New (used) boat time.....maybe?

[Juiced06GTO]

Well the time may have come to upgrade from my 2006 Four Winns 224 Funship. I had looked at a 2020 FW HD270 with a 300HP yamaha OB on it that sold before I had any real interest in replacing mine, but now I have a few people interested in purchasing my boat so it may make the move a little more enticing.

Looking for recommendations from the group on an OB powered boat, 24'-27', preferably a bowrider or dual console, but I'm not opposed to a center console. Most boating is done on Winni, occasionally at the family lake Upper Suncook, and I'd like to do some more ocean boating. Looking used 2014ish and up.

Boats I've considered so far are: Robalo 247DC, Key West 239DC, Grady White Freedom 255, Sea Ray 270 SDX, Cobalt 25SC, Four Winns HD8, although with Four Winns going out of business I'm not sure whether to keep them on the list.

Any others I am missing? Chapparall and Regal make 25' OB powered bowriders too, I just don't know much about them. Anyone here have any experience with them? I'd love a Formula 260/270BR, but they are still pricey used and all stern drives.

Or talk me out of it and tell me to just keep the boat I have lol. Appreciate any feedback from you all!!

[tis]

Four Winds is going out of business? I didn't know that.

[TiltonBB]

Originally Posted by tis

Four Winds is going out of business? I didn't know that.

Groupe Beneteau is halting production at the Four Winns manufacturing facility in Cadillac, Michigan, effective at the end of August 2026. The company is actively seeking a buyer for the facility and the Four Winns, Scarab Jet, and Glastron brands, citing €30 million in losses over two years and a downturn in market demand.The production halt affects 232 employees at the Cadillac plant, which has produced boats for more than 50 years. During the divestiture and sales process, Groupe Beneteau stated that after-sales service and spare parts will continue to be maintained for owners and distributors. The company is pivoting its resources toward seven of its strategic brands: Beneteau, Jeanneau, Prestige, Excess, Lagoon, Wellcraft, and Delphia

[tis]

Originally Posted by TiltonBB

Groupe Beneteau is halting production at the Four Winns manufacturing facility in Cadillac, Michigan, effective at the end of August 2026. The company is actively seeking a buyer for the facility and the Four Winns, Scarab Jet, and Glastron brands, citing €30 million in losses over two years and a downturn in market demand.The production halt affects 232 employees at the Cadillac plant, which has produced boats for more than 50 years. During the divestiture and sales process, Groupe Beneteau stated that after-sales service and spare parts will continue to be maintained for owners and distributors. The company is pivoting its resources toward seven of its strategic brands: Beneteau, Jeanneau, Prestige, Excess, Lagoon, Wellcraft, and Delphia

Wow. So Glastron and Scarab Jet too. Hate to hear that.

[TiltonBB]

True story.

I had four Four Winns boats over many years from 1987 through 1996. That was when Four Winns was owned by OMC. The OMC drives were pretty bad so OMC bought 13 boat companies to put their power on.

Three of the Four Winns boats were decent boats, one was bad, real bad. During the first year it spent more time at the dealer than with me. The drive went while I was off of Martha's Vineyard, when I got the boat back I was in Alton and it was producing excessive smoke. I took it to the dealer and they said a piece of a piston had "fallen off" and they were going to put a rebuilt engine in it. I told the dealer to stop as that was not an acceptable solution for a boat with about 50 hours on it.

During the fight with Four Winns warranty people I told them to name a part of the boat and I would produce a repair slip for it. After talking to all the warranty people and the Chief Legal Counsel at OMC, I finally got through to Rick Fulmer who was the President of Four Winns. Everything turned around. He apologized for the problems and sent a corporate jet to pick me up at Logan and take me to their office and plant in Cadillac Michigan. They took me to Lake Cadillac where they have a test facility and at the time had about 15 boats. They offered to let me take any of them out for a test ride. Rick Fulmer gave me hats, jackets, took me to lunch, and on a personal plant tour. They took my old boat back and gave me a new boat a year newer.

OK, now I am a Four Winns fan!

[tummyman]

Grady White boats are rock solid and extremely high quality. Everything says quality. I have owned three so far. My current 225 will be the last as I am getting too old. However, with the outboards, you get a huge amount of extra space. They take rough water like it doesn't exist. And Grady White's hold their value for a very long time. Yes, they might be more expensive than other brands at the outset, but you get what you pay for. Don't go cheap. Again, outboards are the way to go for all the extra space you get in the actual boat. That is why many many new boats are coming out with the outboards....you see them more and more on the lake. When I bought my current Grady, I re-powered with a Yamaha 250 4stroke. Sweet machine, hot out of the hole for water skiing, etc, and so quiet!

[ishoot308]

Juiced,

Have you looked at the Monterey line of boats? Great quality and great looking boats!

