Quality older boats

[Brambles]

I'm compiling a list of older boats that "fit the bill" as far as what I"m gonna use it for.

I need a good rough water boat for kootenay lake. Anywhere from a big 18 footer to a smaller 24 footer. I want a cuddy, fresh water (closed) cooling system with heater, NO OMC. Want Merc or Volvo power/leg or an outboard would be fine. Hardtop is a bonus but argument can be made for full canvas.


So far the brands I've narrowed down due to quality construction are

Glasply
Hourston Glascraft
Double Eagle
Zeta


I see lots of Sangsters out there but unsure of the Post '72 quality.

Any of you boat savvy guys know of others to keep an eye out for?

[Ambush]

If you're considering older boats, put aluminum on the list. Never have to worry about hidden, rotten stringers and transoms.

[dakoda62]

Harbour craft have made some nice welded aluminum boats, both inboard and out board drives.

[Brambles]

Price is a big factor and the newer aluminum boats are not in the pricerange right now!

im running a starcraft right now and because of their lightweight The waves move it around with ease!

[Brambles]

Aluminum boats still have wood to rot, wood floors and transom are used on lots of older aluminum boats!

[huntinnut]

For Kootenay lake, there isn't much need for anything bigger than 19ft. If it's that rough out that a closed bow 19ft cant handle it, it isn't very fun fishing anyways. I have a 19ft mid 90's welded aluminum, and it's a bit light for trying to cruise against anything bigger than 3 ft chop, but it will easily fish in 4 foot rollers, up to about 9mph. I fish Kootenay lake all winter with a full canvas cab. Trim tabs are a must on the lighter boats, and make a huge difference. Some weight in the bow helps a lot too as they are heavy in the back end and the bow tends to slap. For older glass boats i'd definitely consider the Double eagle, glasply, and Malibu Tyee (double eagle hull). If your close to the border definitely consider buying in the US and importing. It is worth it.

[sarnold]

I won't trade my double eagle for anything else!!!!
Mines smaller than your after but you won't find a better hull and an enclosed canvas custom made is a huge bonus.

[pnbrock]

Older hard top sea rays take some serious water. Many guides on west coast restore them for guide boats.

[island6]

I run a 1973 Larson Glaspar 17ft with a trusty 65hp Johnson, not that it really fits the bill as to what you are looking for but the overall integrity of the boat is solid if you could find a Larson closed top of that era I would recommend it.

[Sofa King]

I won't trade my double eagle for anything else!!!!
Mines smaller than your after but you won't find a better hull and an enclosed canvas custom made is a huge bonus.

sorry to hear that.

[Sofa King]

sunrunners have hulls that cut right through the big rollers.
plus, the fact that they are unsinkable is a nice bonus.

[magnumjeff]

yes i second the sunrunners all fiberglass stringers i have a 20 footer hard top cuddy for sale

[Brambles]

Pm me info and ill have a look!

[Surrey Boy]

Do you have trailerable weight limits? Shallow draft requirements? Image issues (how ugly can it be)?

[1899]

What price range are you looking at? Grady White makes a fantastic walk-around cuddy that meets your length requirements. You would need to snag one out of the USA though as they are quite rare and expensive up here.

[Brambles]

Do you have trailerable weight limits? Shallow draft requirements? Image issues (how ugly can it be)?

Well as long as my 1/2 ton hemi with 3.92's can pull it I'm good to go, and as long as its at or under 8'6" beam im allowed on any road. Don't think there are any shallow draft requirements. Ugly is purely subjective. I put function and condition before creature comforts and aesthetics.

why u ask.

[Brambles]

What price range are you looking at? Grady White makes a fantastic walk-around cuddy that meets your length requirements. You would need to snag one out of the USA though as they are quite rare and expensive up here.


all depends on the boat, I'm on a budget and Grady white wont fit.

[Surrey Boy]

I was going to suggest an old sailboat. Much nicer to live in, better built, and cheaper per pound. Plus, gas is free.

[835]

Late 70's Sea Rays are dynamite. Hand laid Glass and super thick. They were the work horse in Ucluelet for a long time. That would be the boat i'd be looking for if i could,,,

The other one, Campion Explorer 185. My dad has one of them, and i have had it Offshore a few times. It holds up well in the swell. Reasonable price point as well. The boat doesnt pound, that is a big one for me. Double Eagles pound the swell too much for me. I know people love them, and i'll get heat for saying this. But in my Guide life in Ucluelet,,, Sea Ray,,,, after That Campion Explorer... Then Hurston..

