[625190]

i'm buying my second boat moving up from a 20' outboard. should i go with a 1977 (25')luhrs totally refitted with a 2002 crusader 350 straight inboard for $15k with 300 hours, or 1992 pro-line w/a (24') with a merc v-8 260 hp i/o with 400 hours for $18k. i'm confused because this is my first exp. w/ inboards & i was told to stay away from i/o to many parts & lots of maintenance, any advice on which boat to go with would be appreciated

 

[Captain Mike]

I have a 2000 29' Pro-line with twin outboards and love the boat. I would have both boats checked out before you make any decission. I have had I/O's before and never had any major problems. Only thing I don't like about I/O's is there a motor box in your ****pit that can get in the way at times.

 

[seaslug44]

If you want to make this a decision one that you plan to live with for years to come, do it the right way and hire a certified member of The National Association of Marine Surveyors (NAM). Here is a link to their website. You can use the "SurveyorFinder" feature to locate a local member.

The National Association of Marine Surveyors (NAMS)

The mistake that many boat shoppers make when using a surveyor is that they hire them too late in the sales process. These guys can be extremely helpful with answers to the questions like the one you asked. The truth is, without a surveyor's inspection there is absolutely no correct answer to your question (there are 1977 25' luhrs' and 1992 24' Pro-line w/a's on the market that are pure death-traps and there are others out there that are perfect gems).

 

[614048]

listen to doctor fish. Consider hiring a surveyor to examine both boats and let him tell you which is in better shape and which will cost you less in the long run to keep running.