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View Full Version : Questions about buying a used bowrider......



Jim B.
02-19-2007, 03:01 PM
I have a few questions (actually alot of questions:D ) in regards to buying a used bowrider. I sold my 18 foot eliminator jet last year to shifty here on the boards and now my wife and I are looking at getting a used 21-22 ft. bowrider. My budget is between 20,000 to 30,000. I would like to get something as new as possible but the problem is, is that it seems that the prices are all over the place for similar boats. I'll see a 2000 ultra for 27,000 and then the same boat with similar options for 39,000???? Also I really don't know too much about the newer boats. I was looking at getting something like a Howard skier, Ultra 21 or 22 or something along those lines I guess.........Could somebody please tell me what I can get for the money I want to spend and also what are some good hulls. I also like the Cole skier and the superhawk....are those good? i plan on keeping this boat for a long time so I want to get a quality boat Help me out!! i'm lost! Thanks!
JiM
Bakersfield, Ca

Jim B.
02-19-2007, 03:03 PM
....................also I'm thinking about a bravo with a small block for this boat.....I don't see any need to go bigger in my case.

OutCole'd
02-19-2007, 03:05 PM
I used to have a Cole Skier, great boat, sold it in 04' for 19K
Drives also influence prices, a 21' bowrider with a Jet is going to be way cheaper than with a Bravo.
Lots to choose from right now, good luck.

HefeRaton
02-19-2007, 03:10 PM
Cant go wrong with a Cole. I just did the same thing you did and let me tell you there are alot of crappy boats out there. I looked at so many boats, but had a hard time finding one as nice as the one I got rid of. I found a really nice Lavey for 30k. I wanted a Lavey or an Ultra, but between them the Lavey rode better and just seemed real solid like my Eliminator did. Now I'm not saying anything bad about the Ultra because I really liked that boat, but had a hard time finding one with a 454 in it. The one I did find just did not have the same ride as the Lavey. Good luck on the search, there seems to be alot of boats available right now.

dumbandyoung
02-19-2007, 03:11 PM
I would say you should look at the Ultra or Eliminator Eagle. Theres alot of nice ones in that price range. What would you be doing with the boat. DO you want reliable? Do you want to go fast? Are you gonna have a bunch of kids in it? Are you pulling skis wakeboards tubes? Are you on the river or lakes?

Jim B.
02-19-2007, 03:12 PM
I used to have a Cole Skier, great boat, sold it in 04' for 19K
Drives also influence prices, a 21' bowrider with a Jet is going to be way cheaper than with a Bravo.
Lots to choose from right now, good luck.
Thanks for your reply! What year was your Cole? Was it a jet?

Jim B.
02-19-2007, 03:17 PM
I would say you should look at the Ultra or Eliminator Eagle. Theres alot of nice ones in that price range. What would you be doing with the boat. DO you want reliable? Do you want to go fast? Are you gonna have a bunch of kids in it? Are you pulling skis wakeboards tubes? Are you on the river or lakes?
I totally want it reliable.........this will be the boat my wife and I will eventually teach our kids to ski behind..going fast is the least of my worries..... been there with my last boat. pretty much an all around family performance ski boat that is comfy good to hang out party, ski the kiddies cruise around with friends and have a good time.....

waterboy
02-19-2007, 03:18 PM
i sold my cole nighthawk last year, great boat . it had a 454mag bravo 1 1996$ 25,000

Jim B.
02-19-2007, 03:21 PM
i sold my cole nighthawk last year, great boat . it had a 454mag bravo 1 1996$ 25,000
Yeah I really dig on the Cole's.........they look nice although I've never rode in one........so the quality is good and they ride nice?

ULTRA28
02-19-2007, 03:26 PM
I have a really clean 21 Shockwave coming in this week that should fit your needs and price range perfect. Give Barry at the Corona dealership a call if your're interested.
1.951.734.6000.