Gradies are great but the Cap rail is too low for me, it only comes up to your knees at best,,, if you charge a rod on the wrong edge of a swell you gotta watch it.

[1899]

all depends on the boat, I'm on a budget and Grady white wont fit.

You can bring them in from the USA very easily, and the prices might make it worth the effort. Here are some examples:
http://www.boattrader.com/listing/1988-Grady-White-226-Seafarer-364206

How about a 1990 19' Tournament with a 2004 Honda 150hp for $7900?
http://www.boattrader.com/listing/1990-Grady-White-19-TOURNAMENT-101889178

There are many available in the $7500 to $10,000 range. You may need to drive for a few days to pick it up, or pay a bit for delivery to the border.

[835]

Another thing,,, If you have the time,,,, Buy the hull then build on it. It will be cheaper and you get what you want.. As well you will know what you got.
Old boat old power can be ugly. But if you buy a hull that is good, then install good parts your gold... And quite often its cheaper then the whole package

[Brambles]

anyone know what the quality of the 1978 Bayliners is?

[358mag]

anyone know what the quality of the 1978 Bayliners is?
Yikes Bayliners are a entry level boat and one that's 35 years old . Save your $$$ drive up the lake to Jones Boys and p/u a Kingfisher 2727 and enjoy that great lake that's in your back yard.

[Jagermeister]

Jones Boys have a Campion Explorer that you might be interested in. It's either a 542 (outboard) or a 552 (I/O).

[Brambles]

Yikes Bayliners are a entry level boat and one that's 35 years old . Save your $$$ drive up the lake to Jones Boys and p/u a Kingfisher 2727 and enjoy that great lake that's in your back yard.

U buying?

wayyyyyyy outta my price range!

[Brambles]

Im in the process of liquidating some stuff, budget all depends on what sells how long it takes. Im a fairly impatient person when it comes to "wants"!!

that explorer is gone,

[1899]

anyone know what the quality of the 1978 Bayliners is?

I would avoid it. That vintage Sea Ray would be much, much better imo.

[fuzzybiscuit]

I had a 1979 19' Zeta for quite a few years. I wish I never got rid of that boat as I haven't been in anything the same size that was better.

[Ambush]

If your serious about a good boat at a good price then go to the midwest states. Lot's of big water, NO salt and tons of choice. You'll pay half what you will here.
The economy there has not recovered enough to bring prices up yet. A short road trip can save you bunch of cash.

Just google the different US buy and sells. Or just search "boats for sale", specify length and state. Check Indiana, Ohio, Michigan and such.

[Brambles]

Any Pre-brunswick sea ray still good quality ie: 1986 and older or did sea ray themselves cut corners in early 80's? Before the sale to brunswick?

[lovemywinchester]

This thread just sent me into an hour long boat porn surfing session.




http://i1124.photobucket.com/albums/l573/zippogold/i-should-buy-a-boat-cat_zps7fd43e6e.jpg (http://s1124.photobucket.com/user/zippogold/media/i-should-buy-a-boat-cat_zps7fd43e6e.jpg.html)

[Brambles]

what about canadian built Malibu boats? See a bunch of them kicking around, seem to hold up well.

[moosinaround]

Too bad about the size requirements. I know of a 1995 Fairbanks for sale in wicked shape, but 10'6 beam and 28' length. Ready to fish though, and well equipped!! Moosin

[The Hermit]

Boston Whaler.

[pnbrock]

for an example a grady white was running in fog a good speed ,older sea ray trolling along gets t boned by grady.sea ray still managed to make the 20 mile return on own to marina.

[Foxton Gundogs]

Late 70's Sea Rays are dynamite. Hand laid Glass and super thick. They were the work horse in Ucluelet for a long time. That would be the boat i'd be looking for if i could,,,

The other one, Campion Explorer 185. My dad has one of them, and i have had it Offshore a few times. It holds up well in the swell. Reasonable price point as well. The boat doesnt pound, that is a big one for me. Double Eagles pound the swell too much for me. I know people love them, and i'll get heat for saying this. But in my Guide life in Ucluelet,,, Sea Ray,,,, after That Campion Explorer... Then Hurston..

Gradies are great but the Cap rail is too low for me, it only comes up to your knees at best,,, if you charge a rod on the wrong edge of a swell you gotta watch it.
HEAT!!!!:evil:

[sniper ren]

what about canadian built Malibu boats? See a bunch of them kicking around, seem to hold up well.

