Just wanna start by saying that I am a big Skater fan (my favourite cats by far). One day I would like to join your 'Nation' I think.

I have a few questions.

How well do Skaters hold up over time? Lets say in comparison to a Cigarette. I know one is a V but I am interested to know how much different a high end cat ages in comparison to a high end V.

Do you think in 5 years (2014) 2002-2004 Skaters (32 or 36) will be afffordable to purchase? I am rtalking about I/O boats more but a newer 32 with 300's would be interesting too.

I have even been looking at a 1991 40 Skater in the OSO classifieds, wondering what kind of money would buy a boat like that and if it would need serious work.

I know each boat is obviously different but are there issues common to these particular models?

Is the cost of ownership different on an older cat than on an older v? (aside from Insurance which I have already looked into and is only 3x what I pay for my V)

Thoughts and opinions are appreciated.

The '91 40 is Gary's. He is a straight shooter and that boat is FAST.

Im pretty sure its for sale wihtout power.

Buy it.

I would love too if I hadnt just bought my fist boat last year.

I am more interested in what it would take to maintain an older hull like that and how different it is then a v hull as far as aging is concerned.

That 91 is a prime example of what I am trying to figure out.

Just another opinion.......Subject to personal preferences, the 2002, 28 Skater in classified is a lot of bang for the buck. The 28 is quick, maneuverable, fast and fun. Insurance will be affordable and NEW motors are less money than a rebuild on Mercury 850's, to say nothing of the drives and other maintainance.

The 28 won't handle as much chop as the 36 or one bigger. However, it will handle a lot and do it well.

Pride of ownership puts the 28 in a special class not shared by many others.

The price of any new boat can be expected to increase as the economy recovers or not. A popular pre-owned boat should depreciate least, if not appreciate.

Further, as the auto-makers make smaller most socially acceptable, the 28 is ahead of it's time. It can also be towed with tomorrows pickup.

Good luck with your decision !

I have a 2000 40 cut down deck. It had been abused in its past life and has taken some work. I will be picking it up from Skater shortly but it is basically a brand new boat inside and out. How I take care of things it will be solid for a long, long time......
I was so excited at the chance at owning a Skater I maybe should have look at a few specific things a little closer. I have been in Garys 91' 40 many times, and it amazes me the condition it is in today. It is built to rock and absolutely dialed in. Good luck in the future!!!

Well stated as usual

I have always said " buying the boat is the CHEAP part of the process " Maintaining the boat is a different story!! How much you paid and how much you have into the boat are like night is to day!
I myself would like a 32 or larger with #6 & BIG POWER, but like the turn key and 3mpg @ 90 mph of the 300XS.

We purchased a 1992 40 x race boat just the thought of finally having a Skater in any condition is well AWESOME !!!
It was converted to pleasure but not cut up.
Peter puts it together right the first time and it shows.
As stated in other posts they are ran hard and still are able to be maintained / repaired to like new condition!
Im not a guru but buy a Skater and you wont be sorry!!!
My old Snap On rep had a sign on his truck.
Buy the best first and only cry once!!!
The only one!!!
SKATER NATION
Just my 2 cents
Thumper