First Boat Fever

[scharif1]

We are wanting to purchase our first boat. After many weeks of looking at used boats in the area we have found one. We found a 1991 Sunbird. The current owner has had this boat since new. It was garage kept and is in good to great condition. Could anyone tell me what I need to be looking for in this boat...as issues or concerns about purchase?

Also, the price for this boat is $3500.00. I am not sure if this is a good price or if we should negotiate.

Thanks for any information you may have. We are really excited about making a boat purchase but also a bit scared because our knowledge is limited on boats.

 

[ryanr623]

Re: First Boat Fever

We are wanting to purchase our first boat. After many weeks of looking at used boats in the area we have found one. We found a 1991 Sunbird. The current owner has had this boat since new. It was garage kept and is in good to great condition. Could anyone tell me what I need to be looking for in this boat...as issues or concerns about purchase?

Also, the price for this boat is $3500.00. I am not sure if this is a good price or if we should negotiate.

Thanks for any information you may have. We are really excited about making a boat purchase but also a bit scared because our knowledge is limited on boats.

Maintenance is the most important factor in buying a used boat, that.... and a test drive. Sunbird is a lower level boat, so check for soft spots in the floor and transom, and make sure to go for a ride.

Can't help on pricing unless we know the model and length.

 

[Fireman431]

Re: First Boat Fever

. We are really excited about making a boat purchase but also a bit scared because our knowledge is limited on boats.

Best of luck on your purchase and welcome to iBoats.

Take an experienced mechanic (or at least someone knowledgeable about boats) along with you. The $100 you might spend for the mechanic is great insurance and might save you $1000 in the long run.

If you are new to boating, make sure the boat comes with...or immediately get...all the required Coast Guard safety items. Look online for a list that represents what the CG wants in your area.

Take a boating safety course at the local CG auxillary or power squadron. The things they teach you (rules of the road, etiquette, reading navigational signals, etc) are priceless. The little time spent there will pay off in dividends when you know what you're doing and you'll get you and the family home safe.

Best of luck to you. It's a great time!

 

[QuietRider21]

Re: First Boat Fever

what size boat and engine? there are many good deals out there. the key is to be patient

 

[scharif1]

Re: First Boat Fever

It is a 1990 17.5 foot Sunbird Ski boat. It has a 3.0 chevy engine. It is a 4 c engine.

The floor has no soft spots and in fact is wood with fiberglass on top. (at least I was told this but I didn't feel any soft spots) The carpet does show a little wear and tear. The seats aren't faded or cracked.

The hull appears to be in great shape. It does need to be waxed but there aren't any scratches or chunks missing.

Thank you so much for your information. It is great to hear from the experts about boats and boating!

 

[RotaryRacer]

Re: First Boat Fever

It is a 1990 17.5 foot Sunbird Ski boat. It has a 3.0 chevy engine. It is a 4 c engine.

That would be an OMC...Sunbird was one of many brands owned by OMC in that timeframe.

That boat will have an OMC Cobra outdrive. In that size boat the 3.0 L would be adequate power.

There is concern with it being an OMC. OMC went out of business in 2000 and there hasn't been a Cobra drive made since 1993/94. The only real concern is that there are limited shops that still have experience to work on the OMC and parts are getting a little bit more scarce. The OMC drives are good and will last a long time if they get the proper maintenance.

For that year and that level of boat with an OMC powerplant the price it too high. Condition goes a long way in determining value. However, this boat would have to be absolutely perfect with no flaws and have impeccable service records to be worth the asking price you noted.

 

[spdracr39]

Re: First Boat Fever

For starters always negotiate thats part of the buying/selling process. Also whatever you buy don't spend all your cash on the initial purchase. You need to have a reserve because you will always have to fix, replace, or personalize something. If It hasn't had bellows or water pump impeller installed in the last few years plan on doing that maintenance before you start using it for the year. Those items probably will run you 300 - 500 dollars but are great insurance against issues.

Good Luck and Welcome !!

 

[jonesg]

Re: First Boat Fever

Walk away from it, I wouldn't wish that powerplant/outdrive on enemies. It went belly up 10 yrs ago.
Its great to walk into a marine shop and buy almost any engine part you need.
Waiting on ebay with 12 other guys all bidding on the same OLD part is miserable.

 

[bruceb58]

Re: First Boat Fever

Way too much money for a 17.5' boat with an OMC.

 

[NYBo]

Re: First Boat Fever

The Cobra outdrive isn't a deal-breaker, IMO. If the drive does go south, you can convert to an SEI drive using one of their conversion kits.

But I agree that the price is too high.