't be storing in a garage, Don't bother.

Electric vs hydraulic tabs, whatever is already on there is fine. It is not worth the hassle or expense to swap one for the other.

Last, a drive with counter rotating props is the BEST choice for this type of boat, but don't pass up an otherwise great boat just because it has a single prop. If you are unhappy with the performance of the current prop there are hundreds out there to chose from. Also, the guys on the prop forum are an incredible resource.

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: add ons to 2005 boat? types of trim tabs?

on the Chris Craft the water tank has never been filled so the sink and shower never used, we've used the table twice, enough room on each side of the bow, fill in gets in the way( in garage attic) snap in carpet in garage attic also. trim tabs were not needed on mine. single volvo sx drive handle the boat very well.

what ever brakes need to be working.

 

[lovlakes]

Re: add ons to 2005 boat? types of trim tabs?

Thanks!

tashasdaddy, surprised you dont like carpet...or is it not worth the cleaning hassle?

Prop on the boat is immaculate, no dings or divets, single alum. Not sure how they would add a fresh water tank and shower...without great expense. We are in fresh water, but land on sand bars, so keeping sand out would be helpful. Raw water pretty worthless as it is variable quality. Boat is short enough that it could be stored in garage if we had the swing away tongue...otherwise we will have to pay for winter storage.

So, sounds like we should go for this boat (seems to be a good deal)...Add swing away tongue, bow door, and dual battery (later), maybe add table mounting and table (depending on cost).

 

[180shabah]

Re: add ons to 2005 boat? types of trim tabs?

tashasdaddy, surprised you dont like carpet...or is it not worth the cleaning hassle?

Can't answer for TD, but that is exactly why I wish I had a full fiberglass liner and no carpet. It looks great on the showroom floor, but it takes effort to keep it that way.