Considering buying an 07 MB 220 - am I insane?

Rhawn

My local MB dealer, who is now working on my broken I/O, which I despise because of the times its already left me stranded on the water, gas consumption, and now it needs a major repair. Back to the point, my local dealer says they should just make me an offer on my boat as it sits and work into the financing for a new MB. This concept was already in the back of my head, as I hate my current boat.

The thought of going from a 20k boat to a 50k boat has me scared! I think its alot of boat for the money, but its also a ton of $$.

The hull is the same as the B52 22 and 23 footer, just minus all the tribal GFX. I've heard nothing but good things about this model and make.

I feel like a crazy person for even considering it. But I want it so badly!

vette74 · Posted: May 22, 2007 1:21 pm Post subject:

I would just sell your boat and get a used v-drive there are hundreds of good ones out there in the mid 20's to lower 30's

onesicktantrum · Newbie Joined: 08 May 2007 Posts: 26 City: AUSTIN

Rhawn · Posted: May 22, 2007 8:31 pm Post subject:

Part of me wants a new boat, with a warranty and shiny new parts. The wife is for buying new as well. Coming in the house covered in grease and boat grime and telling the fam "boats not gonna run today" has already breached the breaking point.

The initial estimate to fix the I/O is 2kish.

Chattwake · Posted: May 23, 2007 5:23 am Post subject:

Don't buy an MB unless you want to lose your ass on resale. If you want a new boat in the 40's or 50's, you should look at a new Vride or VLX. Call my friend Doug at www.overboardwatersports.com and see what numbers he can give you on a BU. I'll be willing to bet that he can beat your dealer's price on a comparable MB. I was going to buy a left over 06 x2 from a local MC dealer, and when I called Doug, he beat the price on the MC and put me in an 07 VLX for a steal. I know that hey have two or three BUs that they can work good numbers on right now. Oh, and they'll give you a killer deal on trade. They gave me as much for my 01 Xstar in trade as I paid for it three years ago...

Rhawn · Posted: May 23, 2007 5:57 am Post subject:

Resale is one of the first things I checked and I can't say I agree with you. From what I can tell MBs are holding their value very well.

Chattwake · Posted: May 23, 2007 6:29 am Post subject:

Check on boat trader and ebay and see what 05's and 06's are actually selling for.

Chattwake · Posted: May 23, 2007 6:32 am Post subject:

Add To Saved Boats SANTA ROSA, CA $36,000
2005 MB SPORTS 22', BOSS 220, EXCALIBER 330 HP, 1600.00 LB.S BALLAST, TOWER WITH RACKS, 5 CHANNEL AMP WITH UPGRADED SPEAKERS AND SUB. ONLY 60 HOURS ON BOAT AND MOTOR. BOAT IN CURRENTLY IN WHAREHOUSE FOR WINTER STORAGE., $36000 707-478-1124.More Details \& Photos (707) 478-1124
Date Placed:
19

Hmmm, an '05 going for 36k - who knows what they would actually take.....

I just traded in an 01 xstar for 32k......

Chattwake · Posted: May 23, 2007 6:36 am Post subject:

Lake Elsinore, CA $41,995
2006 MB SPORTS B 52 21' 1600 LBS OF BALLAST, DIRECT DRIVE 330 HP PCM, THE BEST COMPROMISE FOR SKIING AND WAKEBOARDING ON THE MARKET. GELCOAT GRAPHICS, 52 OZ. VINYL, STAINLESS STEEL SPEAKER COVERS, TANDEM AXLE TRAILER. CALL SCOTT 714-767-3404 SCOTT@MBBOATS.COMMore Details \& Photos Email MB

'06 B 52 - asking 41k and change.... Question

2005 MB SPORTS 22', B52 V3 TEAM EDITION, , PCM EXCALIBUR 330HP, TRIPLE UP 2100LB BALLAST, TANDEM TRAILER, PRO SERIES TOWER, BIMINI TOP, 2 AMPS NEW FUSION TOWER SPEAKERS, BOARD RACKS, ONLY 50HRS LIKE NEW, $43000, 916-397-9356More Details \& Photos (916) 397-9356

Loaded B52 for around 43k??

I just can't agree with your assertion that these boats hold their value.

Chattwake · Posted: May 23, 2007 7:03 am Post subject:

I would go with a used SANTE 210, a used VLX or Vride or a used MC X1/X2. You can pick up any of those in the 04-05 range for mid 30's to low 40's. They'll hold their value and have all of the current bells ans whistles that are on new boats. If you want something new, which I completely understand, I don't think you can get more bang for your buck, and get a boat that will hold its value, than with a malibu. Do what you want, but I've already given you a contact that will hook you up if you bother to call and explore your options.

