School me on: 2002 Maristar 230 VRS - Pics added

LaynDoor · Outlaw Joined: 26 Feb 2010 Posts: 152 City: Meriden CT

Just happened to bump into the owner of our marina yesterday and she told me about this boat they have for sale... What can you tell me about it? Wake? handling? Ballast options? Surf wake? Common issues?

looks exactly like this http://www.onlyinboards.com/Details.aspx?ID=30094 has the ND tower on it too.

It needs some cosmetic work- gel buffed, interior scrubbed, platform sanded and oiled... they are looking for 19K... says the motor runs strong and hasnt had any major issues.

Going to schedule a more detalied showing for this week or next... literaly took a 5 min glance at the boat... didnt even check hrs... Boat looks like it has a ton of potential tho.

Thanks for any info you can give me.
Jon

vette74 · Posted: Oct 03, 2011 9:58 am Post subject:

The boat is the same as the old x30. It is a large boat with good quality build and an OK wake. If you are real serious about wakeboarding I would look else ware.

LaynDoor · Outlaw Joined: 26 Feb 2010 Posts: 152 City: Meriden CT

Boat will be split 50/50 between wakeboarding and family... Grew up riding behind older direct drives but I have been stuck behind an I/O for the past 5 yrs (family boat)... so it should be a step in the right direction no matter what...

Plan would be to keep it for 2-4 yrs and then upgrade to an MB or Axis... so for 19K, not sure that I can pass it up.

Any suggestions on ballast weight and placement?

Goochy · Soul Rider Joined: 18 Jan 2003 Posts: 470

I road behind run abouts for years , then we bought a 2001 Master craft VRS 200 and it was great ! Not the same as my 2007 LSV Malibu , but a great starter V drive . Wrap it , tower , and system and have a KICKIN boat for less than $25,000

LaynDoor · Outlaw Joined: 26 Feb 2010 Posts: 152 City: Meriden CT

Anybody know the difference between the 225VRS and the 230VRS?

LaynDoor · Outlaw Joined: 26 Feb 2010 Posts: 152 City: Meriden CT

Got my camera in hand... going to look at this thing this afternoon... anything specific to this boat that I should pay close attention to?

JRW160 · Soul Rider Joined: 03 Aug 2006 Posts: 367 City: Huntsville

You might get more info over on the mastercraft forums. www.mastercraft.com/teamtalk

LaynDoor · Outlaw Joined: 26 Feb 2010 Posts: 152 City: Meriden CT

Pics... It needs a serious douching, poor thing has been neglected prety bad... Put a small deposit on the boat pending a spin on the lake and a full check up by my marina... should be able to pick it up on the cheap based on the time of year and condition... keeping my fingers crossed on the engine and V drive getting a clean bill of health.

LaynDoor · Outlaw Joined: 26 Feb 2010 Posts: 152 City: Meriden CT

Interior pics

LaynDoor · Outlaw Joined: 26 Feb 2010 Posts: 152 City: Meriden CT

Last of the pics... No doubt that I will have lots of work to do if I get this thing... but if I can get the price and financing right it would be an awesome boat for my family... and I have to imagine that if I put 2500lbs of ballast in her, she would throw a decent wake.

anybody have experience removing bottom paint?

ridininmd · Wakeboarder.Commie Joined: 16 Feb 2006 Posts: 1231

It sounds like you're pretty set on it and probably don't want to hear this, but RUN don't walk away from that boat. The bottom paint should make it obvious, this thing has been used heavily and sat in salt water. That combined with the obvious lack of any sort of cleaning makes it pretty apparent that they haven't taken care of this boat.

I don't want to burst your bubble but I don't think this is going to be a simple clean up. Expect to replace those exhaust risers, you can see the corrosion on them already. But my bigger concern would be the salt's effect on the wiring. Wakeboard boats just aren't built for that environment. This thing just isn't a smoking deal that it would need to be be it's issues, both obvious and hidden. Keep looking man, you'll find the right one but I would bet money that you'd be happier down the road if you pass on this one.

LaynDoor · Outlaw Joined: 26 Feb 2010 Posts: 152 City: Meriden CT

ridininmd, totaly expected to hear that... Very Happy

... I could never afford (time/money/risk) to get into a boat like this if it wasnt a smokin deal... if we cant meet on price/financing i will walk in a second.

boat has been in fresh water for quite a while and hasnt been bottom painted in years because of that, which explains the paints condition... its pretty common for boats out of NY to be bottom painted out of the box, so I cant make too many assumptions on where its been or for how long... but yea, signs of salt are there... just not sure how long it was exposed.

Not scared yet... gunna wait and see how it plays out.

chawk610 · Addict Joined: 06 Jul 2010 Posts: 668 City: Fort Worth

I am always amazed at the lack of care for such a mojor investment... wow. MC's are really nice $$$$ boats. I can see a nice boat in there somewhere, but typically, if the "cosmetic" things were neglected... you can bet the motor wasn't even thought about.