RandyH
02-19-2007, 03:32 PM
There are at least a dozen great 21 and 22 Ultras to choose from at www.boattraderonline.com right now. THey must all have their 26 footers on order with John:D
RandyH

Jim B.
02-19-2007, 03:44 PM
There are at least a dozen great 21 and 22 Ultras to choose from at www.boattraderonline.com right now. THey must all have their 26 footers on order with John:D
RandyH
How is the quality and ride with the ultras?.......never been in one before

bruddah
02-19-2007, 03:48 PM
ultras ride is very good, especially for a 21 ft boat they seem to handle chop pretty well.... john west(ultra28) is the owner of ultra and can answer any questions you have and as you can see he already chimed in!

Focker
02-19-2007, 03:50 PM
I have a few questions (actually alot of questions:D ) in regards to buying a used bowrider. I sold my 18 foot eliminator jet last year to shifty here on the boards and now my wife and I are looking at getting a used 21-22 ft. bowrider. My budget is between 20,000 to 30,000. I would like to get something as new as possible but the problem is, is that it seems that the prices are all over the place for similar boats. I'll see a 2000 ultra for 27,000 and then the same boat with similar options for 39,000???? Also I really don't know too much about the newer boats. I was looking at getting something like a Howard skier, Ultra 21 or 22 or something along those lines I guess.........Could somebody please tell me what I can get for the money I want to spend and also what are some good hulls. I also like the Cole skier and the superhawk....are those good? i plan on keeping this boat for a long time so I want to get a quality boat Help me out!! i'm lost! Thanks!
JiM
Bakersfield, Ca
My friend wade has a hallet 21 vector for sale on this board and the price is right

nextel4u
02-19-2007, 03:55 PM
Nice Ultra here
http://lasvegas.craigslist.org/boa/281334992.html

Jim B.
02-19-2007, 03:55 PM
My friend wade has a hallet 21 vector for sale on this board and the price is right
Is it a bowrider?

OutCole'd
02-19-2007, 04:05 PM
Thanks for your reply! What year was your Cole? Was it a jet?
94' with a 454 & Bravo 1

plaster dave
02-19-2007, 04:08 PM
If you can find a Howard in your size and price range you better grab it. When I purchased my Howard I liked the fact that they came with a life time warranty on the haul.:D
I love the Cole night hawk but they are also a hard boat to find and being that they are not in buisness anymore is a neg. in my book.
My cousin has a 21 bow rider Ultra and loves everything about it. He only has the 388ci. in it and it runs hard.
The Hallet vector is a great boat but also hard to come across. Good Luck.

dumbandyoung
02-19-2007, 04:13 PM
I totally want it reliable.........this will be the boat my wife and I will eventually teach our kids to ski behind..going fast is the least of my worries..... been there with my last boat. pretty much an all around family performance ski boat that is comfy good to hang out party, ski the kiddies cruise around with friends and have a good time.....
Have you considered the big manufactures like Chapparal, Crownline or ebtide. that would be really reliable. and a great family boat? If you want something custom i would say go ultra or the elim. they are both nice boats. Maybe you can find something nice with a small block/ alpha drive. ..or maybe even a penta. Theres a nice Essex at magic in corona that might work for you..
with a volvo they want around 15k
http://magicpowerboats.com/currentinv/21/0905/images/00002071e.JPG
heres the link...http://magicpowerboats.com/currentinv/21/0905/00002071.html

Mandelon
02-19-2007, 04:16 PM
94' with a 454 & Bravo 1
Had that cool pink gelwork too......:D
A friend of mine has 2000 21 Ultra, with a 5.0 smallblock I think, and an Alpha outdrive and it pulls skiers great. Has a tower for wakeboarding....he pulled me around and I was impressed how well it did. Its all you need for what you are describing.

Jim B.
02-19-2007, 04:18 PM
Have you considered the big manufactures like Chapparal, Crownline or ebtide. that would be really reliable. and a great family boat? If you want something custom i would say go ultra or the elim. they are both nice boats. Maybe you can find something nice with a small block/ alpha drive. ..or maybe even a penta. Theres a nice Essex at magic in corona that might work for you..
with a volvo they want around 15k
http://magicpowerboats.com/currentinv/21/0905/images/00002071e.JPG
heres the link...http://magicpowerboats.com/currentinv/21/0905/00002071.html
That essex is nice...............that is exactly the type of boat I'm after or similar..............as far as those other brands you mentioned.....i would rather stay away from those..........is it better to buy from a dealer or private party Pros and Cons?

