83' S&S or 87' Pro - Worth the Extra $$

[Nvrgvup]

I want to say hello it everyone. This is my first post to hopefully a new MC owner. I've been looking for a decent cheap ski boat to run the river around us and just play with the family. Nothing fancy.

I found an cheap $2,400, OK condition 83' S&S 700 hrs. The boat had been stored for a while 3-4 years. Engine winterized by the marina. The boat is dirty. Fiberglass stringers, however one of the side floor boards may be delaminated which concerns me a bit. Engine spins freely however the guy who is being paid to sell it for doesn't have the keys to try to start. Overall the hull is in good condition nothing major, doesn't look abused or heavily worn. Good amount of oxidation and the decals are cracked. Interior relatively new. Really nice trailer. Not a bad boat, it is just typical of a boat of this age. A healthy amount of cleaning and polishing would probably do wonders.

I also found a 87' Prostar 450 hrs. Guy will take $5,500. Looks nice from the pics. Seams on the interior have some cracks mostly on the rear bench.

I just need some help deciding if the newer boat is worth the additional $3,100 bucks. Such a tough call.

I'm favoring the cheap 83' to see how much we use it and just not to worry about it. In a few years can always get something nicer. I'm just concerned about getting nickel and dimed to death to a point where I could of bought something better. Guess this could always happen.

Thanks for your advise.

[ski_king]

In my opinion the probability of being nickeled and dimed is about equal between the 2 boats.

Based on that, I would go with the 83. Also, again in my opinion the 83 has a the more unique classic style.

[Miss Rita]

Re the '83: The floor is delaminating, and you don't know if the engine runs? Sort of answers your own question, doesn't it? Both hulls have the advantage of no-wood construction. If you didn't like the '87 you could sell it for the same money you paid.

[strad]

Well, if putting the boat in the the water, driving it around and testing it thoroughly isn't an option on the 83, then the decision should be an obvious one. Walk away. If the seller is serious about selling, they'll demonstrate to your satisfaction that the boat is shipshape.

[83SuperSlot]

I would also go with the '83. The hulls are almost identical. It sounds like it needs the work mine did. It took me about 60 hours to completely restore it. As far as the key... on my '83, my brother took off with my key when he left the lake a couple of weeks ago and I just used the small key to the trailer lock and jiggled it around a little bit and it turned and I was able to use that key the rest of the day.. I bet you could do the same with yours. Also, you could just disconnect the wires from the ignition switch and start it manually. You will definitely need to use starting fluid since it has been sitting a while.... either boat sounds great though! Good luck!

[americanskierJim]

If it where me I would buy the "83" you can still get everthing you need for the boat. There not to bad to fix up. I bought an "80" and restored. I am all for the the older MC. Good luck. hope to see some pic's of the one you buy.

[Nvrgvup]

Thanks for all the great replies. Still undecided.

[ski_king]

My suggestion of going with the 83 was based on the being able to get the keys and taking it for a test drive, or at least hear it run.
On a 83, it is "fairly easy" to start without the key.
The ignition wires are right behind the dash......

[SWeaver]

If you are just looking for a boat to have fun with and don't feel like taking on a potential restoration, I'd suggest the 87, assuming it runs as well as it appears. For that price, you shouldn't lose any $$$ if you decide to sell it....on the other hand if the 83 floor is delaminated because water got in under the floor and froze, you could have more potential damage under the floor. Not to mention...if they won't start it for you, what may be hiding....cracked block? bad trans? who knows? (certainly not you). If any of that happens, you will likely have a harder time getting your cash back from a sale, or you are in for a restoration, or at least some significant repairs.

[Nvrgvup]

Well made a decision or kind of one. Told the guy with the 83' that I wasn't interested if he couldn't at least get it started. He had no interest and just wanted to flip it. He was really mad that I was backing out, can't blame him, I just don't want to take the risk. Like you said I'm really not ready for a restoration project. Played that game years ago with a 18' 1956' Lyman.

Working on the 87'. Do you think $5,500 is a good deal on an 87' w/ 430 hrs?

[ShamrockIV]

price all depends on the condition. got any pics?
heck i got a 73 with no motor siiting at home waiting on me to get back and start on so u can prob guess which way i am leaning! lol

[cbryan70]

87-90 were all the same hulls I beleive.. GREAT SKI WAKE IMO. Never have been behind a 83.

[83SuperSlot]

I would try to get him down to $5K.

[cbryan70]

http://lubbock.craigslist.org/boa/1761419148.html here is one for 5

http://easternshore.craigslist.org/boa/1765667488.html here is one for 6250 that needs some elbow grease....all seem to be going for 5(lowest) to 7500

[alletric]

I sold my 89 for 6,000 with new interior and 800 hours. I hear all the time that it should be worth 8000 but that was not my experience.

[H20skeefreek]

Let us see the pics, we'll make a decision for you. We love to spend other people's money.

[jipster43]

$5500 is a fair price, but that doesn't mean you shouldn't try to get it for less. Like others have said, I'm sure you'd be able to get your money back if you decide to sell it. I'm a big fan of the '87-'90 hull - especially in reverse gelcoats. Good luck!

JP :)

[Nvrgvup]

Here are some pics of the 87'. Good looking boat. Talked to the owner for a while yesterday. Family has outgrown it, he has had it for 11 years. Some oxidation, and the seats have some cracks you can see in the pics. Carpet good, 430 hrs.

What do you think the average cost to recover the seats is?

Thanks again for all the replies.

[glassmaster]

Before you decide on something look at what is available out there first. Don't limit yourself to just these two.
Try here http://craiglook.com you can search all of Craigs list from one place. I went through all of the listings for Mastercraft and there were a lot of deals.
With the economy like it is you should be able to find a bargain out there somewhere and follow the advise of others on here and drive and/or take to a mechanic to check it out unless you want a project. :twocents:

[SunCoast 83]

Nice looking boat. I grew up on an 87 just like that. Blue and Grey with a 454. Great boat.

[SWeaver]

$5500 is a FAIR price. Not a great deal, but you're not getting taken for a ride by the guy. I bought an 1987 190 last year and the average I saw was around $5500-$6000 in that condition. Low hours for the year is nice on the one you are looking at.

Figure 2000hrs if it's maintained well. Upholstery around $1000 if you are willing to remove and install, maybe $1500-$2000 if you just want to drop it off and have somebody do all the work.

I just took the oxidation and old pinstriping off my hull. It's easy. You could do a great job in a full day's work, or just make it alot better in a few hours. Don't let that be a deterrent.

[ksdaoski]

just sold an 88 for $7k

I had just redone the three seat bottoms, cost around $400. They were all white though.

Good luck

[H20skeefreek]

low-ball the owner of the '87. offer him 4k and see what he says.

[Nvrgvup]

The 87' I was looking at sold. Found another 87' however guy didn't want to deal. Looked like it was in good condition. So still looking. Need to be patient and the right one will come along at a good price. Can't decide which model I like the best. They all are great in their own way. I just don't want to deal with wood stringer unless somebody else already did.

[Nvrgvup]

I found MY boat. I am SO Excited.

83' S&S Powerslot.

540 HRS

Late model with fiberglass construction.

Very clean and well taken care of. Really great guy who had it.

Includes all the original documentation and repair history.

Guy selling it had it listed on Craigslist for a while as a Master Craft not a Mastercraft. I just happened to search it as two words and found it. He said he wasn't getting any calls and reduced the price.

Drove there today to look at it. Gave him a cash deposit and will pick it up this weekend.

Thanks for all your suggestions.