Help on cruiser purchase in 26-27ft size!

[cruisetheh2o]

My wife and I are looking to upgrade our 20ft bowrider to a cruiser in the 26-27ft area, trailerable, with a 8'6" beam (I suppose this is the max width for towing), want something 95-2000 model area for price purposes. I am really torn on the makers to focus on. Would like at least a 5.7 or 7.4 engine, and enough room for 4-5 people in the cockpit to hang out. Cabin enough for 2 adults to sleep. I want something that will hold up for another 10 years. What are some makes and models to look at and some to stay away from? I have seen a lot of Bayliners but heard to stay away? Our previous boat was a Bryant.

 

[jbcurt00]

http://forums.iboats.com/forum/gene...iser-vs-newer-mid-level-cruiser-purchase-help

This ^^^ topic will help

And like the advice there, for a 15-20yr old boat, its more about condition, care and maintenance by the past/current owners then boat maker.

Welcome to iboats.

Where are you located?

A $10K cruiser here in WV going into Fall is likely to be in different condition then $10K boat where you are.

 

[cruisetheh2o]

Thanks. We are in NC. We would be using on lakes. I would really like the best quality boat that I could buy in the 14K or less area.

 

[alldodge]

Most boats in the 25 to 27 range have a 9 to 9.5 foot beam. In most cases this is not a major issue so long as it stays under 10 foot. Going with a boat this size forget the 5.7, while it might have the HP it does not have the torque. You need torque to get the boat out of the water. So 7.4 is minimum and go to twin 5.7 of single 8.1 or 8.2 motor.

Look in the Iowa area, these boats are in a lake which is fresh water and must be pulled out of the lake because it freezes over. The good thing is all boats are only in the water during season, otherwise they are on blocks or trailers

 

[Scott Danforth]

the best quality boat is one that was meticulously maintained and stored indoors. brand has nothing to do with condition once the boat is used.

 

[smokeonthewater]

my 26' carver absolutely launches and planes almost instantly with a single 5.7

I have had no issues trialering my 28' wellcraft with a 10.5' beam and 33' lOA... have trailered multiple times per week and up to 1000 miles one way.

 

[cruisetheh2o]

Would brand not matter as far as build quality holding up over time? I have seen many boats with paper thin vinyl seating materials, poor fiberglass and more that after only 3-4 years looks like a boat that was 20 years old.

 

[Blind Date]

Forget about how it was maintained. It's important but secondary. First figure what you want for amenities, layout & styling. Trailerable cruisers stuff a lot of junk into a small space. Most are laid out pretty similarly; but there are differences. For instance do you enter the cabin from the center or off to the side. That has a big effect on how things will be laid out both down below and on top.

Do what I did and walk through every cruiser you can. These are some of the boats I looked at B4 buying my '97 250 Sundancer. Four Winns Vista's(least favorite) , Larson Cabrio 254 & 244, Monterey 240 & 262, Glastron 24', Chapparral 240 & 260, Crowline 240 & 250, Chris Craft 24', Wellcraft 24' & 26', SeaRay 240 & 250, Mariah. I'm sure I boarded more. That will help you limit your choices. Mine came down to the SeaRay 250, Chaparral 242 and Monterey 262.

Here was some of the things on my short list:

No 5.0 V8's
No single prop drives.
No carpeted headliners,
No porta potties
No port windows that don't open
No boats w/bottom paint.

Your short list will be different but the one thing I strongly recommend is to not buy one with a single prop drive. Oh and the 5.7 in mine has all the torque that boat needs and then some. I knew that before I bought it because I test drove it. It's a cruiser not a performance or water sports boat.

For the years your looking at almost all/most will have a 8 1/2' beam. The big brother to my '97 250, the 270 Sundancer still has an 8 1/2' beam. You'll find that many boats this size don't have trailers as most people just slip them.


Good Luck with the hunt!

 

[smokeonthewater]

for the most part they're ALL made crappy... that's why owner care is so important... if the boat is always covered and stored out of the weather it'll last for many decades... if it is left uncovered in the rain and sun it'll be tattered in a few years.

