Need Advise, Opinions and Info

[randlemanboater]

Carolina Classic 25


http://greensboro.craigslist.org/boa/3473165884.html

[THEFERMANATOR]

If your looking for a center console, I would consider this one as it is a good bit closer to you and one heck of a boat.

http://www.thehulltruth.com/boats-sa...-18-000-a.html

[awthacker]

Sorry to jump in late... I'm in Jacksonville. That marina in the picture is where we launch for offshore trips. Let me know what I can do. I have no knowldge of boat engines and don't have a regular mechanic, but I can certainly ask around. If you are ready to make a serious inquiry on the Pursuit, let me know and I'll start making phone calls.

My father-in-law may be willing to check it out, and if he doesn't have time he probably knows someone to recommend. He used to own the very same Bertram you had and I had showed him the pictures of it when you first brought it home.

Aaron

[willy]

Aarron thanks for the offer, I may take you up on it. Not sure yet.

Guys I love those boats but I don't know anything about those boats with I/O's in them and jack shafts. Aren't they supposed to be problematic?
And I have always heard those Volvo outdrives are extremely expensive for parts and repair, no?

[THEFERMANATOR]

Originally Posted by willy

Aarron thanks for the offer, I may take you up on it. Not sure yet.

Guys I love those boats but I don't know anything about those boats with I/O's in them and jack shafts. Aren't they supposed to be problematic?
And I have always heard those Volvo outdrives are extremely expensive for parts and repair, no?

VOLVOS do cost more to repair, but on the plus side they don't fail often if maintained with basic anode and fluid changes. Jackshafts aren't to bad, just watch for rust as most use a steel driveshaft, and keep the u-joints greased. A jackshaft gives you the benefit of a wide open cockpit for fishing, but an outdrive for economy and shallow running(not to mention a single duo prop setup will still manuvere decent at the dock).

[willy]

Yea I'm not so worried about maintenance I am worried about the storied water ingestion problems those systems are known for, also the vibration issues with jack shafts.
Also I have not heard anyone say anything good about I'O's outdrives on this or any site.
I know they are often very efficient power wise but that is all awash to me as they are also the only system I know that will sink your vessel at sea if a rubber bellows splits. There is a fellow that had to run his 25 footer into the sand to keep it from going completely under, it was a new boat, literally on its first full fishing trip and the bellows had some type of fault in it. It split. the two bilge pumps could not keep up with the ingress of the water and she just made it, got beached by the coast guard barracks. That was something to hear on the radio.

[randlemanboater]

I am with you on the I/O Willy...they may be fine, but they kind of scare me.

My father in laws 25' Regal almost sunk one time because of a bellows issue. Of course it also floated with no issue for 12 years before that.

Here's a Dusky CC http://wilmington.craigslist.org/boa/3421775857.html

And a Bertram 28 w/ diesels http://wilmington.craigslist.org/bod/3475677709.html

[spareparts]

I love I/O's they pay my bills thru the winter time. Seriously, years ago, an I/O was more dependable and user friendly than an outboard. Thats all changed in teh last few years. In fresh water, its up to your personal preference, but in salt, I wouldn't have an I/O. It would be inboard diesel or outboard only.

[Seacrets]

I love my 23 parker. If engines meet your approval, I don't think you can go wrong with the Pursuit.

[THEFERMANATOR]

Originally Posted by Seacrets

I love my 23 parker. If engines meet your approval, I don't think you can go wrong with the Pursuit.

I know I/O's are problematic up north, and often forget how much more trouble they are for you guys up there. They tend to not do well in boats left in the water, and your colder winters tend to do a number on those rubber bellows. Nothing against the PURSUIT either. Wonder if you could get fishbones back from it's new owner?