I’ve kind of half-heartedly been looking for a used boat and found this on Columbia craigslist. It’s a 17’ CC with a 90hp Johnson. I was thinking about going to look at it this weekend.
http://columbia.craigslist.org/boa/4281024993.html
Any pros or cons about Sunbirds? Also, any particular specific problems that I need to look for?
Thanks in advance.
Bob Van Gundy
Marine Designs,Inc.
Custom Aluminum Fabrication
803-727-4069
I recently bought a 1997 Sunbird Neptune 230 in November. I THINK the boat is great THINK it handles great. But, I’ve only had it on the water twice and had engine troubles both times. Only thing I came across while researching the company is that they went out of business in 1998/9, sold some of their hulls to Hydra-Sport, built in Columbia, SC. They were a “bargain” brand, don’t have proof or what what means, just what I read. Most people suggested having someone check for transom rot, but I guess that’s a standard response. I don’t particularly like that I only have small access holes to the gas tank and wiring, but knowing me, I shouldn’t be playing with that stuff anyway.
Not much help, I just like talking.
quote:
They were a "bargain" brand,
Yep, think Bayliner. No offense meant, but you asked. Very low end boats. I’d stay away from it myself.
Capt. Larry Teuton
Cracker Built Custom Boats
“Ships are the nearest things to dreams that hands have ever made.” -Robert N. Rose
For the asking price that’s not bad. If you can talk him down a few hundred even better. I would try to fork out another 2k and find a 93 year and up Key West with a Yamaha.
Scout 185
quote:Well... it's an 18 foot boat with a 90hp Johnson.
Originally posted by Happy BobI’ve kind of half-heartedly been looking for a used boat and found this on Columbia craigslist. It’s a 17’ CC with a 90hp Johnson. I was thinking about going to look at it this weekend.
http://columbia.craigslist.org/boa/4281024993.html
Any pros or cons about Sunbirds? Also, any particular specific problems that I need to look for?
Thanks in advance.Bob Van Gundy
Marine Designs,Inc.
Custom Aluminum Fabrication
803-727-4069
Bob. I think that that trailer might sell pretty easily for 800 in this local market. The motor could go for 800 bucks. I like Johnsons. The hull… $600 to $750. I didn’t do the math but, this is what I figured from the web site picture.
I like your contributions to this site so, I could only support your buying this boat for ‘parting’. Just MY opinion.
quote:
Originally posted by Cracker Larryquote:
They were a "bargain" brand,
Yep, think Bayliner. No offense meant, but you asked. Very low end boats. I’d stay away from it myself.
Capt. Larry Teuton
Cracker Built Custom Boats“Ships are the nearest things to dreams that hands have ever made.” -Robert N. Rose
Very wise advice.
'06 Mckee Craft
184 Marathon
DF140 Suzuki
Thanks for the replies guys. I’m at least going to look at it tomorrow or Sunday, just to check it out.
Larry, no offense taken. I respect your opinions, since you are a boat builder(some (**() nice ones from what I’ve seen).
Bob Van Gundy
Marine Designs,Inc.
Custom Aluminum Fabrication
803-727-4069
pm sent
Scout 185
When the motor blew on my 88 wellcraft I bought a 1998 sunbird with a 200 Evinrude. I bought it for the motor. Every inch of that boat was completely rotten. We tied the motor back to the ski pole to keep it from falling off, if we wouldn’t have I am sure the motor would have ended up on the road. The floor was like walking on a sponge. I have no idea how a boat that was only 13 years old could have been so rotten. It was like they made it out of balsa wood.
Wellcraft V-20 sportfish with a 200 Evinrude
It is balsa wood 
Capt. Larry Teuton
Cracker Built Custom Boats
“Ships are the nearest things to dreams that hands have ever made.” -Robert N. Rose
I had a 1996 sunbird spirit 17’ bowrider for many years. bought it in Mississippi as a river/lake boat, then drug it here (it also went to Florida, Kentucky, Tennessee, and Michigan on various other trips). I had it here for 7 years (I think). I used it for dragging the kids around in tubes, fishing, shrimping (harbor and bulls bay), pleasure riding, etc. I even stuck my nose out past the end of the jetties, just to say I did. It was bowrider, so I didn’t expect it to take on the harbor on rough days, but I took it through some pretty sloppy stuff, and I never really felt too overwhelmed.
It may have been a cheaper model, but definitely not low quality from what I could tell (but I am NOT an engineer). The fiberglass felt very solid and took considerable abuse from me without showing signs of wear/cracking.
As with many boats, the previous owners upkeep and maintenance may play a bigger part than the name brand. Best $4500 I spent (in 2001) and sold for $3200 in 2011. Sold because the motor was getting ready to nickle and dime me to death…
From a previous sunbird owner, I hope this helps.
John
15’ Ocean Kayak Scupper Pro
dito what xman said on upkeep. It never ceases to amaze me how some people go and pay good money for a nice boat - even a new boat, and haul it home and just drop it in the back yard. I know not all people have a shed or carport to park it under but, man you can at least buy a cheep tarp every 10 months and keep it covered!
Just one peeve of mine I guess. I keep my jon boats under a tarp or under carport. It makes a huge difference on the boats condition keeping the sun and rain off one. When buying a used boat same goes for the value. You find a cream puff that purrs for a good price - check it out.
J Ford
Bob, did you go check it out?
'07 198 DLX Carolina Skiff
FS90 Suzuki
No, I never did. After talking to a few more knowledgeable guys and from what I’ve read here, I decided not to waste the fuel to drive 40 miles to Camden. I’ll just keep on saving my pennies and checking Craigslist.
(Edited to say I talked to guys more knowledgeable than me, not that you guys are not knowledgeable)
Bob Van Gundy
Marine Designs,Inc.
Custom Aluminum Fabrication
803-727-4069
I would buy that boat after making sure it is not rotted out… Not like you’re gonna be running it offshore in 5’ seas. Who cares if it is like a “Bayliner”. You can put some spinner hub caps on the trailer and a gold rod holder, and call it a “Contender”.
255 Sea Pro
2700 Pro-Line
If I remember correctly- Sunbird was started by the guys that now own Sea Hunt. Seems like a couple of brothers had Galaxy boats- one brother left and started Sunbird- sold out Sunbird to Brunswick Marine- waited for his non-compete to expire and then started Sea Hunt with his adult son. I am sure there are folks on here that know alot more tham me. Not that this makes any difference in your decision.
Built in Columbia by the guy that started Sea Hunt until the early 90’s. 94 I believe. Sold to OMC, When OMC went south in 2000 they started making the Hydra Sports in the Sunbird factory. That’s when Hydra Sports quality went down IMO (not the Vector). Sea Hunt was founded in 95 right after selling Sunbird. Neptune/Sunbird/Hydra Sports (lightning) from the 90’s are all basically made to the same quality. They were an OMC group not Brunswick.
If it’s not rotten and the motor has good compression it’s worth $2k. Any issues at all with anything even trailer related and I wouldn’t give more than $1500.
“Banana Pants”
Indigo Bay 170
90 Johnson
Wilderness Ride 115