BajaMike
02-19-2007, 04:20 PM
....................also I'm thinking about a bravo with a small block for this boat.....I don't see any need to go bigger in my case.
Get a big block.......:idea:

BarryMac
02-19-2007, 04:47 PM
Wanna Jet Boat??? Carrera 202XR with the 380HP 454???

MudPumper
02-19-2007, 05:09 PM
Jim B.
I think this boat is right up your alley.
http://www.***boat.com/forums/showthread.php?t=134444

boatnam2
02-19-2007, 05:59 PM
what about the new ultra classic 21 bowrider,i thinkk john said it would be close to 30 have a new boat with a warranty for 5 years on the motor color scheme picked by yourself not someone else's dream would worth a couple of extra 1000.

Todd969
02-19-2007, 06:06 PM
I have a 92' Cole 22' openbow 454 bravo 1 that I am going to sell ( less than 20K). It's going to Prestige Marine for a complete service very soon. I'll send pics if interested. I can also arrange test drive in Havasu. The overall quality and condition is very good.

Havasu1986
02-19-2007, 06:09 PM
I have a 93' Cole 22' openbow 454 bravo 1 that I am going to sell ( less than 20K). It's going to Prestige Marine for a complete service very soon. I'll send pics if interested. I can also arrange test drive in Havasu. The overall quality and condition is very good.
How many boats do you have Todd:D

Todd969
02-19-2007, 06:12 PM
How many boats do you have Todd:D
2 too many.

Layin' Pipe
02-19-2007, 06:14 PM
There is a ESSEX in the spam section, A few pages back , but check it out...

dicudmore
02-19-2007, 07:04 PM
Is it a bowrider?
no its a closed-bow but its priced right and its a nice ride :D
it has room for 5-6 and runs low 70's...454MAG
http://www.hotboatpics.com/pics/data/500/6385hallett.jpg

dicudmore
02-20-2007, 07:37 PM
2 too many.
never too many boats Todd :D

wedge44
02-20-2007, 07:46 PM
I have a few questions (actually alot of questions:D ) in regards to buying a used bowrider. I sold my 18 foot eliminator jet last year to shifty here on the boards and now my wife and I are looking at getting a used 21-22 ft. bowrider. My budget is between 20,000 to 30,000. I would like to get something as new as possible but the problem is, is that it seems that the prices are all over the place for similar boats. I'll see a 2000 ultra for 27,000 and then the same boat with similar options for 39,000???? Also I really don't know too much about the newer boats. I was looking at getting something like a Howard skier, Ultra 21 or 22 or something along those lines I guess.........Could somebody please tell me what I can get for the money I want to spend and also what are some good hulls. I also like the Cole skier and the superhawk....are those good? i plan on keeping this boat for a long time so I want to get a quality boat Help me out!! i'm lost! Thanks!
JiM
Bakersfield, Ca
I know you talk small now ....in a couple of years this will be perfect....pm me I'm not firm on this price....wedge
http://www.***boat.com/forums/showthread.php?t=131725

ULTRA26 # 1
02-20-2007, 08:30 PM
If you can find a Cole Superhawk that is in good shape, at the right price, jump on it. I had a 91, 454 Bravo, and it was an amazing boat. Sold it in 99 for 22K I'm not sure about the older Ultra's but another winner would be a late 90's or newer Ultra if you can find one in your price range.
John M

Nord
02-20-2007, 08:37 PM
I'm sorry, I didn't here you.......someone's avitar was a really nice and loud distraction.
http://www.***boat.com/forums/image.php?u=14081&dateline=1157056178

Jim B.
02-21-2007, 06:26 AM
I know you talk small now ....in a couple of years this will be perfect....pm me I'm not firm on this price....wedge
http://www.***boat.com/forums/showthread.php?t=131725
Very nice rig although I'm not too hip to the wakeboard tower...............but it's alittle out of my price range dude!! Not alittle.....alot!! Unless you want to drop the price about 20K.......................I mentioned that my budget is 20-30K and no more

fatboy95
02-21-2007, 06:59 AM
We had a 96 Cole Superhawk. it was a great boat, quick and smooth ride. There is a 96 Cole Skier in boatrader but the guy is asking 33k because he put in a bunch of "upgrades". it's is still a 96 Cole and worth about 23k. Check out Ultra, Eliminator and the 22' Howard. Good luck.:)

