Crownline Boats!! Any opinions?

Question

Ok, I am still trying to find a boat to buy, have found a few but have been sold before I could look at it. Anyway, I have found a 1999 Crownline 192. I think Crownlines are good boats but any other thoughts would be great. The one thing that worries me is that it has 460 hrs on it which seems like a lot to me. Its a nice looking boat, I like the way crownlines look but dont want to buy a lemon. It has a 302 V-8, which is a ton of motor. It also has a caurberated motor, which is a bit different.

Answer 1

Crownlines are near the top of the line for recreational boats, they are solid and have a very good hull shape/dead rise.  Is the motor/drive a Mercruiser?  If so, the lower unit should last at leat 700 hours with out any problems if it has been taken care of so 460 is only a little over half way.  Also, look at it this way, 460 hours on a 9 year old boat is only 52 hours a year.  I have always believed that it is better to use something, low hours aren't always a good thing if it wasn't taken care of and high hours aren't always a bad thing if it was taken care of.  Chances are if the boat is in good condition and taken care of then so are the mechanics.  As said ealier, have a reputable mechanic check it out.  If you buy it, change the oil in the engine and the lower unit and buy a new impeller for piece of mind.  I have a 5.0 L 305 Mercruiser that is caurberated and do not have any problems with it, other than you need to give it a couple pumps on the gas before you start it where a FI on you wouldn't.

Answer 2

Crownlines are goods boats.  460 hours is not high.  If the boat was maintained properly and the oil changed regularly, you should be able to get 1500 hours out of this engine.  To be safe, spend a couple of bucks and have a reputable marine mechanic check it out, if you are in doubt.