Which one would you consider buying?

[hellyj]

Hi.

I'm a newbie looking at a 1986 Seafarer with twin 150 2008 eTech Evinrudes with about 300 hrs versus a 2001 Seafarer with twin 150 2001 Yamahas. The older boat is cosmetically a mess and the newer boat is nearly pristine.

Anyone care to opine?
Thanks.
J.

 

[VeroWing]

It's fairly obvious that a "nearly pristine" boat 15 years newer than the other, with newer engines, would most likely be a better choice. Couple that with newer improved hull design of 2001 model, and choice is a simple one, unless there is obvious damage or excessive use of newer boat that is not being reported.

 

[ocnslr]

Hi.

I'm a newbie looking at a 1986 Seafarer with twin 150 2008 eTech Evinrudes with about 300 hrs versus a 2001 Seafarer with twin 150 2001 Yamahas. The older boat is cosmetically a mess and the newer boat is nearly pristine.

Anyone care to opine?
Thanks.
J.

While the new engines on the old boat may seem more inviting, I would go with the boat that has obviously been well cared for. If the 2001 Yamaha's are OX66 EFI, then they are bullet proof. If they are 150HPDI, then even better.

Easier to repower a clean boat then clean up a repowered mess.

JMHO.

Brian

 

[gw204]

Give a call to your insurance company first and see if they will write you a policy given both boats have power that exceeds the manufacturer's recommendations.

I've been down the overpowered road before. Wasn't a problem at all until I tried to sell...

 

[onoahimahi]

I made a similar choice a year ago but my "old" isn't as old as your "old". My old is a 94 Sailfish with newer 2006 Etecs. The newer boat/motor combos I was looking at were ~2000. When I did my pro-and-con list the 94/2006 was a clear winner for me. A big factor was price. I went over the 94 with a fine tooth comb and bought it.

I suspect the owner of the 86 with 2008 Etecs is going to have a hard time selling that boat. Someone with with a boat budget large enough to consider two fairly new low-hour outboards is not going to want an 86 boat that is, as you said, a mess. He may have to let that go for the value of the motors alone in which case you could get the boat for free.

Having said all that, I don't think I would go for an 86 unless I was willing to replace major items such as the transom, stringers, fuel tanks, etc. because they are all at end of life.

What are the hours on the 2001 and how much more are they asking for that vs the 86?

 

[ocnslr]

Give a call to your insurance company first and see if they will write you a policy given both boats have power that exceeds the manufacturer's recommendations.

I've been down the overpowered road before. Wasn't a problem at all until I tried to sell...

Good catch, Brian.

I missed it, but not as familiar with that model.

Brian

 

[SmokyMtnGrady]

I wonder if the Op meant Gulfstream? I dont see how one could hang twins on a Seafarer but I guess it could be done. I would rather have an overall newer boat versus an old boat hull pushing 30 years with a newer motor.

 

[VeroWing]

I hung twin Tohatsus 115s on one of my previous Seafarer. Ran great with no issues.

 

[Doc Stressor]

The 2001 has the SV2 hull design. The 1986 does not. I've owned both models. For the modern hull alone, go with the 2001.