Fast351 · Outlaw Joined: 08 Sep 2003 Posts: 133 City: Dayton, MN

Agreed, if you're thinking about spending that kind of cash, the only way IMO is MC/CC/BU. They're the only boats that hold their value after you drive off the lot.

Once you start looking at used, the entire field opens up of course. Less money will get you a newer boat from the brands other than the three I've mentioned above because their values go down quicker.

Of course there is a reason for that. A 5 year old MC/CC/BU is just barely broken in, where some of the other brands might exhibit more problems. MC/CC/BU owners also tend to take better care of their boats, so the interior etc is usually in better shape.

For example, one of my ski buddies has a 1993 MC Prostar 190, and the thing looks like it's brand new (like showroom condition). Of course he rubs the thing with a diaper every time it gets wet, but it still looks like new.

JMO.

E.J. · Ladies Man Joined: 15 Jan 2003 Posts: 7597 City: Mogadishu

In the end, I try to stay out of the resale argument because people are just speculating. The only thing that I think you get with one of the big three, is name. There are people who will just look at Mastercraft, Malibu or Correct Craft....and so you get their market share. Those names tend to catch eyes..... But in the end, I am not convinced that anyone is having less depreciation with a MC, 'Bu or CC....

Chattwake · Posted: May 23, 2007 7:21 am Post subject:

One thing I've learned about new boats is that, although they're not supposed to, dealers love to talk about the problems that other boat manufacturers have with their products. Don't listen to any of this hype. Trust what you hear from prior owners and independent mechanics. All boats/manufacturers have issues. This main difference is how manufacturers stand behind their products. My old xstar had a transmission problem and an interrior problem. Despite the fact that the boat was out of warranty and i was the third owner, MC corporate took the boat in and did 10k work of work to it for free just to make things right for me. I would have bought a MC again in in heartbeat, had the local dealer been willing to work with me and be competitive pricewise on a new x2. My experience is that CC and BU also stand behind their products proudly.

I don't know anything about MB's except that most people think they're ugly, they don't hold their value, they're never the "official towboat of the ____ games," they take a TON of extra weight to get a good wake out of them, and they're not that many dealerships around.

jplvr · Newbie Joined: 23 Apr 2007 Posts: 37

I thought I posted in here already, but I'll chime in now. I will be in a similar situation next year hopefully. My boat (210 Sea Ray) currently gets the job done as a wake boat and a bay boat for trips to the beach (I hate going to the actual beach and much prefer hanging out on a boat all day). My friend will most likely have a center console by next season that he'll be storing there, so the need to take my boat on those trips will be gone if so.

I have been looking at inboards for next season and just can't see a reason not to buy a new Malibu at the moment. I could find a deal on a used one, but with the way they seem to be holding their value, buying new seems to be the way for me to go. 1) Less likely to have unseen issues due to mistreatment 2) bling factor of a brand new boat Smile

3) Warranty (this should probably be #1) 4) Not as much worry about having to get out of it if the sky falls and I'm in over my head.

Granted, I have no car payments (1 paid off and another being paid for through the company) and reaching 50% equity in my house (until this supposed market collapse comes about), so I'm in good shape at the moment debt-wise. I'd suppose I could get at least $15k out of the Sea Ray by next season, but I haven't researched that completely.

There's also a Malibu dealer very nearby and it's not a ridiculous drive to Tennessee if they can't beat 02lightning's dealer's price. I'll definitely be giving them a call considering the amount of pimping he does for them on this forum. Laughing

I've never bought a new boat. My SOP is to get the longest term available and work to pay off early. Is a 5 year loan standard like on a car, or are longer term loans more the norm?

Note: I just can't see paying MC prices with what Malibu has to offer.

Fast351 · Outlaw Joined: 08 Sep 2003 Posts: 133 City: Dayton, MN

Boat loans are typically 10 or 12 years, albeit at a higher than auto loan rate. I think mine was 7.25% You want to pay that thing off early or you'll spend 3x the principle by the time you pay it off.

jplvr · Newbie Joined: 23 Apr 2007 Posts: 37

Chattwake · Posted: May 23, 2007 7:42 am Post subject:

I got 15 years on my new Bu at 7.5%. I financed $35,500 and my monthly pmt is $330. It's best to push it out as far as possible provided you can get a good rate. That way if you pay more each month it goes straight to principle.

Rhawn · Posted: May 23, 2007 8:02 am Post subject:

02lightning, I appreciate the contact, unfortunately TN is not very close at all. An X Star is a considerably more expensive boat, I don't really think the two compare. But your examples do show a good point.

E.J., thats a good point.

I just got my I/O back because the mechanic cannot get the interior pieces out to pull the motor without destroying them. The boat was never meant to have major engine work, its a disposable piece of stuff. I'm in quite a spot now, a broken boat that can't be fixed. If I'm going to make boat payments, its gotta be something I can use.