Chattwake · Posted: Oct 12, 2011 4:59 am Post subject:

Unless you are getting that boat for 3-5k, it's a horrible deal. You are guaranteed to spend 10k on it to make it a half way decent or reliable boat again. I guarantee you the electronics in that boat are jacked and will give you fits constantly, New prop and rudder - $750; new manifolds $500; new interior skins and install - $3500; removing bottom paint and restoring gell coat - $2000; replacing additional electronic components that WILL fail - $God nows.

Seriously, screw that boat, let us help you find something else. It would be one thing if it was a SAN 210 or an old 205v, but even if you get this boat fixed, you're going to be left with a boat that produces a pretty mediocre wake.

Commodore · Ladies Man Joined: 20 Jun 2005 Posts: 11636

jjaszkow · Posted: Oct 12, 2011 7:38 am Post subject:

LaynDoor · Outlaw Joined: 26 Feb 2010 Posts: 152 City: Meriden CT

WOW guys... Havent even driven the boat yet... death sentence by pics.

Chattwake, Vinyl is actualy in great shape (no rips/tears/pulling apart anywhere), just needs the mildew cleaned... Carpet needs to be steam cleaned... Removing bottom paint, wetsand cut and buff would cost me a couple hundred in supplies and beer... But your right, I have to worry about the drivetrain and electronics, which I havent inspected yet... until i get it in the water and then up on the lift, the only thing i know is that its an 02 with 340 hrs on the clock.

haugy, little harsh no? if you can buy something, anything, with 0% seller financing why wouldnt you? I like to keep my cash as long as physicaly possible (rather than tied up in a depreciating asset). I dont think that makes me an inferior human being.

I guess Im an idiot, because yes, i see potential in the boat... im still going to take the thing for a spin and have the marina check out the drive train... doesnt cost me anything.

For ref, heres a 99 in really nice shape... http://www.onlyinboards.com/Details.aspx?ID=29905

Nor*Cal · Ladies Man Joined: 12 Jan 2003 Posts: 9479 City: Sac

It's not about seeing potential, it's about knowing the extent of how much work needs to be done. That boat shows a ton of neglect which as most know boats die from abuse from un-use which is evident in this boat. I would steer clear if you need to finance. To do this as a project you should probably have the cash in pocket plus twice the buying price to bring it up to snuff.

LaynDoor · Outlaw Joined: 26 Feb 2010 Posts: 152 City: Meriden CT

jjaszkow, Long story short, I just found out that my family is selling their boat... Im 30 yrs old with 1 daughter and a second on the way and I want my kids to grow up on the water like I did... I didnt go looking for this boat, someone aproched me with it... But I am a mechanical engineer and I owned my own fabrication/hotrod business for several years... so this boat doesnt scare me.

I could easily go out and buy a new F23 Tomcat or an A22 (which is what I really want) but saving up 200K for a down payment on a lake house is higher up on the priority list right now... So yea, actualy... A project boat that I could buy at a steep discount (because obviously no one else wants it lol) and use my own time/skils to fix up appeals to me and my family. It would get us out on the water alot sooner.

Commodore · Ladies Man Joined: 20 Jun 2005 Posts: 11636

OH MY GOD. Even more proof that you shouldn't do this.

I'm not harsh, I'm real. I bring reality to the table, if it bitchslaps you, not my fault. If I have to explain why financing a depreciating asset is not good, well then this conversation is pretty much over. Rolling Eyes

And what you can't see, is that while I'm sure you think I'm a royal a-hole right now, I'm actually trying to help you.

Here, give me a minute. Let me find you some boats for $19,000 that you should buy. If you're going to finance 19k, my god let it be for something that's worth it.

Commodore · Ladies Man Joined: 20 Jun 2005 Posts: 11636

Okay, here we go, that took me 5 minutes

1999 Mastercraft X-star $17,900 You want a project, pick this one. It's all cosmetic.
http://www.onlyinboards.com/Details.aspx?ID=29898

2003 Tige 22v 19,500
http://www.onlyinboards.com/Details.aspx?ID=30758

1999 Malibu Wakesetter 17,900
http://www.onlyinboards.com/Details.aspx?ID=30686

1996 Maristar V-drive $18,900
http://www.onlyinboards.com/Details.aspx?ID=30288

2002 Mastercraft X-9 $18,995
http://www.onlyinboards.com/Details.aspx?ID=30276

1999 Supra Santera $19,900
http://www.onlyinboards.com/Details.aspx?ID=26444

Chattwake · Posted: Oct 12, 2011 11:23 am Post subject:

That 1999 xstar is a better project imo and will hold its value better.

