Upgrading From 1994 200 Overnighter - Need Advice

[down2earthlandscaper]

I'd shy away from a 23 year old sterndrive boat kept in the water with 1300 hours.

Of the boats you mention, I'd probably lean toward that first Crownline. The size of the boat and the big block motor will make it the best performing boat of the bunch with the most space and comfort. You mention you have options for a larger tow vehicle if need be.

I've towed a lot of boats a lot of miles for decades, including both the ones in my signature. Overwides can be a pain, but otherwise, it isn't much difference to tow a 20 footer vs a 30 footer in my experience.

Agree. I just really feel that it’s a crap shoot on how long the engine would last (besides it does seem a bit underpowered for that Sea Ray) and an engine replacement on a 2001 boat isn’t going to be worth it.
I just hired a Marine Surveyor and we are going to take the Crownline for a sea trial tomorrow.

 

[Stee6043]

Agree. I just really feel that it’s a crap shoot on how long the engine would last (besides it does seem a bit underpowered for that Sea Ray) and an engine replacement on a 2001 boat isn’t going to be worth it.
I just hired a Marine Surveyor and we are going to take the Crownline for a sea trial tomorrow.

1200 hours is barely broken in!

With a good mechanics survey on both the engine and drivetrain you should be able to buy with confidence.

That new enclosure that comes with the Sea Ray is probably worth as much as a reman engine replacement

 

[Espos4]

I actually have a 2005 GMC Sierra 2500 HD that is one of my work trucks. I could always use that for towing. Just would have to get my guys to throughly clean it first! If they needed they could use my RAM for work if I was towing the boat, but they would have to keep the RAM clean!

Get the brake lines inspected on that 2005 before you tow anything.
GM started using coated brake lines around 2006-2007 but the earlier years weren’t coated and can rot away.

 

[down2earthlandscaper]

1200 hours is barely broken in!

With a good mechanics survey on both the engine and drivetrain you should be able to buy with confidence.

That new enclosure that comes with the Sea Ray is probably worth as much as a reman engine replacement

The enclosure on the Sea Ray IS amazing. I’ll see if I can figure out how to post a pic.
I’m just wondering if that boat might be a bit underpowered though? 5.0 mercruiser 305ci EFI w/bravo 2. 5100 pounds dry weigh.
My 20’ Overnighter is a lot lighter and has a 5.0 mercruiser and it takes awhile to get on plane when there’s more than just a couple passengers.

 

[down2earthlandscaper]

Sea Trial and Survey went really well. Boat has been well maintained and everything was designated as “above average” condition. Surveyor even valued this a couple thousand higher than current asking price.
My only thing now is wondering about this oil sample result.
Does anyone know how to read this and whether this seems about right? I’ll try to add screenshots.

 

[SilentJ20]

Boat looks nice. Real clean. Can't help with the oil results, though. As far as towing, keep an eye on your rear axle rating. When I was looking at towing my 220BR, I found that pretty much any half ton can tow it if there was NOTHING in the truck. But as soon as you add people, gas, and some gear into the bed, rear axle ratings get eclipsed fast. I tow my 220BR (6000lbs wet, with trailer & misc) with a Silverado 1500HD (heavy half using prev gen 3/4 ton running gear). My rear axle capacity is 6000lbs, and with curb weights, the family, fuel, tongue weight and a bed full of camping stuff, I have 1800lbs of excess capacity. Every regular half ton I checked couldn't do it. Not to talk you out of anything, but just be mindful of how much your truck can safely haul--your rear axle rating is only 4100lbs, so if you load up you're really pushing the safety/reliability limits.