211 Liberator vs 230 Chris Craft Scorpion
 

Wanted to thank everyone for the great advise on the last boat I was thinking of buying. (88 Larson Senza)..I now have two boats to consider both are in mint condition. I am looking for opinions on both boats..or things to look for on both boats.

Boat One - 1989- 211 liberator with a 350 - 260 hp and a King Cobra outdrive

Boat Two - 1987- 230 Chris Craft Scorpion with the 350 Magnum 270 hp. Both are in mint condition but the Scorpion doesnt have thru hull exhaust, but might have a few fewer running hours on the drive train.

looking for thoughts..thanks in advance

Jeff

Re: 211 Liberator vs 230 Chris Craft Scorpion
 

Without seeing them, I'd opt for the Scorpion. Bigger and Merc power. If you want thru hull that's not a problem.

Re: 211 Liberator vs 230 Chris Craft Scorpion
 

keep looking for a liberator with merc power that would be 10 times the boat 211 rides rough water like a 25 footer :evilb: :evilb: :evilb: :evilb:

Re: 211 Liberator vs 230 Chris Craft Scorpion
 

Not sure about the Chris Craft, but the Liberator is a heavier boat and will be a bit sluggish but a good solid ride and pretty loud with the thru-hull. Always liked the lines on both boats. the Merc 350 mag motor is a good motor and should run strong for many hours. How many hours on both? Trailers? Price? Not sure where you are located but if you are interested in a great riding late 80's performance boat out check out my 22' Pachanga. It really needs nothing and it sounds about what you are looking at. Let me know if you are interested( [email protected] ). Either way good luck.

http://adcache.boattraderonline.com/6/7/7/80903377.htm

Re: 211 Liberator vs 230 Chris Craft Scorpion
 

I had a 89 201 Lib with a 350 (my first boat)..........would barely run 50mph.......not sure what a heavier 211 would run......they typically have a big block........take it for a ride with a handheld GPS.......what I can tell you about my Lib is quality construction......VERY solid boat......made in Michigan FOR Lake Michigan

Re: 211 Liberator vs 230 Chris Craft Scorpion
 

I had a 221 with a BBC motor and I can say Liberators are very solid boats and for the size ride very good. They do tend to be alittle slower because of there weight but make up for it in ride for sure. OMC drivelines, HMMMM :rolleyes: ... You can learn to love them or hate em. Good Luck..

Re: 211 Liberator vs 230 Chris Craft Scorpion
 

I had a 211 Lib.(89) with a 460 King Cobra. Great boat ...solid as hell. Maxed out at 62 mph till I changed to a 540. No gps at the time but could stand an 80 mph speedo. straight down :D

Re: 211 Liberator vs 230 Chris Craft Scorpion
 

I had a 221 Liberator that was a pleasure to own. Always got compliments on the ride and build construction. It did have the 454 (not a 460) King Cobra.......silky smooth in and out of gear, only problem was parts.

In 7 years of over average use only replaced the bellows besides normal maintenance, but it was well cared for.

Re: 211 Liberator vs 230 Chris Craft Scorpion
 

The Liberator with the 350 King Cobra package is 270 HP (not that it makes much of a difference). Before I bought my 211 Liberator, one of the boats I tested was a 23' Chris Craft Stinger with a 260 HP Merc. I don't know how that compares to the Scorpion, but it was a bit sluggish to get on plane, and it didn't seem to have the quality construction of the Lib.I have mine going on 10 years, the first 7 with an upgraded 350, and the past 3 with a 383. My cobra drive is holding together fine, and it's not babied, but I don't stand on it out of the hole (I'm not stupid). Getting parts for the drive is no probem. The boat's ride is second to none in that size range. I have a friend with a 22 pachanga, and another with a 230 force (Baja). Mine rides better than both. True it's a heavy boat, but the ride makes up for it, and I always get compliments at the dock. The boat loves to get air, and it won't beat you up in the process. By the way, acceleration is fantastic with the 383.
Long winded I know, but I hope it helps.
Sea trial both boats. In the end it's only up to you.
By the way, Merc power came in Four Winns boats up till about 86, then they changed over to OMC.

Re: 211 Liberator vs 230 Chris Craft Scorpion
 

I love my ol Scorpion 230...
But I am looking for anuthr project now that this one is about finished.
It is a good ol boat.