daddiorick
New Member
First let me say I have read all over these forums and find them very helpful in getting some of the education I need. So thanks to all the veterans who post here...
We are 58/57 with 3 young grandkids 15 minutes away. We have a large lake about 20 minutes away and the Gulf is about 6 hours one way and the ICW about 5 another direction. I plan to get a slip but would like a boat my 2006 Tundra can also tow (4.7L V8 w/ full tow package) on occasion to other sites. I am looking for something that can pull tubes for kids on occasion and also allow overnighting of at least the wife and me. Having recently moved from being heavy campers in Colorado we are thinking more along the lines of camping on the water now. Basic research to date points me to an older 230 Weekender. I have looked at a couple of them and agree with wife that this is about the size we are looking for.
As with our foray into camping, I want to start out with less rather than more investment just to make sure we enjoy it. But I do realize there are dangers in trying to go too cheap for starter boat especially an express cruiser.
Some questions that come to mind:
1. Is there a list anywhere of basic questions to ask or things to consider when purchasing an older (late 80s) SR?
2. Anyone care to comment on the 230 WE as the right boat?
3. Any unique concerns about the late 80s vintage 230 WE that I should be aware of?
4. How should I factor in engine hours? I have heard that with the 5.7L over 600 hours means getting close to rebuild or repowering. True or false?
5. Beyond asking current owner, is there any other way to learn the history of a boat? Is there anything equivalent to carfax for boats? Can registrations be researched to learn more about history?
6. How critical is a marine survey? I am hearing pricing that runs about $20/ft for full survey is that about right?
7. I am shopping in $6-8k price range. Am I nuts?
I am sure there will be more questions but for now these are ours. Thanks. I do hope to keep this group updated on decisions... and really hoping to stay away from Bayliner
We are 58/57 with 3 young grandkids 15 minutes away. We have a large lake about 20 minutes away and the Gulf is about 6 hours one way and the ICW about 5 another direction. I plan to get a slip but would like a boat my 2006 Tundra can also tow (4.7L V8 w/ full tow package) on occasion to other sites. I am looking for something that can pull tubes for kids on occasion and also allow overnighting of at least the wife and me. Having recently moved from being heavy campers in Colorado we are thinking more along the lines of camping on the water now. Basic research to date points me to an older 230 Weekender. I have looked at a couple of them and agree with wife that this is about the size we are looking for.
As with our foray into camping, I want to start out with less rather than more investment just to make sure we enjoy it. But I do realize there are dangers in trying to go too cheap for starter boat especially an express cruiser.
Some questions that come to mind:
1. Is there a list anywhere of basic questions to ask or things to consider when purchasing an older (late 80s) SR?
2. Anyone care to comment on the 230 WE as the right boat?
3. Any unique concerns about the late 80s vintage 230 WE that I should be aware of?
4. How should I factor in engine hours? I have heard that with the 5.7L over 600 hours means getting close to rebuild or repowering. True or false?
5. Beyond asking current owner, is there any other way to learn the history of a boat? Is there anything equivalent to carfax for boats? Can registrations be researched to learn more about history?
6. How critical is a marine survey? I am hearing pricing that runs about $20/ft for full survey is that about right?
7. I am shopping in $6-8k price range. Am I nuts?
I am sure there will be more questions but for now these are ours. Thanks. I do hope to keep this group updated on decisions... and really hoping to stay away from Bayliner