Good luck in your search!

Dan

[TiltonBB]

Miles Marine just became a Pioneer boat dealer. On Thursday 7/16 they brought in two brand new center consoles with outboards. One was a single, one had twins. They look pretty nice. I will try to get pictures.

[Juiced06GTO]

Originally Posted by ishoot308

Juiced,

Have you looked at the Monterey line of boats? Great quality and great looking boats!

Good luck in your search!

Dan

I haven't looked much at Monterey, I'll do some digging on them. Do you or have you had one in the past? Thanks!

Also, on the Four Winns side, I have always been happy with my boat, I was the second owner and this is our 9th year with it. Unfortunately, I have heard a few quality issues over the past few years, specifically with boats right around the Covid run up and after. I was close to pulling the trigger on the 2020 and the day I was going to call the broker on it, I saw the announcement about them closing the plant. The boat only had 34hours on it, had it had a few more I probably would have pulled the trigger because any hull issue or mfg issues would probably have been worked out. A 6 year old boat with 34 hours on it hasn't been used enough to know if there are any issues with it!

[Garcia]

Love my Boston Whaler Montauk. I use it mostly to get back and forth to the island which makes the openness of the center console great - until it rains. Quality is superb. I bought it used pre-covid and if I cleaned it up could probably sell it for what I paid for it. All that said, if I were to replace it I would struggle to justify the cost of a replacement as they are pricey today.

[8gv]

This thread is going to be like a "what's your favorite pizza" thread.

What is your price range?

[Juiced06GTO]

Originally Posted by 8gv

This thread is going to be like a "what's your favorite pizza" thread.

What is your price range?

HAHA! Yea i realized it after I posted that would happen.....couldn't sleep last night and was looking at all of those boats and thought, what the heck might as well ask the crew here what they think!! I way over analyze large purchases, to the point of paralysis, so any feedback from people who have the boats is helpful to push me over the hump! lol

Ideally less than $80k with a trailer is the goal, engine hours 400ish or less, prefer Yamaha or Merc. The HD270 I looked at ended up going for $67k. I have a line on a Cobalt 25SC down in NC that the broker is entertaining $70K with trailer shipped up to my house. I spoke to them last week and they were diagnosing some issues on the trailer. It is a 2019 w/ 300 Merc OB 399hrs. They had been asking $79K, but it has been listed for quite a while so I threw a lowball of $70 shipped and they are interested. I am struggling to buy something so far away without laying eyes on it, so am looking into a surveyor to go check it out if I go that route.

[ishoot308]

Originally Posted by Juiced06GTO

I haven't looked much at Monterey, I'll do some digging on them. Do you or have you had one in the past? Thanks!

I do not have one and have not had one so I can’t offer an opinion on my personal experience only what I have seen in person. I have looked at them closely since Winni Marine took the line a few years ago. I was impressed with the quality of build when seen in person both at the Miami and Boston boat show as well as Winni Marine’s showroom in Belmont and in water at WOW in the Paugus channel.

Fellow forum member Codeman can tell you a lot more about them than I can as I know they have peaked his interest as well and he was looking them closely and pretty sure he may have owned one in the past….

Good luck in your search!

Dan

[TiltonBB]

They are supposed to get trailers for these. They look pretty nice. One is a 23, the other is a 26. The 26 has twin Yamaha 250's

[codeman671]

I have owned the Monterey 214FS, the 298SS and 318SS. All are high quality boats. Can’t say enough about the brand and the fact that Winni Marine is the dealer makes it even better. I have been looking at the new Elite 30’s this season, but keep telling myself I don’t need a new boat. Since we put a pool in this year I haven’t been out on the lake much.

[Descant]

The 26 ft Pioneer that Miles Marine is offering looks really nice. I especially like the sort of closed in helm- as an islander who goes out in all sorts of weather., Ice-out to late October. I expect Brad is interested in getting a few of these out on the lake as soon as possible for people to see an admire them. In addition to the boat itself, who the dealer is has always been important to us. Miles has an excellent reputation.

[tis]

Originally Posted by Descant

The 26 ft Pioneer that Miles Marine is offering looks really nice. I especially like the sort of closed in helm- as an islander who goes out in all sorts of weather., Ice-out to late October. I expect Brad is interested in getting a few of these out on the lake as soon as possible for people to see an admire them. In addition to the boat itself, who the dealer is has always been important to us. Miles has an excellent reputation.

Miles Marine? The same that transported boats are selling boats now? I didn't know.

[TiltonBB]

Yes, Miles is now a Pioneer dealer. They brought the first two boats in last week.

[tis]

Wow, good for them. They used to haul our boat back and forth each spring and fall until we decided to just store it in Laconia. They are the best people.

