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jbolty
05-16-2016, 10:55 AM
Does anyone have any experience with this boat or similar. My friend is considering buying one and asked me because I'm the one in the group that know about engines and mechanical stuff and what not. Unfortunately I've never owned a power boat and know nothing helpful.

This one apparently has a 3.0 Volvo Penta motor. Is that enough to ski behind? The internet tells me it's 135hp

THX
HomeWood
05-16-2016, 12:46 PM
Not a top of the line boat but it will get you around the lake. It will get a skier up. Be confident that it has been maintained like anything else.
Lakeboater
05-16-2016, 04:44 PM
By coincidence someone just posted a 1998 sun bird on Craigslist that appears real clean. Ad says $2500 with a trailer. Something to compare to
jbolty
05-16-2016, 05:01 PM
By coincidence someone just posted a 1998 sun bird on Craigslist that appears real clean. Ad says $2500 with a trailer. Something to compare to

Thanks, don't see it though. Where is it located? Only one I found anywhere is in CT.

This one.

http://newyork.craigslist.org/fct/boa/5578252665.html
Lakeboater
05-16-2016, 05:23 PM
Thanks, don't see it though. Where is it located? Only one I found anywhere is in CT.

This one.

http://newyork.craigslist.org/fct/boa/5578252665.html

It is posted at nh.craigslist.org 1998 17' sunbird bow rider Actually posted about 4 hours ago and just updated and added another picture
http://nh.craigslist.org/boa/5589137661.html
NHskier
05-16-2016, 07:50 PM
At that age condition is a MUCH greater factor than the make of boat, so its important that it be checked out by someone who knows their stuff.

Since it's likely to have wood in the hull be sure to check for any signs of a soft floor as that's apt to lead to $$$ repair bills. And if the floor itself has problems that probably means the stringer system has issues as well, even bigger $$$$.

Compression test on the motor and checking for signs of water in motor or outdrive oil are other things to look at. Here's a checklist (http://forums.iboats.com/forum/general-boating-outdoors-activities/boat-topics-and-questions-not-engine-topics/650747-for-new-members-needing-help-buying-a-boat-a-buyer-s-checklist) on another boating forum that can be of help.