Selling Newer Boat For Older Larger?

[oba97]

I’m curious to hear from anyone who has done this. We have a 2017 StarCraft deck boat with a merc 150. The boat has been good to us but we are now using it on larger bodies of water (Lake Huron in Michigan). It’s not really made for it so we are thinking of making a change. The problem is for what I would like and what I would like to pay we would need to buy a 20+ year old boat. I have been looking at 24-26’ Sundowners, Weekenders, Vistas. Right now 1999 - 2001 are listed for ~22k in my area.

We currently own our boat. Am I crazy to consider selling a 6yr old boat to buy a 20+ year old boat?

 

[tpenfield]

Probably not crazy, but you will need to set your expectations. A 20 yr old boat may need some major things done to it, even though it may look to be in good shape.

I'm thinking if you had 2X the money to buy the bigger boat, you might be able to get into something newer and may have less issues.

The oldest boat I bought was 16 years old and I sold it at 25 years old. I put a lot of work into it during the 9 years, some of my own choosing (upgrades) and some out of necessity (repairs).

 

[Scott Danforth]

i sold a 10 year old SeaRay for a 23 year old Cruisers......

then spent $1700 in materials and 5 months of my life replacing the transom, aft stringers, bulkheads, engine mounting blocks, etc. and 6 years later I started redoing the remainder of the boat because the wood in the interior panels of the boat was starting to rot.

set your expectations..... bow runners are designed to last 15 years. pocket cruisers about 20.......if you do it, know that you are jumping into a project.

heck, my bud's 48' 2016 boat is getting the sunroof taken out to be completely rebuilt

 

[alldodge]

I'm going the other direction, but nothing wrong with getting an older boat if its solid, but that's the question that must be determined.

I've put 3 times what my current boat is worth but it is a boat

 

[Lou C]

It depends on your tolerance for projects; & the condition of available boats. The biggest problem you’ll find is water intrusion from the opening for the outdrive rotting the transom and rain water rotting decks & stringers. I wouldn’t do it. Once was enough for me. Next boat will be nearly new. Maybe trade the StarCraft for a salt water style boat like a Key West more made for big water. Even better a Steiger Craft or Parker. Expensive but safer.

 

[Toyelectroman]

Depends. Will you be trailering the bigger boat? I originally went your way traded a 19 footer for a 24 foot cruiser. Pulling it in and out each time got old fast. Sold it 2 years later and went to a pontoon than a deck boat

 

[airshot]

Sure it can be done...how good is your patience ?? I did that some years back for the same reasons...money or lack of. Carefull, long time shopping and I found whst I was looking for. All the serious work was already done and done well ! Shopped for over a year, had to drive over 200 miles, spent a whole day testing, checking, evaluating....but did find what I wanted. Most folks dont have the patience to shop carefully, they want it now !! Like me, you may have to spend time shopping, find and buy, then sell yours, this way you have a boat to use while you shop. It will take time, but there are good boats out there.

 

[aspeck]

Not if the 20+ year boat is the "right boat." Several years ago we decided to change boats, but only if it was a specific style at a specific price point. I hunted for almost 2 years until we found the right boat. It was at that point that I sold my old boat ... after the new boat was securely purchased. If you are patient you can find what you want.

 

[oba97]

I appreciate everyone’s input. It is helpful hearing others stories and experiences.

 

[mr 88]

Nothing wrong with older QUALITY built boats . You have to do your homework. Grady White , Sea Ray , Sportcraft , Baha , Bayliner ,are just a few " name brands that have transom , gas tank and stringer issues . Googling the mfg and model will give you a lot of answers to what may be there achilles heal. Buying in a area that sees only a few months of boating you may find a boat that has been taken care of and needs no work to speak of . A surveyor will do a hull inspection on a boat that you think will fit your bill . I have recently bought a couple of late 1980s boats that were , are 100% solid hulls and have zero regrets going that route . Boats we're 27 - 30 ' and straight inboards, so that took the crappy outdrives out of the equation. Due you fair diligence and you can find a great older boat that will fit your needs.