Todd969
02-21-2007, 07:28 AM
Very nice rig although I'm not too hip to the wakeboard tower...............but it's alittle out of my price range dude!! Not alittle.....alot!! Unless you want to drop the price about 20K.......................I mentioned that my budget is 20-30K and no more
Here's mine 92' Cole superhawk. I dropped it at Prestige yesterday for a complete service. Chris was amazed at the condition.
http://i142.photobucket.com/albums/r103/todd969/101_1717.jpg?t=1172071557
http://i142.photobucket.com/albums/r103/todd969/101_1721.jpg?t=1172071598
http://i142.photobucket.com/albums/r103/todd969/101_1722.jpg?t=1172071621

OutCole'd
02-21-2007, 07:47 AM
Here's mine 92' Cole superhawk. I dropped it at Prestige yesterday for a complete service. Chris was amazed at the condition.
http://i142.photobucket.com/albums/r103/todd969/101_1717.jpg?t=1172071557
http://i142.photobucket.com/albums/r103/todd969/101_1721.jpg?t=1172071598
http://i142.photobucket.com/albums/r103/todd969/101_1722.jpg?t=1172071621
Nice boat Todd, I had a 22.4 Skier and loved it. If there is a contest for who has the most toys, you win. I did not even know you had this boat.

Jim B.
02-21-2007, 08:54 AM
Here's mine 92' Cole superhawk. I dropped it at Prestige yesterday for a complete service. Chris was amazed at the condition.
http://i142.photobucket.com/albums/r103/todd969/101_1717.jpg?t=1172071557
http://i142.photobucket.com/albums/r103/todd969/101_1721.jpg?t=1172071598
http://i142.photobucket.com/albums/r103/todd969/101_1722.jpg?t=1172071621
Damn.....now that's a sweet ride! Those older Cole look nice..It's for sale?

Dan Lorenze
02-21-2007, 09:13 AM
Hey Jim, my wife and I were going through the same thing that you guys are going through last year.. As far as the prices being all over the place, I think that the engine package has a lot to do with the prices being all over the map. In most cases you'll probably pay more for a jet drive with a 496/496HO or a 502/502hp than a 454 or 350mag. Some older generation (maybe current, I dunno) 502's had around 410-415hp (like mine), my first pick for an engine package would probably be the 496ho yet the 502's are a bit easier and cheaper to upgrade should you want to increase the performance later on down the road. If I were you I would get the biggest engine you can afford. We paid 32,500 for our 02 with 85 hours, I think the price was fair, the guy was asking 38k. There are deals out there. I'll keep an eye out for you..
This boat is in fair condition but can be cleaned up real nice if you ask me. They should really clean off all the bird shit before snapping the pics, also 73mph is very optimistic for this jet, I think they mean 63mph.. I'll bet they would take 30k for it...
http://adcache.boattraderonline.com/6/9/5/87769695.htm
Dan

BajaMike
02-21-2007, 09:31 AM
I know you talk small now ....in a couple of years this will be perfect....pm me I'm not firm on this price....wedge
http://www.***boat.com/forums/showthread.php?t=131725
This is a really nice boat and good price....
http://www.***boat.com/image_center/data/522/1682bass_lake_4th_of_july_05_051.jpg
Nobody ever bought a boat that was "too big".....lots of folks have bought boats that are too small.
:idea:

Todd969
02-21-2007, 09:38 AM
Damn.....now that's a sweet ride! Those older Cole look nice..It's for sale?
Will be after the service is done.

Todd969
02-21-2007, 09:42 AM
Nice boat Todd, I had a 22.4 Skier and loved it. If there is a contest for who has the most toys, you win. I did not even know you had this boat.
Last time I checked having more than another didn't mean squat. What I do have is a serious lack of space and storage bills up the WHAZOO:D

Aqua Man
02-21-2007, 02:36 PM
Hi Jim,
I have a 1997 Essex Sterlin for sale at your price range. PM for details and pictures.
thanks
aqua man