Need boat advice – help me decide

Would like some IDO’r input on two used boats in considering – both are 2005 1900 Pro-V’s:

Boat A has:

* 225 Opti with about 400 hours

* 15 hp Merc 4-stroke kicker

* 101lb 36 v Terrova

* Very good electronics

* Trailer needs to be sandblasted and painted ($500)

* Has had water pumps and steering hydraulic end caps recently done

* Private party

Boat B

* 225 Honda 4-stroke with 200 hours

* 8 hp Honda kicker

* 80lb 24 v Terrova

* Would need to upgrade the console fishfinder/GPS ($1000)

* Local dealer boat

Both are in “good” condition and are the same price (includes dealer tax, title & license), although Boat B would need $1000 fishfinder (either a 885 or HDS7). I’m not in love with either set of motors. Would you choose A, B or neither?

Without seeing them, and assuming both boats are in the same condition, solid floors, everything works, etc.. Boat A is the boat I’d prefer, better trolling motor, and electronics, if in MN, only pay tax on the trailer value, vs. the entire purchase price at the dealer.
I like having the 2 stroke main, and 4 stroke kicker. But the 4 Stroke Honda is a solid motor.

Neither-

If your not happy with the motors on either boat, I would keep looking for what you want. The last thing you want to get into is a set up your going to be unhappy with. Just my 2 cents

Will they each take you out or let you take the boats out for a 1-2 hour ‘On the Water Trial’? If NOT, I’d walk away.

I assume you are prepared and planning to spend $10,000+/-?
If so, would you buy a car or anything else spending $10,000+/- without a trial run?

Good Luck and let us know

I would blend Bob & Carroll58’s responses and second that! There isn’t much worse than making an investment, not being happy with it, and always second guessing what you should have done. Your aggravation will be embellished if your not happy or need to “settle” with it

Thanks for the replies so far. I don’t mind the Opti or the Honda, they’re just not my first choice (Yamaha 4-stroke). I like both boats – they both have their pluses and minuses. Or do you wait and wait for one with Yamahas come up for sale even though I have only seen one this year?

You should check the reviews on the motors for the model years they are, that might help you determine which is a better deal.
You could also check on fuel consumption, I would guess the Honda will be easier on gas than the opti and if neither is your first choice you might as well save some $ on the back end in fuel.

I don’t know anyone that runs honda but I have seen a few around, they seem to get up and move just fine and definitely won’t be as loud and raspy as the merc.

My only comment is that the ~’98-02 or so big block opti’s definitely had issues I would not personally purchase one of these motors – significant number of powerhead failures. I might be off by a year or two but that’s a definte watch out.

Otherwise something else to consider is the cost of ownership and availability of service. How much will routine and/or required maintence cost you on both motors? Where is your closest servicing dealer for both models?

Additional factors to consider – not an easy choice.

Good luck!

-ted

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Thanks for the replies so far. I don’t mind the Opti or the Honda, they’re just not my first choice (Yamaha 4-stroke). I like both boats – they both have their pluses and minuses. Or do you wait and wait for one with Yamahas come up for sale even though I have only seen one this year?

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If your first choice is Yamaha 4-stroke, that should be your only choice. TONS of used boats out there just keep looking. My vote neither.

Hands down boat B for me!

Like getting married you should never “settle”.

Get what you really want and you will never look back.

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TONS of used boats out there just keep looking. My vote neither.

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Please – show me where all the used 2004-05 1900 Pro-V’s are! I’ve literally found three in three months.

I’ve done further research on the Hondas. From my understanding, the 225 is a V-Tec and is a solid, but not sexy motor?

The 03 and up big block optis have been pretty good. I doubt you’ll see much of a fuel savings with the Honda, the DFI engines are pretty good on fuel in the big blocks (as good as they get at least). Here are the pros and cons as I see it.

Opti – probably a little more top speed, better hole shot, lighter.
That boat also has a bigger trolling motor and better electronics that you don’t have to rig yourself (a big bonus)

Honda – Probably quieter, don’t have to worry about oil (opti oil is $35 a gallon now). The 80lb Terrova should only be a 24v system, so it’s one less battery to have to worry about.

I’d lean towards the Opti boat myself. But like other said, if you’re in love with the Yamaha, I’d probably wait for that.

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TONS of used boats out there just keep looking. My vote neither.

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Please – show me where all the used 2004-05 1900 Pro-V’s are! I’ve literally found three in three months.

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http://charlotte.craigslist.org/boa/1718131308.html

http://www.boattrader.com/listing/2005-LUND-1900-Pro-Vee-LE-96302873

http://hsolist.com/search.php?phrase=pro-v

http://bass.outdoorsfirst.com/classifieds.asp?a=57899

Thanks P2W. I’ve seen all of these and am considering one of them. I’m primarily looking for one with a windshield. I look through all of the sites a few times per day and there hasn’t been too many.

check these

http://grandforks.craigslist.org/boa/1716281236.html

http://www.listown.com/books/mp/201003/148296.htm