Charlie Glide

I'm looking at two boats right now. The first one is a 1995 25' Gulf Stream with a brand new 454 and Bravo drive. It would definitely be a great rough water boat since it has an extremely deep-V. The guy wants $17,000 obo.

The second one is a 1985 38' Scarab KV powered by twin 850 Sterling engines and #3A drives. This guy wants $30,000 firm.

I really like the Gulf Stream and it's almost half the price of the Scarab, but I know the price on that Scarab is almost unbelievable. My main concern is the maintenance. The Gulf Stream is powered by a stock Merc 454 and Bravo drive, so I know they would be easy to service and very reliable. I'm a little concerned that the Sterling engines will be high maintenance and it may be difficult to find someone who knows how to work on them and/or get parts for them. I'd like to make a decision in the next week or two. What do you guys think?

klmken

How much gas money you got?

gotime34

That is a MAJOR Difference in boats. You are talking about two different worlds. The question is...are you going to get bored in a single engine stock 454 boat?? If you will be satisfied with that, then I would go with the 25'. But if after 1 season you are going to be bored and wanting to move up, you may want to consider the KV. Plus sterling 850's and #3A's on a 38 KV for 30K is a pretty good deal, depending on what the rest looks like. If you are worried about maintenance, you should consider the 25'...its not what I would do personally, But its what I think you should do judging by the fact that maintenane is your major concern. Hope that helps a little, good luck with your decision.

ratman

step up and go big your wont have to trade up later. pull the trigger on the kv

Anarchy Powerboats

one 850 Sterling is twice what the asking price of the boat is ( almost) If they will pass compression tests and the usual checkouts then the KV is the better buy. Something doesn't sound right about it though, it's too good of a deal.

satisfactionII

The question is do you want to bounce around and fly in the rough=get the little 25'er. If you want a good smooth ride and crush the rough= get the 38KV.

If I was a buying I would go for the Scarab KV. From what I have read and seen on the water the 38KV is a better boat. I agree with MBR, check the engines and like others have told you maintenance will cost, but heh, having fun costs money.

thisistank

38' KV is a SWEEEET ride! And that is a dream set up. My only concern is the cheap asking price.....What's wrong with the boat?? Sounds too good to be true.

You buy the 25, you'll want bigger. You buy the 38, you wont.

800XCR

iTrader: (2)

If the 25 is the Gulf Stream from Anderson Sales/Champion Marine in WI...RUN far away!

Praetorian

I'm confused. Why is this even a question?

Charlie Glide

WOW! Actually, it is the Gulf Stream at Champion Marine! I'm suprised you knew that. OK, I have to ask you. What's wrong with it?