[Juiced06GTO]

Thanks for the pictures! Those Pioneers do look nice, new they are probably out of my price range, but I’ll look into them too! Someone is showing up to look at my boat in about 15mins so that will be a determining factor as to whether we get a new one or not!

[Juiced06GTO]

The 26’ on Pioneers website is in the 150k range……unfortunately not going to be able to swing that one!

[TiltonBB]

Originally Posted by Juiced06GTO

The 26’ on Pioneers website is in the 150k range……unfortunately not going to be able to swing that one!

The two boats start at about $189,000 and $118,000. I am sure the twin outboards affect the price. I know he will move from those list prices. These are the first two Pioneers and I know he has more different Pioneer models coming this year so they want to deal to keep things moving. Maybe negotiate some winterizing and winter storage into the deal?

[thinkxingu]

Originally Posted by TiltonBB

The two boats start at about $189,000 and $118,000. I am sure the twin outboards affect the price. I know he will move from those list prices. These are the first two Pioneers and I know he has more different Pioneer models coming this year so they want to deal to keep things moving. Maybe negotiate some winterizing and winter storage into the deal?

"Ideally less than $80k with trailer" ≠ $118k+ and winterization!

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[Juiced06GTO]

Unfortunately, the spread is a bit much, and I've got a 30x40 barn and 2 acres so the storage part isn't really a need lol.

I am up on the lake next week for vacation and will be on the hunt, so I may stop by and at least take a look! Thanks again for the heads up!

On another note, I had a guy look at my boat today. He is going to talk it over and we're going to touch base after our vacation. He did say it was the nicest looking and most well maintained boat he had looked at so that bodes well! Would be nice to get it sold before winter.

[TiltonBB]

Originally Posted by Descant

The 26 ft Pioneer that Miles Marine is offering looks really nice. I especially like the sort of closed in helm- as an islander who goes out in all sorts of weather., Ice-out to late October.

Island Dweller Boat? This is just what you need. You would look good in this Wellcraft. It even has a diesel heater! It will be at the Rockland Maine Boat Show in two weeks. Don't forget your checkbook!

[Juiced06GTO]

Hopefully Wellcraft doesn’t go the way of Four Winns since they were both owned by Benneteu. It looks like Melvin Village is deep discounting the 2026’s they have in stock. If they had a new HD8 with an outboard on it I might consider it! They are selling a new one for what I am seeing 23/24 used ones for.

[tis]

Originally Posted by Juiced06GTO

Hopefully Wellcraft doesn’t go the way of Four Winns since they were both owned by Benneteu. It looks like Melvin Village is deep discounting the 2026’s they have in stock. If they had a new HD8 with an outboard on it I might consider it! They are selling a new one for what I am seeing 23/24 used ones for.

I assume they will have to replace the Four Winns with something. Did they say what they think they might?

[trashman]

Originally Posted by Juiced06GTO

I haven't looked much at Monterey, I'll do some digging on them. Do you or have you had one in the past? Thanks!

Also, on the Four Winns side, I have always been happy with my boat, I was the second owner and this is our 9th year with it. Unfortunately, I have heard a few quality issues over the past few years, specifically with boats right around the Covid run up and after. I was close to pulling the trigger on the 2020 and the day I was going to call the broker on it, I saw the announcement about them closing the plant. The boat only had 34hours on it, had it had a few more I probably would have pulled the trigger because any hull issue or mfg issues would probably have been worked out. A 6 year old boat with 34 hours on it hasn't been used enough to know if there are any issues with it!

I have a 2003 24' Monterey Montura (bowrider) that we bought brand new. I am ready for a new boat for more modern conveniences and due to small stuff any aged boat would be dealing with (broken gauges, blown speakers, etc... THAT being said, it's hard to part with this boat. It has been awesome. It has run perfectly ever single year. We do take good care of it at Goodhues Meredith (nowhere near as good as it used to be though, thats another story). It has a nice deep bow riding experience so I feel safer with kids up front. That's the one reason I couldnt buy a Cobalt (shallow bow riding).

[Juiced06GTO]

I went and test drove a 2018 Cobalt 23SC over at the old Shep Browns, now Goodhue Marina today. Man things have changed in the 20 years since my boat was built! It was a really nice boat, although felt smaller inside than my current boat. The ride was insanely better than what I am used to with my boat and the 300hp Verado OB on the back was so quiet you could hardly tell it was running! It is a brokerage boat they are selling, it was a bit filthy, which was a bit of a turn off, but structurally seemed to be in great shape, no major blemishes or vinyls issues that I could see. They also had an I/O R3 there, but I think I’d want to go up in size from where I am at so I didn’t bother looking at that one.

All in all I am still nowhere closer to making a decision lol. I took the Funship up to go see it and it was a sporty ride coming back in the weather, it we made it!

