BajaFresh

Damn, gotta re-post! Hopefully the site won't crash again!

Okay, I am going to upgrade to a bigger boat. I have been looking at newer 29’ to 33’ boats.

But looking in Boat Trader, I saw some older boats for pretty cheap $.

A 1985 Four Winns 261 Liberator , 26’, twin rebuilt 350’s, new leather interior, gauges, switches, seats w/drop out bolsters, gel coat, etc. About 200 hours on boat. 55 mph w/19P props. Triple axle trailer. $15K

Also a 1986 Chris Craft 260 Stinger, twin 350, ss props, “designer” model with many extras. 360 hours. $16.5K

1987 Mirage Intimidator 27, twin 454, ss props, extras, 210 hours. $18K

All of these boats look to be similar hull designs and boat style. They are cheap enough that I could put some money into them if required. I can do a lot of work myself as I build hot rods and am used to refurbing. Plus, there is a certain appeal to the fun of a “beater” boat. No worries about scratches, nicks, spills, etc.

I can always buy a newer big boat later and probably wouldn’t take a big $ hit on an older boat purchased now.

What are the down sides of this and does anyone have any info on these boats?

Thanks.

Here is a pic of a Liberator (not the one I am looking at but same year and model).

??I guess the system's not completely up yet...it won't post the pic!!


Hey!!!!! The picture works now!

BajaFresh

ttt



HHHmmmm,

Is this a bad topic.....
or is just that nobady cares?!?

?

formula31

The liberator is one heck of a good rough water boat. And has lots of cabin room. Ive never been in one with small blocks though, all twin bbc's or fords. Are you gonna be happy with 55mph? Could put blowers on them if the rebuilds were good I quess. Thats a good deal.

Frequency

I would look at used. Unless money is no issue, why buy new? I'm getting a new boat because the kind of boating we do demands it. I wish a typical offshore style boat would fit our requirements. There's a lot of great buys out there!

BajaFresh

Thanks, Form31,

No, I won't be happy with 55 but the seller said its got 19's on it now and pulls very hard out of the whole. I think switching the props to 22's or maybe even 23's will yield 65+?

TEAMBAJA

I know for a fact formula31 wouldnt be happy with 55 mph!!

JUSTONCE

65+ I doubt it, Those motors wont turn 22" props.

BajaFresh

I meant 22 Pitch, not inches.

My 260 HP 5.0 MPI spins a 23P prop. 350's should be able to turn a 22P, right?

Does the size/weight of the boat make a difference?

HiPerf2000

iTrader: (2)

It makes all the difference!!

and BTW....your 260hp is a 350ci.

AND you can't gain MPH by going up prop size unless it is pegging the rev limiter with the 19's......and there is NO way you can get 10 mph with a prop change. you may get 1 - 2 mph with 21's depending on how the boat is running now in regards to rpm.

JUSTONCE

Pitch is measured in inches with props.