In the market for a 260 Prowler...
 

Hello all...new to the forum but not go-fast boats. We are 20 minutes from the C.Bay and I lived in OC MD when I was a kid. Been away from the scene for about 10 years. Last boat we had was a 27 Fountain Fever back in 1999. So I am looking to get back onto the water and my wife and I have decided that its time to start looking. I always had a soft spot for Sonics back in the day and thinking the 26 prowler would be a great fit getting back into the scene. If anyone could offer some advise on what to/not to look for with them. I have searched and read some reviews on this forum. Looks like the run was from 98-03? Any better years from another, etc. Would love to have a 496 over the 502.

TIA,
Brian

Why???
 

Why would you want a 496 over a 502?

Ocean...Factory Closed cooling. My guess.

This one has been for sale for a while in MA. It is nice I saw it last year at Borden Light's Poker Run." Attachment 568741

I've been thinking about selling mine, just sitting in the garage.in the last 11 years I put 70hrs on it. owned it since new. never had stock power in it. it's a supercharged big block with all the goodies.

They are such great boats. The only drawback is the narrow passage between the front bolsters. I really loved mine, and do miss it sometimes. If you come across a 2002 or 2003, make sure you check over the gelcoat and fiberglass work VERY, VERY carefully. Those are the years that Richard Hewitt took over the company, and brought the Infusion Process (vacuum bagging layup) to Sonic, and they had some growing pains. And all he did was cut corners those years as all he wanted was the real estate; not the brand. I am NOT saying the boats are junk, but I am saying to make sure you have such checked out very, very well. There are a couple at least 1 or 2 Prowlers that were produced in the last several years when the brand/molds changed hands a few times as well.

Thanks everyone for the all responses. I found a 2002 on the Eastern shore I'm going to look at tomorrow. Its a 496 with 480hours on it, 2 owner boat. Needs a few cosmetic things so the owner says, pictures look decent. All stock, trailer is an '04. We'll see what happens.

Sydwayz: Thank you for heads up in reference to the 02-03 boats, I be sure to check over it well. Is there any tell-tell signs of a "bad" hulls/designs/cutting corners" that are apparent?

They just didn't get the layups right on a few boats as they were learning vacuum bagging. There are some other threads:
http://www.offshoreonly.com/forums/s...6-prowler.html

Since the boat you are looking at is a 2004, I would strongly suggest a full hull survey with someone who has a moisture meter and knows how to use it. Look closely to make sure the gelcoat is in sound condition, everywhere, including under the water line and if possible make sure to check the gelcoat where the boat sits on it's bunks.

Its a 2002

Ok, so I went down this past Friday to see it. Looks great, rub rail is clean, but does need light restoration work, i.e. polishing/cleaning, cabin upholstery needs a little attention, head liner, speedo not working, bolsters need a little work, and the sun pad. I did not get it in the water yet, it was a ****ty day, weather wise. Did fire her up, all looked good on land. There is a little scuffing on the keel going up towards the bow, should be no problem to get right. We agreed on a price pending a marine survey/sea trail, which I have scheduled for next Monday. The gelcoat looked ok where I could see, I did tap on the hull on various spots as well. It is a 2 owner boat, this gentleman has had it since 2005. She is basically an all original boat, the only "mod" I see is a Corsa silent choice exhaust, which did work properly.

What is the average weight on these with trailer? Is there a way to check history on these, like a car fax? He does have some service records.

Hopefully if it checks out with the survey, it might have a future home, lol.

the boat is around 5000 by itself without the trailer. trailer all depends on the maker.