Decision between two boats

[GatorFL]

Decision between two Merc boats (saltwater influence???)

I have been going through the forums and cannot believe the weath of information contained here. Please help with my decision between two similar boats as follows: Hope Dr. Honda is around as well!

2001 Challenger 1800 with newly rebuilt Merc 240
New interior, great shape, with trailer
Keeps it in the salt water, cleans and flushes it after every outing and removes it every 3 weeks to clean the hull
How much of a deal breaker is sitting in salt? Would it really only affect the pump? Is this the limit of risk that being in the water creates? Approx. how much to replace these items for peace of mind?

2004 Challenger X20 with Merc 250 Optimax
New interior, great shape, one owner, with trailer
Keeps it on a lift
Should I factor in the cost of an overhaul since it is 12 years old? I read that the outboard style of this motor can go for 1,000 hours and be fine? Approx how much would this cost?

Both are asking $9k. Any input is greatly appreciated.

 

[GatorFL]

Sorry about the typo, Dr. Honda...

 

[Dr Honda]

Boat 1: Sitting is salt isn't a total deal breaker if it's maintained, and the anodes were changed out. (to protect from the salt) Also, the fresh engine is EVERYTHING to me. As far as taking it out to clean it... that's fine... but irrelevant. Sure... it keeps the barnacles off... but it's still sitting in salt.

SO... if the price is right... then I would pull it out of the water, and give it a proper inspection. AND... be aware there could be corrosion inside of the mufflers, and engine mounts. AND... be aware that next time you need to take the pump or engine out, it could require major surgery. (parts being corroded together)

Regardless.... since it's in salt... it would not command a "Prime" price, regardless of how "Pretty" it is with the new interior.

Boat 2: The Opti is a good engine, but has it's own quarks about maintenance. AND, if it's the original engine... plan on needing a rebuild soon.

Like boat #1... it's a salt boat, and it shouldn't command a "Prime" price.

While it's good that it's a one owner boat... and he/she should be able to tell you everything about it... they may be liars, and you may not get a real story anyway. I've seen boats show up here that were in bad shape, and they get patched for a quick sell.


Personally... I don't think either are worth $9k. but the one with the new engine may be close.

 

[GatorFL]

Dr Honda,

Thank you for the input. Boat 1 is the original engine, just overhauled, if it makes a difference.

Can you give me a rough idea of the rebuild cost on an Optimax to help compare apples to apples among the two? Will it be a catastrophic event that prompts the rebuild, some signs along the way or would you set out to rebuild it immediately after purchase? Believe it has 180 hours.

The second boat is a little longer and would fit the family slightly better.

 

[Dr Honda]

Well....


I guess I need to know what is an "Overhaul"? To me... that's a rebuild. I would find out exactly what was done.

As far as price for a rebuild... it all depends if you are doing the work, and how bad the damage is. It could cost less than $1000.... but if you are taking it to a shop... and assuming it wasn't a total melt down, with a big hole in the block... between $5k and $7k. (half of that is just labor for these shops)

If there is a big hole... most shops won't deal with it, and you will have to just find a good used engine.

Basically... if you are paying someone to do it... it approaches the point that isn't not worth it. (more than the boat is worth)

 

[philipmurphey]

I live right next to Fort Myers and have owned a 2003 - 1800 and now own a 2001- 2000. I like the lay out of the 2000 a lot better but with a "overhauled" 1800 that might sway me back to a 1800 depending on what was done to it. I would look into what was done with the "overhaul" and ask for receipts. The newer 2004-2000 OPTI is newer by the year but could be needing a rebuild in the near future. I personally would get the 2004-2000 because of the newer year, size, OPTI max should be more fuel efficient, better resale value, one owner, new interior..... I don't know what the opti max compression #'s should be but definitely check it. FYI, prices will drop soon since the cooler weather is coming.