Sylvan boats

[vipertblck]

Looking at buying my first boat and have been positing here regarding a few I came across. Now available is an '03 Sylvan V190 Bowrider. I've never heard of this brand, how are they?

Here's a link to the ad.

03 Sylvan V190 Bowrider - Boat

 

[81 Checkmate]

Re: Sylvan boats

Nice looking boat.........To me condition is everything...not realy name brand.

Asking 8 grand..at first glance it almost seems to be a scam..not sure but seams a low price for the boat..to me atleast. Around here it would sell for around 12-13 grand.

Only way to find out is go look at it in person.

Good luck with your new boat find!

 

[Brian 26]

Re: Sylvan boats

Sylvan is a decent but lower end brand. Those back to back seats and lack of rear bench is my least favorite seating arrangement in a runabout. However that flip up bolster on the captains chair is great to have. The V6 is not the biggest engine you can get in a 19' and therefor hurts the resale a little but $8k is a very good price (assuming there's nothing wrong with it).

This guy has probably never sold a boat before, what gave me that idea, that sticker on the back

 

[crabby captain john]

Re: Sylvan boats

I owned 3 Sylvan boats back in the 80s - '93. Never had a problem. Had a 14', 16', and 22'.

 

[greenbush future]

Re: Sylvan boats

Sylvan boats have a following here in metro Detroit, but most are alum. not glass. They do a good job with the alum boats. I wouldn't compare it to a Lund, but it's debatable I think. Condition is everything!

 

[southkogs]

Re: Sylvan boats

Sylvan is worth lookin' at. As said, they're kinda' a "me too" brand BUT they've been building for a long time and have a decent reputation. Boat looks to be in good condition ... and ...

... Those back to back seats and lack of rear bench is my least favorite seating arrangement in a runabout..

... I kinda' like those back to back seats.

 

[Maclin]

Re: Sylvan boats

In my boat searches Sylvans seemed to be mostly in good shape for some reason, that brand began to stand out in my mind as one to look at from any list.

 

[Maclin]

Re: Sylvan boats

A Helm Bucket and passenger back to back with rear jump seats converting to sunpad is a very versatile layout. Usually that arrangement at the stern makes it easier to get to batteries, bilge pumps, engine pieces, etc. And there is staging room behind the Captian's chair when rearranging passengers or cargo.

 

[briangcc]

Re: Sylvan boats

Uncle #1 had a 14' Sylvan aluminum single console. The only issue he had was with the Force/Merc engine and he ended up repowering with a Yamaha (if memory serves). He sold/traded it in on a 18' Sylvan (bought new) which has a 4 stroke Yamaha on it. Never a problem with either boat. He upgraded as his family got bigger and couldn't keep a 2nd boat in his yard.


Uncle #2 bought a used Sylvan (18') aluminum and only work he's put into it recently is replacing the carpeting as it was completely frayed. It's got a 2 stroke 75 HP Yamaha on it.

Cousin has a 18' Sylvan aluminum with an Evinrude hung off it. He has never covered it while owned and keeps it in a garage when not in use. Only thing he's done to it is to remove the "Spoon Feeding" name off the back.


They seem like they're well constructed boats. If I had the room and the $$ I'd own it as a 2nd boat for fishing and relegate the Four Winns to tubing/cruising.

No idea on the fiberglass variety though.