Question regarding express cruiser market/survey.

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dakst54

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Feb 5, 2007
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25121
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Hello all - thanks so much in advance for your expert advice.

I've messed around on some sail boats for a couple summers, but I'm new to the world of power boating and am in the market for a 26 to 29 foot express cruiser. I've looked at a lot of boats and really like the Sea Ray 270, but only a 1998 to possibly a 2000 would be in my price range. I don't particularly want to go older than that. The 270's in Southern California that I've seen range from 150 hours (on a 1998) to 450 hours (on a year 2000 model). Otherwise, I'm tempted to just get a 2004 Maxum-type boat. And no, I won't even bring up Bayliner - they are certainly tempting, but seem to be a very polarizing topic of discussion.

Again, it would be my first boat and while I've done a lot of research, I know there's no replacement for experience and mechanical saavy. Unfortunately, I have neither of the two (yet).

With that, here are my questions:

A) Would you guys recommend a 1998 or 1999 I/O, especially when it's in a saltwater slip, for a first time boat owner? I have the desire and willingness to properly maintain it, but right now, I don't necessarily have the know-how.

B) How much will a thorough engine survey and sea trial really tell me? Is there a chance that a good mechanic will give it a solid survey, give the a-ok, I buy the boat and follow his maintenance advice, then it experiences serious issues during the first season I use it?

Any other advice is greatly appreciated. Thanks again!
 
My quick and dirty answers:
1) No, I wouldn't consider an I/O (Merc) if its slipped in saltwater, particularly where you are since its a 12 month season.

2) The survey will tell you a lot but there are no guarentees. The right surveyor can see issues that currently exist and "smell" when something about a boat just doesn't seem right.,..... but still no guarentees.

BTW, no reason to rule out Bayliners... any squabbling you hear about BL being junk is crap, although you'll still have Merc outdrives in that size range.

All JMHO so take it for what its worth and what it cost you to get it! ;)
 
Thanks Mike - greatly appreciate the advice. As for your first point regarding not considering an I/O -- given the type of boat I'm interested in (26 to 29 foot express cruiser around 50k), is that pretty much my only option? Should I start completely re-evaluating what I'm looking for?

Thanks again.
 
dakst..
SR (and all Brunswick brand boats like SR, Maxum, Bayliner) offers only Merc power. You might want to look at something with Volvo composite drives.

BTW, this is just my opinion have seen what I consider premature failures of Merc drives due to saltwater corrosion. Other folks here can and will offer their opinions which may or may not agree with mine. That's fine because you really need to get all the info you can and listen to all qualified opinions before you make a decision one way or another.
 
dakst54, I have to agree with Mike. You don't want an I/O that will be slipped in saltwater. Inboards are what your looking for. The best ive seen over the years are Crusaders. The Mercs have to many corrison problems to deal with. You should be able to find a decent inboard boat for 50K.
 
I think you're in for a lot of headaches if you keep an I/O in salt water all the time. People do it, sure, but that's a lot of machinery in a hostile environment. I wouldn't necessarily rule out I/O though -- you could try to find a slip with a lift, to keep the drive and boat out of the water most of the time.

Might want to look into Four Winns too. They make a really nice boat, with Volvos, and not as expensive as Sea Ray.
 
And where the heck do you find a 27 foot express with inboards ???

if you're talking 32 to 36' where both are an option, then yes... inboards would be a better option but they are simply not an option in sub 30 boats.

while Mercruisers has a history of corrosion issues, isnt' it really a problem limited to the Bravo 3s? in any case, Volvos should be far more resistant to corrosion. i kept an older (1985) volvo duoprop in salt water year round for 13 years with no corrosion issues at all.

coming from sail, where boats are meant to be used, pay attention to the "usability" of the boat you are considering. "little details" like how safe is it to go to the bow and stand at the bow while anchoring, or is everything accessible for servicing... etc... in the powerboat market, some builders put emphasis on style and flashy features instead of things that really matters
 
You will need to be aware of the slip availability when looking to buy in the San Diego area. One option if you do go with an outdrive boat is a slip liner that allows you to keep the boat in fresh water.
 
My quick 2 cents.

Don't rule out the Regal brand. I have a 2460 with more room than a lot of 30 footers.

Don't rule out the Volvo DP composite drive unless you are turning extremely high HP and torque. A lot of very reasonably priced fun can be had with a 5.7FI engine hooked to a Volvo DP.
 
Thanks for your responses - these are very very helpful. Would a slip liner, combined with a lot of TLC, take care of many of these problems? I hear good things about those and would be happy to spend that extra money up front to save some corrosion issues later. (But I also understand you have to keep a very close eye on the chlorination, as that can corrode an engine as well, if over chlorinated.)
 
quote:
Originally posted by dakst54

Thanks for your responses - these are very very helpful. Would a slip liner, combined with a lot of TLC, take care of many of these problems? I hear good things about those and would be happy to spend that extra money up front to save some corrosion issues later. (But I also understand you have to keep a very close eye on the chlorination, as that can corrode an engine as well, if over chlorinated.)

Click to expand...

I don't know what a slip liner costs, but you may be better off with a lift if it's a ballpark same costs.
 
I just found out that the 1998 270 Sundancer is having is getting its outdrive replaced. Its being done by one of the more reputable ship repair shops in San Diego, so I'll be satisfied with the quality of work. I'll obviously look at the boat, get my own subsequent survey subsequent to the install, do the sea trial, etc., but I understand the rest of the boat is very clean and in good shape.

Is purchasing a '98 with a new outdrive almost preferable to buying five to eight year old boat with a five to eight year old outdrive that could go at any time? What are some things I should watch out for when purchasing a boat with a newly installed outdrive?

Thanks again - you guys are great!!
 
dakst54, A good sea-trial will tell all. Better to have the new drive for sure. Make sure you hire a good surveyor to do the inspection.
 
quote:
Originally posted by Al_Prisco

dakst54, A good sea-trial will tell all. Better to have the new drive for sure. Make sure you hire a good surveyor to do the inspection.

Click to expand...


What Al said.

Al,

Engine alignment matter on I/O's?
 
Before you go I/O in a warm water, year round boating area...walk around the boatyard....look at what some of the older stored I/O boats look like, the drives, with barnicles everywhere, even if painted with antifouling paint...you're letting yourself in for expensive maintenance, or a lot of work if you do it yourself, and there are better choices out there, for your 50K budget...Think about it.
I like some aspects of my I/O, but it's a lot of work each year. If the antifouling paints worked as well on aluminum as they do on the hull, it wouldn't be such an issue.
 
Thanks Lou - what better choices are out there for my 50k budget? What would all of you suggest? Again, I'm knew to this, so I really don't know.
 
Shamrock
single inboard, not easy to manuver like a sterndrive or twin inboards, but about the most simple drive system there is. Solid boat that holds its value. Not a crusier, but more of a fishing boat. Walk around style.
www.fishtheclassic.net
 
Then go a little bigger, straight inboard.
Trust me you will not dig sterndrive up keep in your warm salt water year round environment!
 
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