Hobie wrote:
I'm considering buying a 1988 Horizon 18 in Denver, CO. I'd love some help from the pros as to what to watch out for!
From what I can tell, it has a 262 CID V6 Merc engine, 172 hours on it, original. Original owner stored it indoors for more than 10 years without firing it up, and had apparently winterized it well.
There is not a scratch on the upholstery, the fiberglass, the covers, the bimini, the full enclosure, it all looks pristine. From underneath, it looks like it may have touched a beach once or twice, but no scratches or dings.
I'm buying it to pull a family, tubes, skis, wakeboards, etc.... I am concerned that the engine may not have enough power to pull a big guy out of the water, having been told that I need to focus on the
V8 engines.
Any thoughts?
First welcome!! I'm still a newbie here as well... Secondly you might want to know that you've posted in the Swap Shop rather than in the actual forum, so I would post over in Boat Banter as already suggested.
The combo you are asking about (w/V6) should make for a pretty good boat. I had a 4.3 in a Caravelle a few years back and it was a great little boat. Most will agree that you'll never have to much getty up in a boat

... resale (if that's an issue) may only be affected in the time it takes to sell rather than price. I recently purchased and rarely gave a look at anything other than a V8 unless the price was really good. However you're probably getting your boat at a better price point up front as well (hopefully). Test the boat... even ski behind it and be sure it'll do what you're after. If everything checks out and the price is ok.. then enjoy!
