Help buying a used bowrider

[newbowrider]

Hi Folks, I’m looking at buying a used 17-18 ft bowrider I/O - and looking for some buying tips.

In my price range (4k to 5k) it looks like I’ll be buying something in the mid-1990s.

I’m considering Chaparral, SeaRay, Caravele, Stingray, Larson, Mirada, Seaswirl, and Bryant.

I’d like to get a Volvo engine as I’ve read that you can clean out the impeller on the water, as we have a fair amount of seaweed in our bay. I’ve also read that it’s easier to access Volvo engines to do moderate level repairs yourself at home.

I’m not sure if it’s possible to get a boat with fiberglass floors in the 1990s. I’ve read that Bryant started in 1994, I’m not sure if any other manufacturers started using fiberglass in the mid 90s?

I’m hoping to get a boat that’s been maintained well, winterized properly and stored properly.

Any advice or tips would be greatly appreciated.

 

[JASinIL2006]

Start by reading this thread very carefully.

For New Members Needing help buying a boat. A Buyer's Checklist.

All of the Iboaters know that we frequently have new members checking in and asking about wether or not to purchase this that or the other boat. After speaking to a Mod (Thanks BobVT) I have decided to use a previous post to create a check list of things to check when purchasing a new boat...

forums.iboats.com

 

[Scott Danforth]

first, welcome aboard

second, read the link that Jas posted

third, boats are generally designed to last about 15 years. keep that in mind when your looking at 25 year old boats

consider any fiberglass boat older than 15 years or under $10k a project boat.

brand means nothing over condition on any boat that is not brand new

while volvos may have a crank mounted water pump. you wont be pulling the impeller on the water unless you have a seacock installed. the raw water pump is still below the waterline. pulling that cover means you now have a hole in your boat and you will start sinking.

brand of engine has nothing to do with access. that is all the boat company and how much boat they put in the way. on some boats you must pull the motor to change the starter.

 

[matt167]

If you want a boat in the $5k range, only including some premium brands, and then only including the premium outdrive ( Volvo ), your either looking at beat up junk or it's a pipe dream.

Assess all brands including Bayliner accordingly.. $5-6k can buy a nice mid 2000's Bayliner which I think at that point were mostly composite construction. Don't exclude Outboards or Mercruisers. Even a good running Force can scoot down the water for a first boat..

 

[Scott Danforth]

for a first boat, I always suggest aluminum with an outboard.