[BillTex]

Hmmm…who shows a filthy boat?

[Juiced06GTO]

I think it was a relatively new brokerage boat. Although I know when I sent my parents old boat to a broker I spent like 3 days detailing it hoping that would help solidify the asking price.

[TheTimeTraveler]

Originally Posted by Juiced06GTO

I went and test drove a 2018 Cobalt 23SC over at the old Shep Browns, now Goodhue Marina today. Man things have changed in the 20 years since my boat was built! It was a really nice boat, although felt smaller inside than my current boat. The ride was insanely better than what I am used to with my boat and the 300hp Verado OB on the back was so quiet you could hardly tell it was running! It is a brokerage boat they are selling, it was a bit filthy, which was a bit of a turn off, but structurally seemed to be in great shape, no major blemishes or vinyls issues that I could see. They also had an I/O R3 there, but I think I’d want to go up in size from where I am at so I didn’t bother looking at that one.

All in all I am still nowhere closer to making a decision lol. I took the Funship up to go see it and it was a sporty ride coming back in the weather, it we made it!

Curious: You neglected to mention the asking price for a 8 year old Cobalt....

Was it reasonable or not ?

[TomC]

At this point - are any boat prices reasonable? Crazy money for a five month (maybe) season in NH (yeah - islanders, etc...)

[Juiced06GTO]

It was on the high side that I have seen, 79K. There is a 2019 Cobalt 25SC, 399hrs with Off the Hook Yacht Sales down in NC that is listed at 72k, I asked them if they'd consider 70k shipped to Mass, they said they would, we went back and forth a few times and the listing broker stopped responding to me so I figured they'd sold it, although its still listed.

We just spent 11 days on my boat between Upper Suncook and Winni, added another 20+ hours to it and I am thinking I may just save my money for now unless someone shows up and really wants to buy mine lol.

[thinkxingu]

Originally Posted by Juiced06GTO

It was on the high side that I have seen, 79K. There is a 2019 Cobalt 25SC, 399hrs with Off the Hook Yacht Sales down in NC that is listed at 72k, I asked them if they'd consider 70k shipped to Mass, they said they would, we went back and forth a few times and the listing broker stopped responding to me so I figured they'd sold it, although its still listed.



We just spent 11 days on my boat between Upper Suncook and Winni, added another 20+ hours to it and I am thinking I may just save my money for now unless someone shows up and really wants to buy mine lol.

Did I miss why you want to upgrade other than that people have expressed interest in buying yours?

We are clearly in different financial brackets, but why spend money if what you have works and will work for a foreseeable future?

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[8gv]

Boat shopping is like most things in life.

Until a choice is made there are many possibilities.

Once a choice is made then there are fewer.

Choosing not to act sometimes avails a better outcome down the road.

Let the next boat find you.

[Juiced06GTO]

Originally Posted by thinkxingu

Did I miss why you want to upgrade other than that people have expressed interest in buying yours?

We are clearly in different financial brackets, but why spend money if what you have works and will work for a foreseeable future?

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The boat is getting up there in age and as well as it is maintained, there are things that inevitably keep going on it. Another cushion came apart this past week on vacation that I'll need to get recovered, she has now 700hrs on the motor, things will start to go on it that will be costly to fix, even doing my self. If I can sell it at a decent price and upgrade to something relatively newer it seemed like the time to do it rather than continuing to sink money into this one.

It also does not really ride that great in a chop on winni. The hull design inherently slams and I'd like to pursue some ocean boating, which lends itself to an outboard motor and an aluminum trailer, unfortunately mine is painted.

On a side note, pretty sure i passed you in Sally's gut last week on Boaty 2 haha

[thinkxingu]

Originally Posted by Juiced06GTO

The boat is getting up there in age and as well as it is maintained, there are things that inevitably keep going on it. Another cushion came apart this past week on vacation that I'll need to get recovered, she has now 700hrs on the motor, things will start to go on it that will be costly to fix, even doing my self. If I can sell it at a decent price and upgrade to something relatively newer it seemed like the time to do it rather than continuing to sink money into this one.

It also does not really ride that great in a chop on winni. The hull design inherently slams and I'd like to pursue some ocean boating, which lends itself to an outboard motor and an aluminum trailer, unfortunately mine is painted.

On a side note, pretty sure i passed you in Sally's gut last week on Boaty 2 haha

Gotcha—all that makes sense, for sure, especially if you have buyers for your boat, though timing of selling and buying might be challenging if not wanting to go without a boat for a period of time.

Though it wasn't Boatie Two at Sally's Gut—we've only gotten half a dozen days on the boat, as I've been doing a lot more hiking/backpacking this summer—be sure to wave if ya do see us!

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