Buying a 2004 270 Sundeck... Help

[OSURob]

I am new to the forum. I am in the process of purchasing a 2004 270 Sundeck with the 496/375 engine. :grin: The boat seems to be in great shape with only 96 hours on it. It is coming with an aluminum tandem axle trailer. Owner wants $44k for it. Does this sound in line with what it should cost now? I checked for comparable sales on Boat Trader and found them to be anywhere from 32K to 50K. It is a freshwater boat.

Any suggestions on what to look out for or check before making the purchase? I would think that you owners would have some insight as to what common (If any) problems that I should check.

Is this a good model? What can I expect? I am coming from a 21' cuddy cabin with a v6.

Any help here is greatly appreciated.

 

[Morpheus]

Do you have the maint. records for it or know the history? 96 hours on a boat that is 5 years old. Average usuage us normally about 100 hrs a year. You should get a full survey done by someone to make sure there is nothing wrong with the boat. Also $44k seems a little high to me but I don't know alot about used boat pricing.

 

[sreill]

I paid 38k for mine last year. In this market, there should be some room in that price.

Great boat

 

[chuck1]

A lot is going to depend on the condition and location. The 270SD is one sweet boat. What are going to pull it with? You do realize that you are over the limit on the width in most places?

 

[OSURob]

I didn't think about the width. I am pulling it with a 2006 Infiniti QX56. (The big SUV) It is rated at pulling 8900lbs and I believe the boat will come in at around 7700lbs.

 

[charlg]

Or....you could look at a perfect '03 240 Sundeck and save $15k+

Sorry for the shameless plug, I couldn't help it.

 

[OSURob]

No fault in shameless plugs. If I thought the wife would go for a slightly smaller boat I would.

 

[sreill]

where r u located? Mine can be for sale. Ive been thinking about moving into a cruiser

 

[Lazy Daze]

I didn't think about the width. I am pulling it with a 2006 Infiniti QX56. (The big SUV) It is rated at pulling 8900lbs and I believe the boat will come in at around 7700lbs.

Actually, by the time it's on a trailer, batteries, fuel, water, gear... you'll easily be in the neighborhood of 9,000lbs... possilbe more. By the way, your 8,900lb tow rating is calculated with only you in the car. If you're planning on other people (and gear), you have to subtract that from the rating.

Aside from price, that's going to be a lot of weight for that vehicle - even at 8,000lbs, that's a lot of weight on an Infiniti. It's not just the ability of a vehicle to pull the weight, but also to be able to hold it steady in a hard-braking, emergency type maneuver. Don't forget about the tranny, too!

 

[avguy]

I didn't think about the width. I am pulling it with a 2006 Infiniti QX56. (The big SUV) It is rated at pulling 8900lbs and I believe the boat will come in at around 7700lbs.

Rob you might want to re-think that one. That 7700 lbs is probably the dry weight. If I had to guess (based on our 240 Sundeck) I think you're going to be closer to 10 or 11000 lbs. Scott

 

[chuck1]

Rob,
Sounds like you are getting some good advice. One of the reasons I went with the 240 over the 270 was because of not having to get a new/bigger tow vehicle. My Durango is rated for 9000+ and I can tell you I know when I've got MS Judy behind it. Plus I don't have to worry about the over width since I normally tow in a couple states when I do a trip. When I go over to the TN river I have to go through GA, NC & TN. If you wanted to stay legal you would have to get a permit for each state.

 

[Woody]

The 270SD dry weight is 5,800#. I pulled ours all over with a 5.3 Yukon. It was easy towing. I had a tri-axle with disc brakes on all axles. While the boat width is 8'10" I didn't worry about it and never was questioned.

 

[chuck1]

The 270SD dry weight is 5,800#. I pulled ours all over with a 5.3 Yukon. It was easy towing. I had a tri-axle with disc brakes on all axles. While the boat width is 8'10" I didn't worry about it and never was questioned.

It's not the question or ticket that worried me. I did not think you would use a Tri-Axle until you got close to the 10K+ weight range.

 

[Woody]

I ordered a Eagle tri-axle for this boat for a few reasons. I like the ride the tri-axle gives vs a tandem. I also wanted the additional set of brakes. The other reason was that I wanted the boat as low as possible so it would clear my garage door. The tri-axle used a smaller tire and different springs that reduced heigth a couple inches.

 

[chuck1]

I ordered a Eagle tri-axle for this boat for a few reasons. I like the ride the tri-axle gives vs a tandem. I also wanted the additional set of brakes. The other reason was that I wanted the boat as low as possible so it would clear my garage door. The tri-axle used a smaller tire and different springs that reduced heigth a couple inches.

Cool, I hear you about the height issue. Even with my 240SD it sits high on a tandem trailer. I have to make sure I've got my 14' doors open all the way on my building when I pull out or else.... Go ahead and ask how I know.:smt089

 

[Lazy Daze]

The 270SD dry weight is 5,800#. I pulled ours all over with a 5.3 Yukon. It was easy towing. I had a tri-axle with disc brakes on all axles. While the boat width is 8'10" I didn't worry about it and never was questioned.

I've pulled over width on occasions in the past, and will do so again in the future. But, the OP needs to know that this is illegal (most states are 102", some only 96"). Is it obvious that a boat has a 9' beam? No, since it is only that wide at one point. But, if he did happen to have, or even be involved in, an accident...:smt089

Easy towing 9,000lbs with a Yukon? That's overstating it a bit, but let's agree to disagree on that one. :smt001

 

[RAZ]

Rob,

The boat wouldn't be the 270 at Spend A
day Marina would it?

Lazy Daze - I pull my 260 SD with a Yukon XL. Not the best tow vehicle in the world but does fine. I also take my time and not act like fool on the road. If I am in a hurry oh well.

 

[OSURob]

Thanks to all for the help. I picked up my 270 on Friday. My QX56 pulls it fine. Although you sure know it is back there!!! Sucker is heavy but it seems like a great boat.

 

[Lazy Daze]

Thanks to all for the help. I picked up my 270 on Friday. My QX56 pulls it fine. Although you sure know it is back there!!! Sucker is heavy but it seems like a great boat.

Congrats on your new boat! I;m sure you're going to have a blast with it.:smt038

As far as towing goes, just do me one favor. Find an empty parking lot, with a lot of space. Get up to highway speeds and slam on the brakes while making a quick turn. Don't do it all it once, start gradual and lead up to the really hard stuff. At least this way you'll know what to expect if (and hopefully you never do) you ever get in that situation for real. The last thing you want is to be in an emergency situation and then on top of that to be surprised by your car. You may find it's OK, but at least you'll know - and according to JI Joe, "Knowing..." Somebody finish that statement for me. :smt001

Also, for anyone towing near - and especially over - their tow rating, I would highly recommend having a tranny temp gauge installed.

 

[tcontic]

I paid 38k for mine last year. In this market, there should be some room in that price.

Great boat

Are those rod holder on your stern ski bar? I've been looking for a place to place rod holder on my 230 BR.

Tom