LaynDoor · Outlaw Joined: 26 Feb 2010 Posts: 152 City: Meriden CT

haugy, thanks for your help (seriously) and your graciousness (not seriously)... But the only one that compares is the Supra and I would have to put another 2K into it for a tower so its up to 22K... as for the rest, I dont want to spend close to 20K for a DD and a 20-21' boat just isnt enough room for a family of 4 + friends/family/stuff...

Chattwake, If I got this boat im looking at and was able to restore it to mint condition for less than 18K (boat cost + repairs), would you think thats reasonable for what it is? Like the X star, but its just too small inside.

talking about this is starting to feel like pissing up a rope Rolling Eyes

Commodore · Ladies Man Joined: 20 Jun 2005 Posts: 11636

Where did you pull the $18k for boat AND repairs? That boat better cost you $8,000 then. Did the Marina give you a quote for repairing it?

And as for the Supra, I would bet you a bottle a Blue Label Johnny Walker you could get it for $17,500-$18,000 since it's been for sale for months, and no one pays the asking price anyways. So you're back to about $19,000 with tower.

While I think you are underselling the size of the X-star by it's length, it's actually quite roomy, that's your call.

So here:

A Mastercraft 225VRS just like posted above, that's not in beater shape, and is the same boat, minus the beat to stuff features.
http://www.onlyinboards.com/Details.aspx?ID=28482
Buy a top of the line tower for $1800 and done.

Chattwake · Posted: Oct 12, 2011 12:36 pm Post subject:

If you could bring that boat back to mint condition for 18k, it would be a good deal. However, you're going to have to put a lot of sweat equity into the project. If it were me, and I was going to do a project boat, I'd find a boat like an old 210 or xstar that, once repaired, would net me a nice profit.

This could be a nice boat, but like said earlier, the wake will always be strictly mediocre.

ridininmd · Wakeboarder.Commie Joined: 16 Feb 2006 Posts: 1231

You said in your first post they want 19K for this thing, that isn't a smoking deal on any planet. It would be an ok deal if this thing was mint, in it's condition now? 10K? Maybe? And even that's probably too much.

Also you need to do some serious research on what it take to remove bottom paint. It will need to be sanded off, which isn't cheap, and you can expect to have to redo the gel on the entire bottom of the boat once you get it off. There is a lot of good advice in this thread, and it's all telling you to stay away from this boat. We'll help you find something decent in you budget, but man, this boat is going to cost you a fortune to bring back and then keep going.

Nor*Cal · Ladies Man Joined: 12 Jan 2003 Posts: 9479 City: Sac

I skipped over the $19K part. Oil in the bilge and the galvanic damage on the rigging are major concerns. Have you compression tested this boat? Electrical could cost thousands if you are not proficient.

Look, I have 2 project boats. One is a 38' houseboat I got for free and it took me under $1000 to get running again, but will cost me about $3500 this winter to sandblast and recoat. However, it was surveyed and market value is about $12,500.

The other is a 17' ski boat that I got for $1K and will cost me about $250 to get running again but market value is between $5-10K so I'm ok when I go overboard with new upholstery, chrome, and mahogany/teak. The key point is, I still have room to double my money on both boats should I need to liquidate.

With any project you need to make sure you are within market value and on this one even at $18K completed you're right at what the market will support. Unless this is your dream and money is of no concern I would stick with the concept that you have to be able to sell this boat for more than you put into it (down payment on the dream boat).

haugy is pretty experienced in vehicle projects and I consulted him before picking up my last one. Chattwake does a lot of boat projects as well and his opinion should be valued.

On another site there's this post regarding an inquiry about purchasing an older Nautique for restoration:

Nor*Cal · Ladies Man Joined: 12 Jan 2003 Posts: 9479 City: Sac

ridininmd, any thoughts on sodablasting? I'm under the impression you can do this without harming the gelcoat and am think I'm going to go this route (I have a blasting setup already). Though chemicals might be a faster option... Lifting the boat brings up some questions. Though there are some low budget answers there.

And in regards to galvanic damage, this concern goes beyond the visible stuff on the rigging and into the engines cooling system.

ridininmd · Wakeboarder.Commie Joined: 16 Feb 2006 Posts: 1231

Nor*Cal, It can work really well, I actually have a friend that does, it takes a pretty skilled operator to not damage the gel. But if it's your house boat I wouldn't be scared to give a shot since you already have the setup, assuming your planning on repainting anyway. Even if you take a little gel off a new barrier coat and bottom paint will protect you. On a wakeboat or speed boat where the shape/smoothness of the hull is important then I would go either the sanding or chemical route.

Nor*Cal · Ladies Man Joined: 12 Jan 2003 Posts: 9479 City: Sac

ridininmd, houseboat is a steel hull so I will be using walnut or something with a bit more bite to get it to bare metal. I have heard of soda being used to gently remove bottom coats on sailboats before fairing and re-coating.

