Which boat? Sorry another newb here.

[cmhouser]

Hey all. I've been browsing these forums here and there and find everyone looks to be very helpful and informative. I'm not new to boating but I've been out of the game for a while. My wife and I want to get out on the lake/river this summer and before we drop 20+k on a boat I wanted to make sure we were going to actually use it first. So I've been looking around locally and have found a couple that piqued my interest. Since you all are very knowledgable I thought I'd pose the question here.

My main goal is to take our 6 year old out on a tube and I'd like to ski here and there. We love the St Croix river and will likely be cruising it for some sun and fun. I don't fish much at all so that won't be an issue. I like the looks of an I/O but have heard outboards are a little easier to maintain and work on. Here's what I'm looking at now. Please feel free to pepper me with insults, suggestions etc.

http://minneapolis.craigslist.org/hnp/boa/1654021076.html

http://minneapolis.craigslist.org/ram/boa/1655974625.html

http://minneapolis.craigslist.org/csw/boa/1654205916.html

I really like the looks of the Larson and the price seems to be great! I'd really just like to be able to drop it in the lake and go so for the money it seemed like the best option.

Thanks in advance for any advise!

 

[Philster]

Re: Which boat? Sorry another newb here.

First boat: 225 HP v6 on THAT? What type and year of engine? And... the max HP rating is 150 TOPS. Need to know more about that 40 year old boat (!!!) and the mystery motor!

Second boat: Force is a Chrysler engine, and no longer made. He called it a Mercury.

That is some tough territory you are in. You are trying to get a boat w/power at those prices. It's VERY hard not to find an endless money pit. It can be done w/ extreme diligence, so check back here often!

GOOD LUCK!

 

[RWilson2526]

Re: Which boat? Sorry another newb here.

3rd boat has already been deleted off craigslist....that was probably the one because somebody already snatched it up....

Larson looks nice for the money....engine does seem BIG for that size boat...

definitely agree with your thinking about trying out a less expensive boat to make sure you will stick with it...good thing is those 2k-3k boats will hold their value and you should easily be able to sell it in a season or 2 and recoup most of your money.

Good luck.

 

[cmhouser]

Re: Which boat? Sorry another newb here.

Lol. Thanks already for the replies. That would explain why the guy didn't return my calls on the third boat!

The first boats motor looks original. I'll post pics. I liked that boat because it was a classic that never really would go out of style. That being said I couldn't test on water because it's just barely into spring here in MN and a lot of lakes still have ice on them. I'll post a pic of the motor.

The second boat is the Senza which I liked also not only because it was pretty cheap but because it looks pretty good as well. I honestly just know nothing about them.

Thanks again for any info and I know I'm just casting a line out there. There are a lot of boats in the 1-2k range which may run great for a long time or may run a month and need work. Any advise is appreciated!!!

 

[cmhouser]

Re: Which boat? Sorry another newb here.

BTW - here is a link to the same Larson Senza but in perfect exterior/interior condition.

http://brainerd.craigslist.org/boa/1650672925.html

Does anyone know about these V165 Senza's? Thanks again!

 

[JimMH]

Re: Which boat? Sorry another newb here.

Have been sking behind Larsons since the late 60's. The second red Senza with the Johnson outboard posted would be a better choice. Force hasn't been made in several years and parts are hard to come by. They are what became of Chrysler outboards before being dicontinued. The 69 Larson looked in good condition for it's age. Unless you just want that classic look. I would go with a newer boat.

 

[blairjbyrd]

Re: Which boat? Sorry another newb here.

My buddy has one of those larson senza. I love that boat and would love to buy one some day

 

[cmhouser]

Re: Which boat? Sorry another newb here.

Just a quick update for those that are interested.

I went and looked at the 89 Senza that was listed for $1,400.00 and it looked real nice for the price. I know squat about engines but he went to fire it up for the first time and it cranked right up and sounded good. Lights all worked, gauges appeared to be in working condition. Little stuff like the glovebox lock would need simple fixing and the boat needed a good buff and wax but other than that it looked real good for the money.

I'm kind of on the fence right now because that '69 Larson is in real good shape but the motor is obviously very old. It would be easier to walk around on and could fit a person or two more but the Senza would hold as many as I need. Also the people that own it just bought it last year and didn't really give a reason for selling it. The guy with the Senza has owned it for several years and used it for skiing/tubing. He has a newer pontoon and full fishing boat. He said he was about 62 now and simply didn't ski/tube as much anymore preferring to fish or spend time with the young kids on the pontoon.

I think I'm going to head back down and take one more look at the Senza and make the plunge. Wish me luck and thanks again to all that posted!