What should I do? Boat Decision?

[jayrodau]

I currently have a 2005 SeaRay 180 ski boat 350hrs. I think I can possibly get around 7-8k if I sold it.
I want a mastercraft and I found a 2001 mastercraft xstar 590hrs for 25k. Which I can afford.

Just curious what everyone's opinion is on going this route? Going back to an older year model matter?

[Greenster]

Have you had the Xstar checked out? That could be a big deciding factor. Another question is what do you use your boat for?

[98Prostar205]

No disrespect to the Sea Ray, but you won't regret getting a Mastercraft. As far as getting an X-Star, that all depends on what you like to do (i.e. wakeboard, surf, ski, ride, etc.). I wouldn't let the different in year models of the boats be an issue. I bought a 98 model mastercraft 2 years ago and I haven't had any issues.

[willyt]

as long as you thoroughly inspect the '01 you'll be fine. my 07 star has 540 hours on it, so 590 is nothing.

you'll love that boat all week long and twice on sundays

[jayrodau]

I started wakeboarding a couple years ago and want to move to something built more for it. I might try surfing some also. My Sea Ray being a ski boat just doesnt throw much wake. Is 25k sound high or is that a fair price? I think it has a carb Indmar motor. I think they made fuel injected and carb that year model from my research online.

[LaRue]

clearly i have not seen your Sea Ray but i sold a 19' 1989 Sea Ray in great condition for 5K three years ago. That price for a 2005 seems really low.

That said, our Mastercraft is in another league from our Sea Ray and we really liked her.

[Ski-me]

My mom has the same boat as you (SeaRay) and it will definitely be different (in a good way!)

I don't have a problem going to an older boat so long as it's been taken care of. Mastercraft is a very solid boat and well build so you are defintely looking in the right direction.

I also prefer any DD or Vdrive type boat over the typical I/O like your SeaRay. Just a lot more safe for the kids/parents out back. I just hate having a big ol' prop back there as a risk.

Although my mom may be trying to talk up our Mastercraft, she says she likes it over the SeaRay (76 yr old). Who knows though. You're definitely looking in a good direction.

Check out the overall condition real good and also pay attention to the interior. Be sure it's in great shape.

[Ski-me]

There shouldn't be any carb engines either. All are fuel injection at this point. 1994 being around the first year MC started with fuel injection....

[jayrodau]

Here is a link to the boat.

http://www.boattrader.com/listing/20...Star-101686198

[CC2MC]

Nice looking X-Star. I was just up in Lebanon last week. Had to take my boat up there to get the tower worked on. That is actually where I bought my boat as well. No comparison between Sea Ray and MC. Totally different boats. The hours on the star are probably about like a car with 50k miles, give or take. Ski-me is correct with fuel injection. They started all fuel injected engines in 94, so the carbs should not be present, given that is a 2001. Good luck and let us know how it goes.

For what it's worth I think you could get a little more for the Sea Ray as well. Always start higher, bc you can always lower the price, but you can never raise it.