LaynDoor · Outlaw Joined: 26 Feb 2010 Posts: 152 City: Meriden CT

ridininmd, 19K is what the owner is asking, not what Im willing to pay... lots of negotiating still to do... If the drive line checks out good i think my limit would be 15K, i would be happy at 13K, really happy at 10K... I expect the boat to run ok, owner used it a couple times this year and i was told he didnt have any issues with it... reliability is/will be the issue obviously... if the driveline has major problems when they check it out I will just walk away.

As for the bottom paint, as you can see its super thin. It probably only had one coat on it and its probably as old as the boat... I think it would come off super easy... I could call in a couple of favors from my old shop and have it stripped for the cost of supplies.

Just to clarify, my marina has the boat but its on consignment from one of their customers... from what they tell me money isnt an issue to the owner... he wants the boat gone, just paid 90K for a new MC... Poor boat.

and maybe im not realizing how it looks in pics... but the boat realy isnt as bad as it looks... the vinyl/carpet is in awesome shape, like never used... it just looks like S because its dirty/has mildew... The gel isnt as bad as it looks, no scratches at all, just faded... So my only real concern, and the most imortant part, is the driveline/electrical and im going to proceed with caution...

Nor*Cal, havent done a compression test... its coming... right after I take it for a ride its going in the shop to have everything checked. There is still alot of due dilligence to do before this boat is given a death sentence.

As far as electrical goes, Im the MFG manager in the avionics shop at the company that makes the Blackhawk helicopter... Im no pro, but im better than most.

Not going to put more $ into it than I can get out of it when Im ready to move on... not my dream boat, not even close... Just something that would fill the gap for my family and I for the next 3 years until im at a point point in my life when I can justify ordering a new boat.

You asked about Soda, when i had my shop we used soda to strip everything... awesome stuff... We did a 60's Caddy and didnt have to mask or remove anything, didnt harm chrome or glass and it produces 0 heat... On the down side, you will use a ton of it because it is so mild and the back of our shop looked like we got bombed with baby powder... also when the soda hits the surface it basicaly vaporizes and gets into every pore left on the surface... have to wash, wash, and wash again before you re-apply paint to the surface. Good luck

LaynDoor · Outlaw Joined: 26 Feb 2010 Posts: 152 City: Meriden CT

haugy, Im pulling 18K out of the air based on the market value of this boat in good condition... giving myself a budget... dont think I will have ANY problem negotiating a purchase price based on repairs to get me back to that price... And no, i didnt get any quotes from the marina. But I will need some inflated repair costs, so I probably will.

Agreed on the price of the Supra.

Its not so much the length on the X Star, but the lack of wrap around seating.

As far as that Mristar... its almost double the age of this one... much better condition obviously, but its age might bite me when Im ready to sell... Im thinkin i gotta see what I can do with this boat for that price.

Thanks for the links tho... ive been checking onlyinboards for months and didnt see that supra. If this boat doesnt work out I will almost definitly persue that boat.

Chattwake, Thanks, not scared of building sweat equity... For this boat, with the price im willing to pay, I know Im going to have to sacrifice a bit on the wake for a boat that my wife and kids are comortable in... because if they arent, Im not riding lol.

Commodore · Ladies Man Joined: 20 Jun 2005 Posts: 11636

1997 Maristar VRS225 for $15,800 with tower.
http://dallas.craigslist.org/ftw/boa/2631243227.html

2000 Maristar VRS230 for $18,500, only needs a tower. Get him down to $17, and put a tower on it. DONE. This one needs some love that won't kill you to give it.
http://minneapolis.craigslist.org/wsh/boa/2577929468.html

You were worried about getting money back out of an older model. Then get this one.

1996 Maristar VRS225 with wraparound seating, CLEAN AS HELL, for $14,000!!!!! With a new trailer. This one is my favorite so far. Real good price for a good clean boat.
http://phoenix.craigslist.org/nph/boa/2591546152.html

Bambamski · Posted: Oct 13, 2011 11:10 am Post subject:

Do you need a 23 foot boat?

I've owned the 225 Maristar it was a 1996 or 1997, had the corvette engine and I think I sold it back in 2002 for 25,500. It's a nice boat but it doesn't handle very well compared to the 1998 Maristar 23 footers (which don't really handle great in their own right). They changed the hull in 1998 and made it a deeper V. So the 1997 will get POUNDED in the chop and will feel a little bit washy when you drive it.

If your dead set on the 23 foot maristar. Go with a 1998 or newer.

kartman · Posted: Oct 13, 2011 3:54 pm Post subject:

those are all nice boats haugy. when im ready to upgrade in about a year, im going to ask you for your searching help. cause i cant seem to find them like that.