u/cbitzer

Hey all — been doing a ton of research and looking at boats the past couple weeks and wanted to get some opinions before I pull the trigger.

I’m looking at a 2004 Robalo R230 with the original Yamaha 225 4-stroke (around 570 hours). Boat overall looks solid for its age — hull is straight, no soft spots, wiring is decent (not perfect), and it seems mechanically maintained. Compression is good (no more than 10% difference)

It’s had some good updates:

-Fuel tank replaced in 2020

-Electrical wiring redone

-New bilge pumps, trim unit, trim tabs

-12” Raymarine GPS

-Trailer in great shape (putting on 4 new wheels/tires before sale

Cosmetically it needs some work:

-Upholstery is worn

-Needs a good detail / buff

-Some typical age-related wear

I negotiated the price down to $18,500.

From everything I’ve seen:

Clean versions seem to be in the $22K–25K range

But those often have newer motors or better cosmetics

My main concern is the original 2004 motor. I know Yamaha 4-strokes are solid, but it’s still a 20+ year old engine. Feels like I’m buying into eventual maintenance or even a repower down the line.

Would you guys pull the trigger at $18.5K?

Appreciate any input — trying to be smart and not rush into something.

Hey all — been doing a ton of research and looking at boats the past couple weeks and wanted to get some opinions before I pull the trigger.

I’m looking at a 2004 Robalo R230 with the original Yamaha 225 4-stroke (around 570 hours). Boat overall looks solid for its age — hull is straight, no soft spots, wiring is decent (not perfect), and it seems mechanically maintained. Compression is good (no more than 10% difference)

It’s had some good updates:

-Fuel tank replaced in 2020

-Electrical wiring redone

-New bilge pumps, trim unit, trim tabs

-12” Raymarine GPS

-Trailer in great shape (putting on 4 new wheels/tires before sale

Cosmetically it needs some work:

-Upholstery is worn

-Needs a good detail / buff

-Some typical age-related wear

I negotiated the price down to $18,500.

From everything I’ve seen:

Clean versions seem to be in the $22K–25K range

But those often have newer motors or better cosmetics

My main concern is the original 2004 motor. I know Yamaha 4-strokes are solid, but it’s still a 20+ year old engine. Feels like I’m buying into eventual maintenance or even a repower down the line.

Would you guys pull the trigger at $18.5K?

Appreciate any input — trying to be smart and not rush into something.

Trying to decide between a few center console boats and could use some opinions from people with real experience.

I’m in Southwest Florida and my use is mainly:

Running to the beach / sandbar with family

Casual cruising

Light fishing

Budget is ~$18k–$25k.

I’ve narrowed it down to the boats in the image. I know they’re all older boats (early 2000s mostly), so I’m not expecting perfection — normal wear, scuffs, and cosmetic stuff are a given.

I’m really just trying to figure out:

Based on price, brand, engine, and overall setup — which one would YOU go after?

Also:

Do any of these stand out as the best value for the money?

Do any feel overpriced and only worth it at a lower price?

Not worried about cosmetics — just trying to make the smartest buy in this range.

Appreciate any input 👍

Looking for some honest opinions from people with experience.

Considering buying a 2000 Pursuit 2470 CC with a 2012 Suzuki 300 (under 400 hours). Boat runs strong, fuel tank has been replaced, and it has newer electronics on the dash.

Known issues:

- Fiberglass repair on upper section (not professionally finished — attached photos of this)

- Head/toilet not working

- Some cosmetic wear throughout

Seller is firm at $20k.

Use would be mostly beach hopping, cruising, and occasional inshore fishing — not planning offshore runs.

Do you think $20k is fair given the condition, or would you hold out for something cleaner/newer?

Appreciate any input.

Looking for some honest opinions from people with experience.

Considering buying a 2000 Pursuit 2470 CC with a 2012 Suzuki 300 (under 400 hours). Boat runs strong, fuel tank has been replaced, and overall seems solid.

Known issues:

- Fiberglass repair on upper section (not professionally finished)

- Head/toilet not working

- Some cosmetic wear throughout

Seller is firm at $20k.

Use would be mostly beach hopping, cruising, and occasional inshore fishing in the Gulf— not planning offshore runs.

Do you think $20k is fair given the condition, or would you hold out for something cleaner/newer?

Appreciate any input.