To be continued...

DRAGON88 · Posted: May 23, 2007 8:13 am Post subject:

Rhawn, what actually happened to it? Still under warranty I hope?

Chattwake · Posted: May 23, 2007 8:44 am Post subject:

FYI, boat dealers deliver.... Overboard has sent boats all over the country. I live two hours away from their dealership and I did my deal completely over the phone. Do what you want though. Sounds like you're in an unenviable position.

Oh, and I never said anything about a picklefork xstar. An 01 xstar is the same boat as a new x1 or 03-05 x2. Do what you want, but I can't say that buying a new MB is a good decision. I haven't heard any opinions to the contrary either...

Rhawn · Posted: May 23, 2007 4:39 pm Post subject:

jjaszkow · Posted: May 23, 2007 8:24 pm Post subject:

Damn ... that's a painful discovery.

Some engineer should be canned because of that design decision. Damn expensive investment to build it to be "disposable". I wonder what they would have done if there was a recall that required an engine pull?

Chattwake · Posted: May 24, 2007 4:14 am Post subject:

That just doesn't seem right. I'm sure that your mechanic knows what he's talking about, but I'd get a second opinion on that. Worse comes to worse, you could sell it as is on ebay. Someone will buy it.

jplvr · Newbie Joined: 23 Apr 2007 Posts: 37

jryoung · Ladies Man Joined: 19 Mar 2004 Posts: 7664 City: Man Jose

Rhawn, my $0.02 on a purchase. There are numerous used boats out there with <150 hrs, and many at <100hrs. Fortunately for the buyer many of these boats were purchased by wallies with cash. They wanted the best boat they could buy, but never had the time nor desire to use it. I'd seriously start looking, patiently though, but it can be tough with summer here and your current boat not working.

Goodwin · Newbie Joined: 06 Feb 2006 Posts: 28 City: Stanwood

Rhawn, I think you should buy what you want.
Buying used boats works for some folks and buying new boats works for others.
The resale is always a concern, but some people in this thread are way off.
Sure the big three will always get the attention, but I have been watching the MB's hold their value quite well.
You rode in the Tomcat and you know that MB's are solid in every way.
NO! you are not insane for considering the MB 220.
Is your local MB dealer Alan at Southern Ski Boats? I have talked with him a few times, seems like a great guy.
Good luck finding something that will make you happy.

Chattwake · Posted: May 30, 2007 12:53 pm Post subject:

yeah yeah yeah - do what you want with your money.

Rhawn · Posted: May 31, 2007 4:56 am Post subject:

Goodwin, I was wondering when an actual MB owner might chime in. I agree with you on almost all of your points. We did a test ride in the 220 Tuesday and man o man, impressive. Yes Alan is the dealer here. Only dealer on the East Coast and he is 10 minutes up the road. I normally really can't stand sales-people, but those guys really are very cool. I think we've made a decision, and I'll post the results. Apples to apples, I think you get alot more boat for the money with an MB.

02lightning, I gotta say bro your opinion of MBs seems pretty slighted, and opinions of Malibu are in the clouds. You've made some good points dude, things that have made me do research and investigation, which is good. But I can't say you're giving an objective opinion.

In the end I think the overall prices of wakeboard boats is insane, not so much me. But its what the whole family loves to do, as much as possible, all the time. Trying to maintain an older I/O for that purpose is going to make me a psychotic bunny killer, and we don't want that.

Chattwake · Posted: May 31, 2007 5:19 am Post subject:

Hey, I'll go ahead and apologize for bashing MB's so much. It's just that I don't like the looks of the boat, and in the south east, they're not that popular. I have lived in and around east tennessee for many years, and we have supra, malibu, mastercraft, and nautique factories all close by. I have friends that own dealerships that sell these boats, and I know that a new MB dealership just opened nearby. I just can't agree that MB's hold their value that well, or that the fit and finish of their boats rivals that of CC, MC, or Malibu. I've ridden behind many many new top of the line demo boats from all of these companies and everyone I know has stayed away from MB. Why exactly is that, I don't know. But what that translates to me is lower resale and less demand. I've had so much good luck with CC, MC and BU that I can't help but promote their products to you so that you will be taken care of. As a fellow rider, I just want you to have a good experience. I know these boats are expensive, but that's why it is so important to make your purchase a long term investment and protect your resale value.

I hope you enjoy whatever boat you buy, and that you get your money out of it on the back end. All I can say is that my old xstar lost no value over 3 years and 300 hours, and the factory took it in and did almost 10k in warranty work out of warrant for me just to keep me, as a customer, happy. Even though I bought a BU, I'll still give MC props for the way they treated me, and I'll consider an MC for my next boat.

