Newbie seeking advice

[Tigan]

So we just put deposit down on a 1992 SR 200 Overnighter. It has about 473 hours, one owner and a 4.3L mercruiser , overall good shape but will need some detailing (cleaning) which is not an issue to me. Trailer included Dealer is asking for $5900.

I am bringing an experienced boating friend who works at a boat shot to help inspect this afternoon. My questions are , will the V6 motor be enough to run it for tubing and occasional skiing?

This will be our first boat so any thoughts would be highly appreciated.

 

[r_moss]

Barely..especially of the one your are trying to pull is on the chubby side.

 

[JediJD]

If you love the boat, it won't make a difference to you, and chicks dig horsepower...so there is rarely a situation you will ever think you got too much engine...however, 4.3 IS on the small size for a 20' cuddy if you want to use it for watersports. In this market, you probably have looked at lots of options and have picked out your best of several choices.

Word to the wise...I have also always thought that an owner who didn't keep up the exterior of the boat...which you COULD see...was never keeping up the part you couldn't see.

Good luck!

 

[PMC]

Also check NADA on that boat - the "asking" price sounds a bit high. Good Luck!!

 

[JediJD]

Also check NADA on that boat - the "asking" price sounds a bit high. Good Luck!!

+1. At the very least it gives some good discussion room. In this case, the value of the trailer is a pretty substantial component of the price, and the only way to value it locally is through something like Craigslist.

 

[pdmathisjr]

I have a 2004 4.3 EFI Merc with 220 hp on a 200 Sundeck. I'm thinking your 4.3 will be carb, about 190 hp with Alpha 1 sterndrive. You should be OK for towing depending upon how many people you have on the boat. If there are 5 or 6 of you with at least one in water then you'll be fine. More than, not sure. My 4.3 can carry 8 people and 4000 lbs of boat/gear/fuel and will struggle to get on plane if I have five adults in the cockpit and three in the bow.

It's a great time to buy, don't sell yourself short. If the dealer started at $5900 he/she is willing to accept 10% - 15% less, especially in today's economy and depending upon how long the boat has been sitting on the lot. Still... sounds like a fair deal without seeing the boat.

Don't forget to ask for a ride before closing the deal, check the boat for leaks, look at the engine while running and try to obtain as much maintenance information as possible. You're lucky to have a friend whose a boat mechanic, that's a BIG PLUS for you.

Have fun and good luck :thumbsup: