Rank these boats?

[danrs]

I'm doing some boat shopping, and these seem to be the predominent boats in the area, and within the price ranges I'm looking at.

Monterey
Maxum
Four Winns
Sea Ray
Glastron
Reinell
Chaparral
Starcraft
And, just for reference sake, Bayliner (I know their rep isn't good).


If all other things are equal (condition and type of boat), how'd you rate them say in tiers (upper tier, mid tier, and low tier bargain basement). I'm looking at 18' or so bow rider type of boat, outboard or I/O.

I know this is just generalization, but it might help me to know if I'm focusing my attention in the right areas (price to value). Time is at a premium, so I'm trying to research when I can in between visiting sellers.

Thanks for any comments.

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: Rank these boats?

they are all good boats, but for the money the new Bayliners are giving more for the money. read this http://forums.iboats.com/showthread.php?t=252648

 

[12vMan]

Re: Rank these boats?

Those are all good boats. It could come down to what kind of package deal they would sell you all things being as equal as possible as far as size and hull type, then price, power package, warranty, trailer, etc.

 

[enginesilo]

Re: Rank these boats?

Something I have noticed in my search is that Bayliner seems to have stepped up their name, while a few of the higher end manufactured boats have stripped away some features to meet the price point.

Also, I forget the name but 3 brands are owned by the same company (Sea Ray, Bayliner, and Maxum?) I am new to this all and shopping as well so someone may need to explain this further. Have also read that some have wood and fiberglass mixed construction while others may have solid fiberglass, or better materials. Just some notes I've taken mentally as I am researching.

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: Rank these boats?

Actually Brunswick, owns Mercury, Mercruiser, and around 30 brands of boats.

 

[Dakota47]

Re: Rank these boats?

I like the Chapperal boats

 

[Quid]

Re: Rank these boats?

Sounds as if you are looking at used boats instead of new. So IMO just from your list:

1)Four Winns/Chaparral
2)Reinell
3)whatever else was left over
4)Bayliner....Who cares if the new ones are better than they used to be, your looking at used...the bayliner stigma follows you to your resale, where it is guaranteed to hurt..

 

[tmh]

Re: Rank these boats?

New or used? How old/price range are you looking at?

Mark Twain is the best brand out there, but that may be a bit biased.

 

[Gary H NC]

Re: Rank these boats?

Glastron and Starcraft are also well made boats.
Are we talking used or new?
Like TD said Brunswick owns many brands including Maxum and Bayliner.

 

[danrs]

Re: Rank these boats?

Sorry, I thought I got that information in there.

I'll be buying used, price range from $8k to $12k.

I seem to be looking at boats in the 5 to 10 year old range at those prices. Don't really want to consider much over 10 years old.

And at this point, I won't even consider a Bayliner. I realize the new ones may be good for their price range, and I'm no "brand snob" to be sure (I can apperciate good basic, no frills workmanship at reasonable prices), but for me and my somewhat limited knowledge of boats, there's just too much of the whole "where there's smoke, there's fire" thing going on with them.

If I can find a 10 year old Four Winns in comparable shape to a 5 year old low tier model for the same price, I'd definately go with the older Four Winns. Not after a bunch of bells and whistles, but am after quality, reliability, etc. However, if a mid tier level boat showed up at the right price, I'd not hesitate to go that route.

 

[fishmen111]

Re: Rank these boats?

Sea Ray...you will not regret it. It carries a high resale value for a reason. I am referring to fiberglass I/O only.

 

[marine4003]

Re: Rank these boats?

Ranking these boats,regardless of the parent company is not difficult to do,look at the specs for each boat your interested in,that will give you weight,generally heavier is better,means thicker fiberglass=longer life. Sure Brunswick Marine owns a majority of boat company's,but then so does GM,and look at the difference between a Cadillac & Chevrolet, The quality of construction,quality of parts used,weather the fittings are bolted thru or screwed in,is it Stainless or Zemac,how thick is the Gelcoat,and very important, is the ease which it can be maintained,can you reach all engine parts ? are the gauges quality,wiring well labeled? I dont care how buffed up Bayliner's new line looks it wont compare to a Regal or Wellcraft nor even a Searay. When you buy used how the boat was maintained plays a big part in its resale value,but bottom line is, was it quality from the start.? Stick with Wellcraft or Searay for a boat that will last a long time with proper maintained..allowing it was maintained in the first place

 

[Johnny_Law]

Re: Rank these boats?

There you go, mark one up for the Bayliner bashers. Just don't overlook a well maintained boat. That will be the most important aspect in a used boat. Then function and asthetics. But they are your priorities...