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#574838 - 01/18/21 09:28 AM
Looking for advice, review on a boat or two
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Joined: Jan 2021
Posts: 5
Tina
Warrant Officer
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Warrant Officer
Joined: Jan 2021
Posts: 5
Annapolis MD
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Hello all,
Im looking to buy and have narrowed in on three boats and hope folks have some advice or experience with either a 1997 Four Winns Horizon 200, price at $9,995, which I think is a high given the age of the boat, 1998 Mariah Z202 $7,999 and finally 2000 Monterey 240 Explorer- deck boat, $15,000, there outside touch up work that need to be done on this and the trailer wheels are in bad shape. Thanks any information about one or all three is much appreciated.
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#574839 - 01/18/21 01:57 PM
Re: Looking for advice, review on a boat or two
[Re: Tina]
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Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 15,719
GoFirstClass
Retired Boating Bum
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Retired Boating Bum
Grand Poobah
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 15,719
Pasco, WA
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Tina, (that's my wife's name too!),
Welcome to BABC and congrats on your decision to seek out the perfect boat. Let me suggest that you not rush into your boat buying process. When I read through your post you only mentioned the prices on the boats, nothing about what you liked or didn't like about each boat, which you liked best, and you only mentioned the condition of the Monterey.
I'd suggest you decide which boat you think would best suit your needs. Rank them in the order you think would have enough room, and if any of them is skimpy on room, delete it from your list. There are MANY boats on the market so don't think you are limited to the few you have in your list. You didn't put in your profile where you live so I can't tell what market areas you are looking in, but don't be afraid to look beyond where you're looking now.
Without wanting to appear nosey, but make sure you are looking at boats that have enough room for your family. Boats seem to magically shrink once you put a few family members inside. If you're going to use the boat for wakeboarding, skiing or tubing make sure whatever boat you end up with has enough power to suit your needs.
Again, welcome to BABC. Don't be bashful about asking questions. Everyone on here was a newbie at one time and we can all share our experience to help you avoid making the same mistakes we did.
Mike
"Beachcomber" 1995 Sea Ray 550 Sedan Bridge Anchor's down......Bottoms Up!
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#574842 - 01/19/21 10:44 PM
Re: Looking for advice, review on a boat or two
[Re: Tina]
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Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 4,006
Dock Holiday
Admiral
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Admiral

Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 4,006
Lake Geneva, WI
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Tina - Welcome to BABC.
Regarding the 3 brands, all have a devoted following and have good reputations. There have been a number of members here with these brands, and all were quite happy. I have no first hand experience with any of these brands, but from what I have read, I would consider all 3 the brands to be fairly equal and good brands.
You did not specify the engine and drives. One of the biggest mistakes people make when getting a boat is getting something that is underpowered. If you let us know the power train options, the members here might be able to advise for or against some choices. I am always in favor of getting the most power available for any particular model.
In buying an older boat, one of he most important things is the ownership history. That is, it is important to get a boat that was well cared for. No brand of boat will hold up to neglect and abuse. I am always amazed at how many boats I see stored outside with no canvas!
In boating, size does matter. All other things being equal, if you can afford, tow, and store the larger boat (Monty 240) then the size would be a great tie breaker.
Hope this helps.
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#574847 - 01/20/21 01:07 PM
Re: Looking for advice, review on a boat or two
[Re: Tina]
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Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 15,719
GoFirstClass
Retired Boating Bum
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Retired Boating Bum
Grand Poobah
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 15,719
Pasco, WA
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Tina, remember that the prices on each of the boats (and most large items you buy) is the asking price. It's a price the seller would LOVE to get, but doesn't necessarily expect someone to pay. Before you make the seller an offer, do a walk around of the boat, taking notice of things you will want to repair, like the stripes. Look at the hull to see if it needs a good buff and wax. Look at the bottom (if it's on a trailer) to see if there's bottom paint and see if the paint is in good shape. Walk around inside the boat to see if there are any soft spots in the floor and the condition of the carpet if it needs tp be replaced. Look at the condition of the seats to see if the upholstery is in good shape. Look at the overall condition of the interior. Open the engine compartment to see if it is clean and see if the engine looks like it has oil leaks. After looking at all those things and you decide you want that boat and the boat suits your needs, start thinking about your offer to the seller. This is just me, but if there are no big things that make me want to run away, I make my offer about 20% to 25% below what the seller priced the boat at. Remember, you can always come up with your offers but you can't ever go down. One last thought--I would think the 4.3L engine would be a bit on the small size when you have 5 or 6 people in the boat. Good luck! 
"Beachcomber" 1995 Sea Ray 550 Sedan Bridge Anchor's down......Bottoms Up!
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