New or Used???

Jeffro412 · Newbie Joined: 17 Feb 2003 Posts: 2

After having to wait around for my friends to kiss their girlfriends ass to go wakeboarding, I have decided to buy my own boat. I had planned on spending around $25k on a used boat (1997 Mastercraft Prostar 205, LT1 with 49hrs), but after going to the Detroit Boat show I am now just as confused about buying a boat as I was when I started. I talked to all the major manufactures and I found that I could buy a brand new Malibu sportser for around $25k to $27K and a Moomba outback for around the same. Is Mastercraft that good or are the others cheap base models. I need all the help I can get. I am not joining the wakeboard tour any time soon, just would like to have a good all around boat for the money.

NAW · Posted: Feb 17, 2003 10:49 am Post subject:

We have a '99 Prostar 205 and have struggled with the same thing. This is what I can come with....I'm sure the Outback is a value-packed boat, but the cost of ownership when it's all said and done can be a significant hidden cost. Primarily resale value and depreciation can be lumped into the cost of ownership category. But, on the plus side of the new boat is new boat warranty and attractive financing, and lower rate for a longer term. But, that too is dangerous because you may find yourself significantly upside down in a few years depending on how the used boat market is at the time you decide to trade, sell, or upgrade. I'm not nocking Moomba or anybody, just explaining what I've been thinking about with this. You should drive them all, board behind the boats, talk to owners of them and make an informed decision.
The 205 we have is bulletproof, almost 700 hours and not a problem. A decent boarding wake, gets bigger when really weighted, and a wold class slalom wake. I have limited experience with the Sportster and Outback, so you might want to check somewhere else. Good Luck.

noneya · Addict Joined: 13 Jan 2003 Posts: 796 City: Roxboro, NC

I was in the same situation last year, and went for a new Outback, there is a thread about it :

http://forums.wakeboarder.com/viewtopic.php?t=1568

When I was looking it seemed to me that the important stuff was the same for Moomba as alot of the pricier boats (I have an Indmar engine, malibu and mastercraft both use them)

Jeffro412 · Newbie Joined: 17 Feb 2003 Posts: 2

There seems to be some truth in what you are saying NAW. All of the used Malibu's and Moomba's I have seen have had a little lower resale value than the Mastercraft or Nautique's. I guess I need to take the resale value into consideration rather than just getting a good deal on a new boat.

NAW · Posted: Feb 17, 2003 12:24 pm Post subject:

I forgot to say earlier about that MC you're looking at. A '97 with only 49 hrs on it is a little suspect. Be sure you get it checked out by a professional.

Ralph · Posted: Feb 17, 2003 12:26 pm Post subject:

The reason they have lower resale is they have lower new prices. From the looking I have been doing the only boats which really drop like a stone were the 97 to 00 tiges, I think they must have had some sucky hull designs during that period.

NAW · Posted: Feb 17, 2003 12:38 pm Post subject:

You have to compare it as percentages to keep the data consistent, not in $$.

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

I just did a NADA search for my 99 Tige. The average price is about right. I could sell it for a few grand more than I owe on it giving me enough to put a down payment on a new boat.

Partyb · Posted: Feb 17, 2003 1:27 pm Post subject:

A couple of years ago i bought a used 1997 MC 205. I think it is awesome. I had some problems but i attribute them not to the boat, but to my lack of diligence. Anyway, i would never buy a new car or boat. You lose thousands of dollars in depreciation the minute you drop it in the water. Just with a used boat, make sure you get the boat checked out by an independant mechanic prior to purchase, and prior to expiration of warranty again. IMO

LickerPig · Criminal Joined: 05 Feb 2003 Posts: 62 City: Orlando, FL

if you are patient you can find some really good deals on used boats

Neognosis · Ladies Man Joined: 13 Jan 2003 Posts: 17617 City: Webster

Think I'm going to buy a new Moomba Mobius next month. I have terrible luck with anything I buy that is used. Although, I am going to have to buy a used truck to tow it with. So if you are anywhere near lake ontario in NY, I'll be the guy broken down on the side of the road with a new Mobius behind a 1987 Bronco.

I am afraid of getting a used wakeboard boat because by the very nature of the sport, aren't used wakeboard boats abused? I mean, run sporadically, start, stop, start, stop, quick revs out of the hole, run at 22-24 mph with tons of weight dragging them down and stressing the engine and transmission. Isn't all that pretty hard on an engine?

These clowns on my lake bought a brand new Chapparell last year. We rode behind it once. This dumby wumby would turn the engine off without backing down on the trottle first. Like, the hammer was still in the down position when he turned the key off. Man, that CAN'T be good. He also over cranked the starter, gunned the motor all the way to the high-end right out of the hole, then cut the trottle to zero really fast. again, CAN'T be good for the boat. He's going to trade it in this year on something elst to abuse.

With my luck, that would be the kind of boat I would end up getting used. Does this scare anybody else? Just my experience, that's all.

NAW · Posted: Feb 19, 2003 8:51 am Post subject:

I’ve thought about that too Cameraboy. I shop the sites and dealerships for used boats all the time, even though I’m not in the market to buy. I’m primarily concerned with the weight people put in the boats. I always thought if I were to go and look at a used boat, I’d try to get the guy to talk about the wake when heavily weighted. I’m sure they’ll open up a little and tell you what kind of weight they run on a regular basis, and then you have a clue. But I think that’s why there is boats like Moomba, a good value, a new boat warranty, etc, etc. I think if you just do your homework, drive a lot of boats, and don’t rush into anything, you’ll make a well informed decision that you’ll be happy with.

laser145 · Posted: Feb 19, 2003 12:53 pm Post subject:

I bought a 99 Sportster from a barefooter. I didn't worry about weight, but he did run it at high speeds. I went to the guys house to look at it though, I could tell by seeing his house alone that I was going to be fine buying his boat. He was meticulus about everything. The house was spotless, as was the garage, his motorcycle, his truck; everything was organized and clean, the boat was in showroom condition.
I've had the boat for a year and no problems. Mastercraft makes a great boat, I would have bought one If I could have afforded it. But Malibu makes one as well, same engine, great hull design...very simple boat to maintain and work on.
All I can say is if your looking at a used boat, go to the sellers house, don't meet them at the lake. Pay close attention to how they keep their other toys and it might give you an indication about how the boat was run.
-Taylor