I have a 17.5 ft Malibu Tyee. It's been a great boat! Would be a great haul for running around bigger lakes. Hard to find a good used one but there is the odd one around in your price range. They also make an 182 model with a cuddy.

Cheers

[358mag]

U buying?

wayyyyyyy outta my price range!

No sorry still saving my penny's for my own Kingfisher ........

[Brambles]

What can u guys tell me about a K&C thermoglass, I'm going to go look at one tomorrow. It's a 22' with an Alaskan bulkhead but motor is cracked.. 305 gm with merc leg.

ive heard reference that they are quality boats but nothing first hand!!!

[Moe.JKU]

If your serious about a good boat at a good price then go to the midwest states. Lot's of big water, NO salt and tons of choice. You'll pay half what you will here.
The economy there has not recovered enough to bring prices up yet. A short road trip can save you bunch of cash.

Just google the different US buy and sells. Or just search "boats for sale", specify length and state. Check Indiana, Ohio, Michigan and such.

Missouri is a good place as well. specifically Lake of the Ozark's area, there is a lot of people there with to much money for there own good. And to many people that try to live beyond their means to keep up with everyone else.

[Jagermeister]

What can u guys tell me about a K&C thermoglass, I'm going to go look at one tomorrow. It's a 22' with an Alaskan bulkhead but motor is cracked.. 305 gm with merc leg.

ive heard reference that they are quality boats but nothing first hand!!!I looked at one in Pentiction quite awhile back. Stingers were a mite bit spongy, I assumed the tramsom to be the same. Passed on the offer although it seemed to be a nice boat.
Why is the motor cracked? Did it overheat at some point? That can distort the exhaust baffle and then water enters the engine when the boat is slowed abruptly. This is due to water surge against the transom area. Automatically reduce price by no less than $6G if you anticipate doing motor work, and that conservative.
And remember this. The longer the boat, the less times you will go boating. Why? More required to launch a larger boat.

[Brambles]

Didnt drain it after winter fishing. I suspect with the Alaskan cab that it should have also had a closed cooling system so why the engine cracked is a mystery. More will tell when I see it tomorrow!

[Brambles]

Search continues, k&c thermoglass was a basket case

[anytail]

I have a 1995 campion explorer now for sale if your interested you can pm me. Its a 1880 model with a 3ltr lx merc inboard and a nice boat. Ive had it 13 years and many people have wanted to by it from me and now they can. Sporty looking boat and is rigged for fishing. I mainly used it on my little holiday each year to Kootenay lk.

[longstonec]

K&C has some great boats, also look at Canaventure. Same thing.

We used to have twelve 14' 1980's +- K&C's I still have two. both have solid floors and solid transoms. great boats.

Now have thirteen 16' Canaventures. built in 1995. they get about 900-1000 hours a season. thats alot of hours. no cracked hulls. solid transoms,

Hurstons are well built, a little too deep-v for me. two guys standing on one side gives them a fair bit of roll.

You can sometimes find a used 21' Monaro floating around. Better built then most boats built these. and in Vancouver.

Stay away from boston whalers. Had a few, still have one. POS top to bottom.

[sparkymacker]

yes i second the sunrunners all fiberglass stringers i have a 20 footer hard top cuddy for sale

Is that for sure? I am thinking of looking at an old Sunrunner to make into a fishing machine. I really don't want to replace the stringers in a fiberglass boat though as I have a couple of friends who have done it....dirty job!

[russm]

Lol every time I see this thread I think it's called "quality older boots" and think to myself "that's pretty gross, why would someone want older boots" haha

[One Shot]

Bayliner 2459 or 2452. Made for west coast waters. Some older model were in the 22' and 23' sizes as well.

[YAMMY-CA]

I'm compiling a list of older boats that "fit the bill" as far as what I"m gonna use it for.

I need a good rough water boat for kootenay lake. Anywhere from a big 18 footer to a smaller 24 footer. I want a cuddy, fresh water (closed) cooling system with heater, NO OMC. Want Merc or Volvo power/leg or an outboard would be fine. Hardtop is a bonus but argument can be made for full canvas.


So far the brands I've narrowed down due to quality construction are

Glasply
Hourston Glascraft
Double Eagle
Zeta


I see lots of Sangsters out there but unsure of the Post '72 quality.

Any of you boat savvy guys know of others to keep an eye out for?
GRADY WHITE/SEASWIRL/ are top of line