When would most of you make the decision to go with a newer boat vs used. So just for example would you buy a 2014-2015 nitro over say a used 2003-2005 ranger 520vx?? What makes you decide between the quality given that both have the original motors. Is it worth having the newer motor on the nitro vs the quality and known ride of the say the 520 from those years ?? Iv seen these two boats about 2-3k dollars in difference and just curious what most of you thought on it.
Last edited by Gillsandtines10; 07-25-2023 at 02:04 PM. Reason: Words
Plenty of great used boats out there. Way overpriced right now though. If I was looking I would look for a 4 stroke.
I'm currently looking also and the 4 stroke is what I want, even if it is a 2005 520vx. The 2019/2020 Nitro z20 are priced good also with the v8 4 stroke Mercs.
Used early 2000s boat with a Mercury EFI or Yamaha OX66 is what I would be looking for.
Originally Posted by Gillsandtines10
Take into consideration what boat/engine parts from which models are still being supported and are available.
Also depends a lot on an individuals mechanical abilities. Determine the past maintenance care if possible before making such a decision. An older boat that has been well cared for is worth much more than a much newer boat that has been treated like crap.
I’ve always bought new until my current boat. Had many. Went to order a new boat and this one was sitting on the lot. I recognized it immediately, belonged to a friend about 2 hours away from me. Called him and he said the only reason he traded it in was because he doesn’t fit behind the steering wheel. It was exactly what I was going to order except for the color. It’s a 2018 PHX21 with a 250SHO. Got it December 2019 with 87 hours on the engine. The boat has been awesome. The motor on the other hand has been a huge POS. 4 starters, 2 timing belts and pulleys, power head and lower unit. Everything covered by warranty except for the lower unit. Yamaha said it blew from impact. Honestly I never hit anything. Luckily my insurance covered it. I never expected to have these issues with a fairly new engine. I’ve spoken with many SHO owners and they all love theirs. Moral of the story is that if I had to do it over I would go new. But that’s if deciding on new or a few years old.
Agree with all that… I guess just to give a more specific example would you buy a say 2004 ranger 520vx in pretty good shape with original Yamaha or merc but has most of the goodies like decent graphs , ultrex/ghost, livescope or active target in that 25k range give or take… or a lot newer boat like say a 2012 nitro z8 or even seen 2014-15 years z19-z20 for around that 30k mark … like when do you decide that having that newer motor l and hull combo is that much more important than say a well taken care of mid 2000s boat with goodies but with better hull like the ranger but motor is 10 years older
Last edited by Gillsandtines10; 07-25-2023 at 02:27 PM.
To me its all a crap shoot, some of those older motors were bullet proof like the EFis. To me when you get into the 7-10 year old boats, condition, price and options. And do not forget about the trailer.
Bryan McDonough
2023 Nitro Z21 XL
Nitro Team
Yea I know it’s all chance … I mean it’s the same with vehicles you just have good and bad of all brands and when buying used that chance you’re taking is even greater. But I def won’t be able to buy brand new so just tough making that decision when looking And wanting to get others’ thought process.
Last edited by Gillsandtines10; 07-25-2023 at 03:34 PM.
If it it was Mercury EFI or Yamaha OX66 yes. If it was a Optimax or HDPI no, those weren't as good in the earlier years, the 07-08 and later are much better.
I understand that and agree but then you are talking about the z20 series which I see good deals on but read that hull
is terrible … guess I could keep looking for an older 520 that’s maybe been repowered, or possibly the z520 series but then that’s a big jump in money also. I guess my whole point was when does motor year and age mean more than the hull like a newer nitro vs older ranger or basscat.
I also don't pay much attention to what electronics or trolling motor is on the boat, to me those are just accessories that can be easily changed or upgraded. What is more important to me is the boat layout, like storage, livewell, rod lockers and battery compartment, what outboard it has, and how good of shape the boat is in. Motor age doesn't scare me as long as it is a motor that has a good track record like the ones I mentioned before, and it has been serviced like it should be.
well that def helps I’ll def keep an eye out for those motors you mentioned , and it would be much more convenient to have all the goodies already equipped but I could just add what I want
Depends what your wants and needs are also. If you want a really good riding hull then don’t sacrifice that. Figure out your wants and needs then find a couple of boat models that suit them. For me using your own example if I were wanting a boat like a 520 ranger there would be reasons. So odds are I wouldn’t even look at a newer Nitro, they are nothing alike.
2008 Skeeter 21I. Yamaha 250 Series II.
2011 Toyota Tundra Crewmax 4x4.
yea I’m def wanting a good riding hull so was thinking about the 520vx, maybe the stratos 200/201, and def champion is on the list but the prices of those things are about crazy. Want something decent soft on the OL back .
I would lean towards an older rig that I knew was good - Ranger, Bass Cat, etc vs a newer rig that I was not confident in.
Thats def how I’m leaning I guess I just need to make sure to wait on the right motor combo … seems like pricing in my area anyways is starting to come down… I see a lot of the same boats on longer and with a price slash than used to, especially on FB market place
I'm now on my 5th Ranger and all have been a used boat when I bought them. I've been lucky enough to have found what I wanted and have NEVER had a Boat Payment !! My now boat, even tho o WAS looking for a newer one, is a 2002 205vx that I bought in 2015 looked like it had just came of the showroom floor !! I've made many changes/upgrades over the last 8 yrs and will probably make a few more as time goes by. It had 260hrs on the 225 Opti and now has 592. So far, no major motor work needed. But I do service it when due. I keep looking at newer used boats, but then I'd have to make too many changes to make it the way I want it. SO, I'll probably just hang a new, or maybe even a slightly used 4-stroke on it when the Opti gives out !!
Ranger Boats / Mercury Motors
G Loomis Rods / Shimano Reels
Raymarine / MinnKota Ultrex
Garmin / Live Scope Plus
Pepper Jigs / Robo Worms
Vatrer Lithium / V-T2 Vents
There’s a lot better riding boats than a 520
Reply With Quote