My gut reaction is that if you will go and demo a Vride/VLX, a SANTE 210, an X1/X2 and then an MB B52/220 you may see some justification for my comments. Either way, good luck. Let us know what you do.

Chattwake · Posted: May 31, 2007 5:26 am Post subject:

Found this on Boattrader. If you could get this for around 40k it would be a steal of a deal. Maybe I am biased a little towards Malibus, but this is a nice boat.

YEAR 2005 LENGTH FEET 21
MAKE MALIBU HULL TYPE FIBERGLASS/COMPOSITE
MODEL Wakesetter VLX ENGINE TYPE V-DRIVE
PRICE $44,500.00 FUEL GAS
LOCATION Waynesboro, VA CATEGORY Ski and Wakeboard boat
CONTACT NUMBER (540) 470-0850

DESCRIPTION
2005 MALIBU Wakesetter VLX, 21' Like new loaded 05 malibu wakesetter VLX. 44500, obo. Boat has 143 hours fresh water only. The Trailer is like new. The boat was keep in great shape I am only selling cause I am getting a 06. The boat is loaded with, the Monsoon 340 horsepower,sony stereo-cdx-f5705x am/fm compact disc player w/xplod mp3, and amps,depth finder,Perfect Pass,Wedge,titan 3tower, Bimini, cover, heater, tandem trailer, swing away tonge,custom wheels and spare Tire,Bow Ballast (4 tanks),plus standard MLS,Freshwater system, I never had speakers or racks for the boat but it does have mounts, factor warranty is good through May 2008. If you have any questions feel free to ask. This boat has no damage on it I any very particular.(540) 470-0850 thanks

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

Rhawn, something about what your mechanic said to you doesn't seem right. I haven't come across many boat manufacturers that don't consider an engine removal. Since many of the critical components can't be changed without removing it. Can you do me a favor? Can you give me more details on your boat. I know it's a 1998 Maxum, but I need size, model #, engine manufacturer, and engine size.
Can you take a picture of the inside of the boat as well? Preferrably from the back seat back so I can see how the engine sits in there, and how the back seat is molded into the hull.

The reason I say this is, Maxum built the boat, then put the motor in, so pull the motor out should not cause any damage to the boat. Unless you just don't have the know-how or proper equipment to do it. Hate to see a boater dead in the water during summer.

BTW, don't forget about Supra. Wink

Rhawn · Posted: May 31, 2007 7:14 am Post subject:

haugy, it can come out, its just going to take someone who is familiar with the interior. There is a panel across the whole back of the boat around the motor box that has to come out. For it to come out, the cushions all the way around the back of the boat have to come out. The panel is sandwiched in between the cushions and the glass deck itself.

The boat is a 2300 SR, 23 foot open bow, 350ci Mercruiser.

The larger problem is, for it to start a new flywheel has to be put in. Once the motor is taken out, flywheel replaced, and put back in, there is a good chance the motor itself is damaged from the water in the cylinders. Which would just require it all to be done over again plus the cost of a new bottom half and my last thread of sanity.

From what I understand, here is how Maxum and most boats built by Brunswick are done. The Hull and deck are separate pieces. The hull is laid, motor/outdrive/etc is installed, deck is laid over it all.

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

Mike O · Soul Rider Joined: 23 Jan 2003 Posts: 416 City: KINGSPORT

02 lightning, who you working for? I have ridden behind all the MB's and find them to be a solid boat. I had an 06 VLX which I loved, but sold because I don't use a boat alot and bought a used Nautique 97 Super Sport. Do I love nautique over another, no, but it is a solid boat and fit my price range and needs. If the Knoxville guy is selling NEW Malibus all over the country I would be shocked as Malibu has protected selling territories. MB is a west coast boat so of course they are not well known around here and not many available on the east coast, but they are making attempts to grow. I will say this that the Tomcat may not be the prettiest boat in some folks eyes, but it is by far the best stock wake of any boat out there and you don't have to be the official boat of ________ to prove it. Just take a pull and see for yourself. My buddy has an X Star and I love that wake as well, but it's not head and shoulders above the rest. Rhawn, take a test drive of all the boats you like, get the best deal they will offer, sleep on it and it will come to you! Good Luck! Wink

Chattwake · Posted: Jun 01, 2007 3:57 am Post subject:

I'm not working for any boat dealership/manufactuer, etc.... As for shipping, yes, it is my understanding that Malibu protects certain areas for new boats. However, dealers can sell left overs or used boats anywhere in the county. Further they can sell new boats in unprotected territories. Granted, I'm not familiar with where malibu has its dealers, but all I'm trying to do is suggest that if someone needs access to a BU dealer, that I know of one that will work with them on a new boat, or may be able to help get them a good used model. If I get a chance, I'll definitly take a set behind an MB next time they do a local demo. Why don't you let me know if you hear of one in the east tennessee area. Thanks!