Replace my outbourd or get a new boat?
OK..My mechanical experience is that I have been an aircraft mechanic since 1996 and have my A&P and FCC Certifications and a full set of tools at home and at work..
I have a 1989 Maxum Cuddy 19.7 foot with a Force 1989 125hp outboard. I was just wondering at what point should I give up on a 20 year old boat and motor with a 1992 Venture trailer and go and get a new boat?
I personally repainted and repaired everything on the outside and hull of my boat, the only thing my boat needs is one bow cushoin in the cuddy redone and both cushions from Port and STBD upper sides redone to make the boat almost new again.
My outboard the Force 125 looks like new with the cover off of it and myself and everyone who has seen it thinks thew powerhaed has at least been replaced once.
I have been looking at the Bayliner Discovery 19.4 foot with fish package for under 30K new. But also want to operate my boat as long as I can keep it on the water.
I just want some others input on when you should givw up on a 20+ year old perfectly running boat
Only give it up if it doesn’t do what you need it to. Or when you just want something different. If you are thinking about getting just a new outboard motor i would get a new boat all together. New outboard motors are most of what you pay for anyways. Do the research on new motors and compare them to new boats with the same motor.
If it is doing what you want keep it. Force outboards have a shocking reputation and you may find the price you get for your current rig is pretty low. You may get the best deal using it as a trade-in.
I also think that as the boat and trailer seem O.K. – you have already put some effort into that, so maybe you should seriously look into upgrading to a new or newish 4 stroke Yamaha of around the same or a little more horsepower – the fuel savings will be astonishing assuming you don’t drive at WOT all day and Yamaha are THE brand for reliability and longevity.
Yes , if your happy with the boat keep it.
Just know when you do go to trade it you will find all that work didn’t do anything for the value of the boat.
What you don’t know is the Maxim is a boat of status Que at best. The fact you have a force on it is the biggest detractor of your boat.
I do have one question , With all the intelligence you posses why can’t you see that a Bayliner is about ten steps down in quality from what you have now? I would suggest you do a little research on boats before you buy another.
Fact: Bayliner is a new boater entry level boat. The quality is not their to actually keep the boat thirty years. ( that’s how long I have owned my boat)
Fact any boat that is manufactured with a brunswick Corporation Component is over priced and in many cases under powered.
You can see this just by riding any SEa Ray that marine max sells.
In the end you have to make the call, but we will throw advice anyway.
First, take Bayliner out of the mix, I won’t even consider this part of the equation.
Second, if you like your current boat, and it works well for you, don’t change.
Third, a new engine may be in the cards if you want more power and/or reliability. Sounds like you have a good runner so you might get good value as a trade in or better yet on the open market.
Best of luck. In the end it is your decision.
I’d tell you to keep the boat and replace the outboard if it’s giving you problems. The Maxum is a decent boat and better than a Bayliner. Since your boat is “Free &Clear” just replace what is needed, don’t go into debt for something newer.
You say “…as long as I can keep it on the water.” That’s a huge commitment.
The service life of a well-maintained outboard is unlimited as long as replacement parts are available.
The service life of a well-maintained fiberglass hull is also unlimited, as long as the transom is protected from water intrusion. Floors, decks, etc, are another matter, but I can tell you that the decks and transom in my vintage 1980 Kingfisher are solid as the day it was built.
If you want the new boat, by all means buy the new boat.