Life span of an entry level open bow?

[salmonee]

I'm curious how long would an open bow boat like a maxum/bayliner 18'5" with a 3.0 merc last if maintained?

 

[mphy98]

Re: Life span of an entry level open bow?

really should last 30 to 40 years IF properly maintained. No real difference with any boat, IMHO. I have had entry level boats that are still around from 30 years ago. the key is keeping the bow raised while not in the water, covers and wax, as well as proper engine maint. major difference is hull thickness and stringer types, but proper maintenance will keep these boats going for a long time

 

[cbavier]

Re: Life span of an entry level open bow?

really should last 30 to 40 years IF properly maintained. No real difference with any boat, IMHO. I have had entry level boats that are still around from 30 years ago. the key is keeping the bow raised while not in the water, covers and wax, as well as proper engine maint. major difference is hull thickness and stringer types, but proper maintenance will keep these boats going for a long time

Here's the link to mine and it's a 1986 with 650 some hours.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/24589494@N00/

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: Life span of an entry level open bow?

i'd rather see a 4.3 in a 18.5 it will work less. but properly maintained, garaged of properly covered, easy 30 years. there are still 1960 boats around.

 

[jkust]

Re: Life span of an entry level open bow?

We still have our 84 Bayliner bought in 84 at the boat show. It has an 85hp outboard that has been just bulletproof. Just a little maintenance and prevention has done it well. We will probably keep it another 25 years now that it just got its own garage. I has been stored outside for the last 20 or so years with a custom plywood and tarp cover and we remove the interior in winter (in Minnesota). I have discovered an I/O is a bigger committment if you live where you must winterize and can't do it yourself ( I have a 4.3). Agree on the 4.3 as a better longterm option but we did and do just fine with 85 horses which by today's HP standards is laughable. That old bayliner will kill a 4.3 up to 30mph or so which is kind of fun in short bursts. Oh, also, it has never needed a restore and still looks close to new inside being all original. My father was literally insane about keeping sun and rain off the interior when not in use and of course no shoes ever allowed. It is a given to keep it tipped up with the plug out to me so I would say keeping the sun and shoes under control are the best ways to keep an entry level boat nice.

 

[chiefalen]

Re: Life span of an entry level open bow?

Jkust see daddy know best huh? Yep 30-40 years if you take care of it. Alot longer if you really take care of it.

Now i have to say whats wrong with a 3.0 bullet proof motor.

Will push that boat easy 40-45 mph and is cheaper on gas.

With the prices we have seen.

I vote 3.0 in a 18-19 footer.

 

[dave11]

Re: Life span of an entry level open bow?

A boat properly mantained and stored will last until you get tired of it. That is assuming you are not bouncing off docks and running over oyster beds.

 

[cbavier]

Re: Life span of an entry level open bow?

Jkust see daddy know best huh? Yep 30-40 years if you take care of it. Alot longer if you really take care of it.

Now i have to say whats wrong with a 3.0 bullet proof motor.

Will push that boat easy 40-45 mph and is cheaper on gas.

With the prices we have seen.

I vote 3.0 in a 18-19 footer.

This old 19 ft Four Winns Horizon 190 - 4.3 V-6 185 HP will get up on plane in about 3-4 seconds and hit 30mph in 6 sec. It tops out at 54 mph - GPS all with two people in it. The gas isn't too bad if you don't stay WOT for too many hours. I would wrather have the extra horses and just keep it at 3/4 throttle for max fuel economy. The extra horses are nice if your ever caught out in a storm or have to get back to the dock in a hurry.
I'll vote 4.3 even though the new fuel injected 3.0 looks mighty enticing.

 

[Adrift]

Re: Life span of an entry level open bow?

What is everyone's thoughts about a new entry level boat vs a twenty year old entry level boat? Will the new boat hold up as well?

I'm torn. It seems that most things were built a little more ruggedly than they are now. Technology has improved initial reliabilty but my guess is that "price point" building has hurt long term reliability.

I know maintenance is the key. I have an 08 Glastron; just curious what experienced boaters thought.

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: Life span of an entry level open bow?

technology, has improved in 20 years, lighter boats, use less fuel. Etec, and others save fuel, and much cleaner. there is less wood in a lot of new boats.

 

[chiefalen]

Re: Life span of an entry level open bow?

First why anybody wants to go faster than 40-45 on the ocean is beyond me.

The pounding, my body takes is incredible, unless your a racer in a competition.

I do 20-25 and still have 1000 rpm left over in my Citation in the signature. 17 pitch.

My friend has a 19 ft, Bayliner 94' with a 135 hp 3.0 and with a 19 pitch prop, hits 40 and still has 500-700 rpms leftover.

I don't really know his wot cause i start yelling when we hit 35 that i'm gonna shoot him if he doesn't slow down.

It's a much lighter boat than mine. And gas wise is cheap to keep fuel in it.

But my boat being heavier uses more fuel. Rides better thru the waves, and when drifting doesn't bob like the newer boats.

Why i go thru this long reply?

Because if i had to choose between a new motor and drive in a 86, hull vs a brand new boat i would take the older boat. Same motor of course.

Good luck in all your endeavors !

 

[lkbum]

Re: Life span of an entry level open bow?

Two comments. To me, one of the most overlooked area of boat wear and care is the interior (vinyl, seat etc). I've seen several "older" boats with hulls and drives in pristine condition, but the interior was shot. Broken seats, ripped seat covers, stained carpet etc. If you go with a new entry level check out the interior constituents to help make the decision. It's exposed to the sun and depending on your use, it can really take a beating.

Second comment, a 20 year old boat was made in the 80's. This was a time of increasing EPA regulations and consequently formulation changes in the resins. Also a period of high demand and initial changing of building habits and manufacturer ownership (weren't some of sea rays' runabouts made in Ireland during this period?). Anyway, a 30 year old boat will probably be heavier, more durable (and less efficient) than a 20 year old boat.

 

[dingbat]

Re: Life span of an entry level open bow?

A entry level boat will not last 10 years if ridden hard and put away wet. If you baby your boat and it's in the garage more than it's in the water then you might get 20 years out of one.