Advice choosing between 2 used boats!

[Arash]

Hi everyone,

I have finally overcome any possible obstacle and I am going to buy my first new boat. After narrowing it all down I have come across two used boats that are as follows:

1. Four Winns 205 Sundowner1986, excellent condition, original pain, low hours, in perfect shape from every aspect

2. Four Winns 215 Sundowner 1996, ok motor, cosmetic damage (broken windshield, broken railing, perfect hull (a tree fell on it and broke the windshield without damage to hull) otherwise in good shape. Motor in excellent shape, no apparent other issues.

If both of these are offered at the same price, which one to go for? They are almost of the same size, but 1 looks and feels perfect and is 10 yeasr older, the other one acts and looks 10 years newer but needs some work.

Help!

Arash

 

[hostage]

Re: Advice choosing between 2 used boats!

What outdrives do they both have?

 

[tpenfield]

Re: Advice choosing between 2 used boats!

I am having a hard time understanding why you would consider a boat that a tree fell on?

Who says the first boat is in excellent shape?

 

[ezmobee]

Re: Advice choosing between 2 used boats!

Boat windshields are next to impossible to source and if you can find one it's HELLA expensive. Don't start with that headache.

 

[RotaryRacer]

Re: Advice choosing between 2 used boats!

Assuming the 1986 has a Mercruiser V8, buy it.

BUT WAIT, in 1986 Four Winns did NOT have a 205 Sundowner.

1988 was the first year of the 205 Sundowner.

In 1986 there was the 215 Santara and then in 1987 that same boat was called a 215 Sundowner. Either of these I would recommend.

BUT then OMC bought the company and anything after 1987 (up to 1994,5) will have an OMC drive in it, which makes the boat less desireable.

I do not really care for the 1988+ 205 Sundowner hull design either.

The older (1987 or before) Four Winns is a great hull design and acts like a much bigger boat. They also have a classic line that in my opinion has aged very gracefully.

 

[Arash]

Assuming the 1986 has a Mercruiser V8, buy it.

BUT WAIT, in 1986 Four Winns did NOT have a 205 Sundowner.

1988 was the first year of the 205 Sundowner.

In 1986 there was the 215 Santara and then in 1987 that same boat was called a 215 Sundowner. Either of these I would recommend.

BUT then OMC bought the company and anything after 1987 (up to 1994,5) will have an OMC drive in it, which makes the boat less desireable.

I do not really care for the 1988+ 205 Sundowner hull design either.

The older (1987 or before) Four Winns is a great hull design and acts like a much bigger boat. They also have a classic line that in my opinion has aged very gracefully.

You are absolutely right.... it is a 1988 205 sundowner. and it is an OMC drive.... are there many issues to expect with the omc drive? the outer drive was just replaced and looks just new.

Boat windshields are next to impossible to source and if you can find one it's HELLA expensive. Don't start with that headache.

Thank you so much! This has been very helpful!

What outdrives do they both have?

The newer boat has the original outdrive that came with it. The older one had the factory installed one bought for new and installed it recently.

I am having a hard time understanding why you would consider a boat that a tree fell on?

Who says the first boat is in excellent shape?

The tree trunk apparently didnt do any visible damage to the boat, the owner has not done much to keep it up cosmetically and i do not see any obvious signs of damage to the hull (nothing is basically covered up).

The second one, runs pretty well and looks pretty good with the original paint. the owner has been pretty ocd about keeping it in good shape. Thanks for such a quick reply!

 

[ezmobee]

Re: Advice choosing between 2 used boats!

The newer boat has the original outdrive that came with it. The older one had the factory installed one bought for new and installed it recently.

We're wondering what brand. You may want to avoid OMC sterndrives as they've been out of business for over a decade and are not fully supported with parts/service.

 

[RotaryRacer]

Re: Advice choosing between 2 used boats!

You are absolutely right.... it is a 1988 205 sundowner. and it is an OMC drive.... are there many issues to expect with the omc drive? the outer drive was just replaced and looks just new.

The OMC Cobra drive was a good design, howevever, as noted, the company that made it has been out of business for a long time.

Unfortunately, that has caused a lot of good boats to languish in a flooded market. This is because people have formed an opinion that any boat with an OMC is bad.

A boat with a good OMC outdrive and a solid hull is better than any boat with a rotten hull, broken motor or outdrive.