Curious about Sylvan boats

[fish4lunch]

Looking at this '99 "Back" Troller. However, it says Troller on the side. Not a knowledgable boat guy, but this looks good for the $. Here in Wyoming, there might be some wind come up on the water and need a baot to survive! Just not familiar with the Sylvan boat. Welded? Riveted? Resale? Durable?

 

[airshot]

I have what ai believe is a sister to the boat in yor pics. Mine is a side console but color scheme is the same, mine is a 1992 Sea Troller. Early Sylvan models had some issues in rough water with hull buckling but that was early 80's from my research. Mine is rock solid, no leaks, handles a two foot chop safely if you know how to drive a boat. My neighbor has a 1988 model 21' that is an excellent boat, handles big water very well ! Have had mine for almost three years and absolutely love it. Rides well, knocks down spray well in chop. They are a riveted boat, but that should not be an issue unless abused. I have owned well over 15 riveted aluminum boats in my 60 years of boating and only a few leaked, but rivets are easy to fix ! Welded also have had issues with cracking, but they are not common and normally easily repaired. Depending on price and condition of the motor, the boat would be least of my worries.

 

[fish4lunch]

I just want to catch fish that don't live near the bank. I think this would be a great choice. Wish it had transom stear with trim . . . A smooth ride off the water would be a big plus as well. And . . were there good years and bad for Sylvan? Ad says and shows restored floors, carpet, electronics and says the transom was repaired as well. Very nicely done. But why?

 

[fish4lunch]

Found a brochure! Says they have a 17 gal built in gas tank! NICE!

 

[Scott Danforth]

Ad says and shows restored floors, carpet, electronics and says the transom was repaired as well. Very nicely done. But why?

Because the wood in the floor and transom rotted. Most likely the boat was originally stored outside

 

[fish4lunch]

How do you do a visual inspection to know the transom is strong?

 

[airshot]

How do you do a visual inspection to know the transom is strong?

What year is the boat ? My 92 has no wood in the transom, only floor and decking. Easy repair if needed!
My neighbor has an 88 or 89 with no wood in the transom. Many times a transim repair could be rivets or bolts that need replaced. As I said before, if the boat has no missing rivets or bolts or cracks in the hull, I would be more concerned with how good is the motor. Boat repairs are reasonably cheap, outboards can get expensive real quick.

 

[fish4lunch]

1999. The last picture above shows transom

 

[Scott Danforth]

1999. The last picture above shows transom

Take a look at the wood from the inside

 

[airshot]

Being a 99, it should be all aluminum, no wood.

 

[airshot]

I just want to catch fish that don't live near the bank. I think this would be a great choice. Wish it had transom stear with trim . . . A smooth ride off the water would be a big plus as well. And . . were there good years and bad for Sylvan? Ad says and shows restored floors, carpet, electronics and says the transom was repaired as well. Very nicely done. But why?

Ask the owner what was repaired...being an aluminum transom it woukd not be rotted wood. Crawl under and look for damaged or missing rivets. If all looks good then check the motor carefully, that could be the expensive part if there is an issue.