 

[Blind Date]

Everyone has their opinion and I won't argue that the best built boat can be destroyed in a short time when given to the right person. Absolutely how it was taken care of is a big consideration. But to completely dismiss how it's put together is ridiculous. Big difference between boats that are put together mostly with screws, than those that are nut & bolted together. Especially when your talking about a 20 year old cruiser. I've owned both, that's my experience.

 

[Slip Away]

Most boats in the 25 to 27 range have a 9 to 9.5 foot beam.

Almost all boats in the 25-27 foot range have 8.6" beams. Only a small portion have a larger beam, and those are usually older boats.

 

[wahlejim]

It all boils down to what the boat tells you when you visit. Was it maintained properly? Can you go for a test drive and try handling the boat (most people who take take care of their boats will have no problem showing you how well it performs, if they say no, run!) ? Get a feel for the boat and its construction.

With that being said, if you are used to the quality of a Bryant boat beyond construction (all of the extra touches like the quality of the vinyl, gauges, trim, etc.) I would doubt a 20 year old Bayliner would give you the same feel.

 

[cruisetheh2o]

I will seem petty but I really like the boats with the radar towers, I like the look it gives it. I need help here on something - which boats are nut and bolted assuming that's the best way to go and which are screwed together?
I really want a 5.7 or 7.4. Not sure on the difference it gives me with a dual prop over single? I like having the option to fold down the rear seat for fishing if wanted.
I like some that have the lounger beside the driver seat.
I have looked at a few and I really like these:

Wellcraft 26
Bayliner Ciera 2855
Formula PC 26 models seem to be more affordale
Monterey 26
Glastron 26
Silverton 27

Which of these will be overall better made?

 

[Slip Away]

Formula
Monterey

All depends on condition. Wellcraft made a great boat, but if neglected, it could be junk

 

[bobdec]

I'd refer back to smoke's post #9.. To top criteria for me would be stringer, transom, hull, topside and cabin condition, something that's been kept out of water and stored properly (EG: trailered and covered, protected rack storage, etc. would spark my interest and wallet). Engine size and condition would come next, physical setup last.. You need to match boat/engine choice to your expectations.

I've had multiple boats over the years from 14,19 ft runabouts, 26, 24 ft cruisers, a 32 ft houseboat then back to a 20 ft offshore low-no maintenance outboard fishing setup. . Each had it place for family size, area water conditions and most important meeting expectations. As our family matured we change boats as requirements changed. IMO I don't think any boat would satisfy me for a a 10 year window you mentioned. I buy with the intention of selling a few years down the road if I get bored. Get something good and solid that will be sell-able in a few years and move on if your conditions change..

 

[smokeonthewater]

Screws vs nuts and bolts is nothing compared to dry solid wood vs rotted mulch.

A well made and well maintained 20 year old boat will be obvious .... Solid, no rattles, not cracked all over the place, no water stains in the headliner from leaks, cloth and vinyl clean supple and not tattered, etc...

No leaves or oil slime in the bilge... Everything working right and properly maintained... The brand means next to nothing in a boat that old.... Seriously, if it's put together especially poorly you will see the problems first hand...

The "low grade" boat isn't going to go through half a dozen owners over two decades in great shape and then suddenly become junk when you bring it home...

Example.. Carver yachts built some of the best and bayliner is known for some of the cheapest but a neglected rotten 20 yr old carver vs a pristine well cared for bayliner of the same age... Hands down the bayliner would be far better.

Forget the name and find a clean well cared for boat with good power and a layout you LOVE..... Then have it surveyed.

 

[cruisetheh2o]

Went and looked at a boat today the bow pulpit was leaking causing some wet areas in the cabin. Would this be a huge issue?

 

[smokeonthewater]

Depends... If the wood structure of the deck has gotten wet and rotted it would need replaced...

The fact that the owner hasn't sealed the leak is a red flag.

 

[jbcurt00]

Depends on if you want to deal w the leak and any damage, or not

 

[cruisetheh2o]

The owner is apparently an older man and in the past 2 years has only used the boat maybe 2 times. They didn't realize it was leaking until he pulled the boat to list for sale. It has definitely damaged the berth cushions. I think the front hatch window is leaking also. The boat is very nice for an older boat and interior is almost mint. Has a brand new trailer with it also.