Opinion on used cruisers

[zeusmt]

So the wife and I are starting to talk about a major upgrade - to something along the lines of a 350 or 360.  We're still just talking (I'm fantasizing), but I was thinking that we'd get something no more than 2 years old, but something not new, so as to avoid the significantly higher price of a new boat.

My question is, are there any new things (ie. IPS, Hard tops, etc.) that are new now that will make it worth holding off on buying something today?

[Mikes342]

Mercruiser has just came out with a joystick for the bravo 3 outdrives that will be incorporated in all new small cruisers in three years.  It might be worth looking into. I am not sure if there will be an upgrade package for current b3 owners.  I re-read the article later.

Mikes 342

[Dan&Darci]

To amplify Mike's comments, the Mercury system he's referring to is called Axius and basically it will allow you move the boat in ANY direction using a joystick.  Mercury has hinted that a retrofit kit will be available, but a prerequisite is having the DTS (Digital Throttle System) installed.  Otherwise a retrofit will be cost-prohibitive.   However, if you've already got a bow thruster, you don't need it.

Personally, having owned a 2007 370 without a thruster, I would not hesitate to purchase another without the thruster or Axius system.  The 370 would respond beautifully to just the Duo-Prop drives and backing into my slip was no problem.

Was there ever an instance where a thruster would have helped?  Sure, but I was always able to work things out without it.

Now the hardtop question:  It's not a functional requirement and it's expensive, but we LOVE it!  Shade is always available, less canvas to mess with, and it looks great.  Personal choice I guess.

Hope this helps!

[Rinker342]

Chiming in with the others, Axius is a great system, but will add about $25k to the cost of the boat.  It includes the DTS Dan spoke of and the Mercruiser Sea Core engine and drive system as well as a couple of other electronic gadgets.... and they say you don't need the bow thruster with it, so it pays for itself by the time you add all those other options.  Now, do you really need it?  Probably not.  Do you want to wait for it?  Completely up to you depending on how long you want to wait for a new boat!  They are making Rinkers with Axius now, so you might find a used one in a couple of years.  You can also find some great buys on pre-owned boats right now.  An example is a 2007 350 EC in our marina (near Annapolis, MD) for $160,000.  The owner got transferred to Texas and wants out quick.  This is a remarkable deal... most of these '07's are going for about $185k.  If you have an interest, I can give you a contact.  

Hope this helps some!

[Banker's Hours]

I bought a 2007 350EC in Feburary for $175,000 with 17 hours. It has everything on it including the Sea Vision TV. We love it and I don't think anything coming out is worth the wait. There are some really good buyes out there right now with gas prices what they are.
We have a friend who has a 360 with the hardtop, nice but do you need the weight and the additional expence, not me. If you want to move up find a good boat at a good price and buy it!! Prices may never be lower.

Wayne
350 EC
Banker's Hours
Kentucky Lake

[DJ]

Wayne

That was a great buy - If it's the one I'm thinking of it was listed for 195K

[rob]

Take a look at my 2006 360; its listed on this site. She has 100 hours and is in like new condition.  I am asking 160K.  
The M/C duo props hanle this boat just fine.  I have never had a situation where I wished I had a thruster, after a litte time you'll be docking like a pro.  Remember, people have boated for years w/o thrusters/axius/etc.  Dont waste money on these toys.  I dont have a hard top.  For my weekend boating in the summer I like the wind and sun; if I were doing year-round in the ocean, I may think differently.  
Good luck in your decisions.  I would be happy to talk to you about the 360 if you find one you like.

[Talon]

I've driven an AXIS boat and it is phenomenal. Personally though, I wouldn't let that get in the way of picking up a boat at the right price.

[Banker's Hours]

DJ; The one i purchased was listed for $195 so it maybe the same boat. It was listed on  Yacht World by my local dealer. Not only did I think I got a good deal, he took my 342 in trade. We love the boat and i really like the Volvo's.

Wayne
350 EC
Banker's Hours
Kentucky Lake

[DJ]

Wayne

is this your boat

http://www.leemarineinc.com/boat28.htm