Help deciding between 2 boats

buggyjdav

I am trying to choose between 2 2004 Rinker 342 Fiesta Vee's and wanted some opinions. Both have the Volvo 5.7's, both original owners. The first is on the hard, kept in brackish water in NJ. Only 170 hours on the boat. The interior is in good shape. The plastic is still on and not being removed until an offer is placed as the owners moved to the west coast so I dont know the exterior condition, gelcoat etc. It is $4000 lower than the second boat:

Second is a 2004 also, is in pristine condition, lift kept and absolutely phenomenal condition. Has the Penta 5.7 GXi-280's with 464 hours, risers & mani's done, bellows replaced per service bulletin. Bottom never painted, new canvas in 2012, bunch of new items (flat panel tv, ice maker, transom shower, shifter and steering cables.....) $4000 more than the one above with less hours. 

Would you go with the one with less hours, $4000 less, but not as nice condition or go for the one that has been maintained bigtime but has 2/3 more hours?

212rowboat

Hours don't scare me..... Lack of maintenance does. Not being able to see the boat is a huge concern, and quite ridiculous a position to take for a serious seller... This is an easy choice, man.

Handymans342

What are the asking prices for both?

mheitman23

464 hours isnt bad for a 2004..i would rather have a boat that has higher hours and  maintained than a low hr boat

raybo3

More hours...... The canvas is worth about $4000. 

Dream_Inn

absolutely the higher hour boat!  I have well over 500 hours on my 2008.  I know it is well maintained and turn-key!

JC290

The second one sounds like that one has been cared for so it gets my vote. make an offer you might be able to buy it for close too or the same price. 

Weber

Higher hour boat for sure, pending a survey and sea trial of course.

Cableguy Greg

I agree with getting the well maintained boat with higher hours. Offer $4K less and you might be where you want to be. Who knows... The owner may bite at the offer.

craigswardmtb

I would try to negotiate a way to get a better look at that first boat.  IF it looks good than put a refundable deposit down and negotiate a sea trial.  If you cannot than opt for the second.  If either have the dreaded XDP composite drives, I would run real fast.

majorboats

You will need to resell the boat boat one day, less hours is always more appealing to buyers. 

Lobodemar

If one of them as XDP make an offer $15000 less per outdrive

redlightning

is second boat fresh water?

jhofmann

I would have a marine survey done on both boats and then compare the two.

Dream_Inn

so which one did you choose?

mvn

Dream_Inn said:

so which one did you choose?

From his profile info, he chose the 2004 342

Mark (aka Captain Obvious!)

Dream_Inn

alright Smarta$$.  :-)  both are 2004 342s!

mvn

Really!!?.!   Ha,  ha. 

Mark

raybo3

So it's the 2004?????????? lol

Hedge

I wish I had this problem ... I am in Ontario and wanting to upgrade from a 270 to 342 and cannot find even one

Handymans342

They are available all over Maryland! Just ship one there

JC290

Couple of nice ones in port Clinton ohio happy days boating

Hedge

thanks guys, but with the Canadian dollar down almost 25%  and then add the cost of transporting I am pretty much forced to wait for something to come available around here. 

Handymans342

Not if you get the right price.

03rinker342

Hedge said:

I wish I had this problem ... I am in Ontario and wanting to upgrade from a 270 to 342 and cannot find even one

We have a 2003 342 for sale in Alexandria bay

Michael T

Hedge, I think I may have found a couple for you Try Central Marine 1-705-526-4251 or A marina in Quebec 1-888-905-9835. As you say they do sell fast. I think there might be one for sale in Kingston too. I saw it once and it was very clean. I think it is a champagne colour. Happy hunting. P.S. Try boatdealers.ca  When you're on the site go to search box and type in Rrinker  then type in 342 but leave the location as ALL - about 5 boats show as being for sale in Ontario and a bunch more in the U.S.  I was on that site a few weeks ago and I think there were 4 or 5 324s on it. Maybe a few are still left?

Stodge

Door number 2

Hedge

Thanks Michael T .... I do keep an eye on central marine, and I guess I should have been a little more explicit that I already have a blue hull rinker and although I certainly receive lots of compliments on it I am at the point where I want a white hull and I have found a few and went and looked at them but just not in the kind of shape I am looking for....I think this will just take a little patience.

Michael T

Got it. None of my business but -  I was trying to find one that a dealer had so that you might be able to trade your 270 in on it (if you wanted to) to save the 13% tax on the value of your boat. That's what I did and I got way more in the end (with the 13% tax saving) than I ever would have on the open market. BTW There seems to be a 2002 and a 2007 342 (all white) for sale in Kingston?  

Hedge

yes, my first choice would be to buy through a dealer to save tax. I looked at the 2007 about 8 weeks ago before it went in the water and it was in well below average condition and needed both carpet and canvas but may have to go up and have another look. As for the 2002 I am hoping to go a little newer. Thanks again for keeping an eye out.