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MizunkY
53 Posts |
 Posted - 10/13/2009 : 3:42:12 PM
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What's a late model Mariner worth nowadays? We still don't have ours but we're looking. We found one, a 1990, we're interested in but the guy wants 30k and won't budge! I think that's a few thou too much.
If I found one that would soon need a repower, what would it cost on average out the door for 5.7L Crusaders? Even if the job was done off-season.
I have a bad taste in my mouth with the Mercruisers from all the stuff I've read. Should I really be that concerned with getting Crusaders and Crusaders only?
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Jimbo Song
236 Posts |
Posted - 10/14/2009 : 10:35:06 AM
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Actually, it all depends on the condition of the boat. If it is pristine, well maintained and low hours on the drive trains, $30K may not be out of line at all.
Repower costs? Man, that's a slippery slope to put a price on without a full mechanical survey on the boat. If you go with just a basic rebuilt of the existing engines (assuming you farm it out and not do it yourself) and the V's and trannys are in good shape you're probably looking at $10K or so. But, it goes up from there very quickly depending on what you have done.
New crate motors with rebuild of both V's and trannys can go to $15K to $18K
Personally, I'm looking at a diesel conversion to twin Yanmar's. Total deal is going to run about $35K.
As for the Mercruiser vs Crusader debate, I'm not going to go there.  I have owned both and have had extremely good service from both. Again, it all depends on how they are run and maintained. Personally, all things being equal, I would not shy away from either one just because of the name badge.
Good luck in your search. Keep us posted on your progress.
Bob
1987 Carver Voyager 28
"Jimbo Song"
Palm Coast, FL |
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MizunkY
53 Posts |
Posted - 10/14/2009 : 11:04:05 AM
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I guess I just figured with the economic condition and flooded market, it wouldn't be worth 30k. I'll need to find out if they are rebuilt trans and V's, and if they are, maybe I'll consider biting..
They are original fuel tanks, aluminum. Anything I should be worried about here? I don't know how Carver mounts them but I do know that if water is trapped, they will corrode and start leaking. How long do these seemingly last? And from what I've read on this site, when they fail, engines have to come out to replace.
Twin Yanmar's would be awesome Bob, simply awesome. Albeit expensive, if you're going to keep the boat.. And, that will do wonders do resale.
I've just heard Mercruisers are designed with parts to fail. Perfect example, the exhaust riser gaskets. They don't last, poor design. And they refused to fix them over the years. Then on top of that, they charge an arm and a leg for parts. However, it's good to hear you've had good luck with them... I'm so torn.
I think at this point, I wouldn't purchase a boat that hasn't been repowered. While it's true, a properly maintained gas engine can last 2000 hours, originals at this point would be growing mighty old.
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Jimbo Song
236 Posts |
Posted - 10/14/2009 : 1:52:24 PM
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My boat is a 1987. Gas tanks are the originals, aluminum. I just had them "scoped" and the gas filtered and "polished". The inside of the tanks, according to the technician, "look brand new on the inside".
My current engines are the original mercruisers with about 1800 hours on them. They start right up, run very smoothe and don't burn any oil. But, I can tell they are starting to get "tired".
My main reason for doing the diesel conversion is range. With only 150 gallon capacity and virtually no room for larger tanks my range is very limited with gas engines and since I am quite fond of the Bahamas range is an issue. With the twin Yannys I can just about increase my range by four fold.
Yes, I have every intention of keeping this boat. The size, space, handling, everything is perfect for my type of boating and cruising. Actually, it has more room than a lot of 30+'ers some of my friends have.
If I were to repower with gas engines I would buy new crate motors and upgrade to EFI and have the trannys and V's gone through. That would cost me about $16K to $18K. (I have neither the space, equipment or knowhow to do it myself) So, figuring from the high side, the conversion is going to cost me $17K extra. In my case, well worth it.
Out of curiosity, I looked around the internet at 1990 Mariners and the cheapest one I found was $27K and, to be honest it looked very rough and had high hour engines in it. So, again, the $30K may or may not be out of line. Some of the ones on the internet go as high as $37K.
Bob
1987 Carver Voyager 28
"Jimbo Song"
Palm Coast, FL |
Edited by - Jimbo Song on 10/14/2009 1:54:27 PM |
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late model Mariner value / repower cost
