A couple of question for you crownline owners. My wife and I recently went into a showroom in Massachusetts looking at the Crownline series. We have settled on either a 220EX deck boat or a 230 ccr. so here are my quick questions:

 1. Is the Fuel consumption on these 2 boats comparable?

 2. We were looking at the 5.0 MPI Bravo III....is this the right engine? don't want to be underpowered but also don't want to waste money on too big of an engine.

 3. How are the heads on these boats? Is it worth it to get the pump out option? 

 4. What should I expect to pay brand new. They had a 220EX in stock for $40700 without the trailer. They don't have a 230ccr in stock so I'm not sure what kind of discounts I can expect if we had to special order. I know the MSRP of the 220ex they have is $56750. So should I expect a similar discount on a 230ccr? Also the $40700 number was just what the dealer gave us for a quote. We didn't bargain at all to get that price. Do you think we can bargain down further from that point?

 5.  What are the typical loan terms for boat owners? The dealer told us we could go 12 years at about 6-7%. Is that typical to go 12 years?

 6. Where would I find to typical repair costs for a crownline boat over the first 5-6 years of ownership?

 

Thanks for any help you can offer.

Jason Carney:

A couple of question for you crownline owners. My wife and I recently went into a showroom in Massachusetts looking at the Crownline series. We have settled on either a 220EX deck boat or a 230 ccr. so here are my quick questions:

 1. Is the Fuel consumption on these 2 boats comparable? Fuel consumption is dependant on how you drive.  If both boats have the same engine, then it should be close.  The 230CCR will probably consume a little more because of the added weight.

 2. We were looking at the 5.0 MPI Bravo III....is this the right engine? don't want to be underpowered but also don't want to waste money on too big of an engine.  They say you can never over power a boat.  With that being said, the 5.0 is still a good engine, but always get as much engine as you can afford.

 3. How are the heads on these boats? Is it worth it to get the pump out option? Since it looks like you would be boating on the bay, it may be a nice option for you.  Most marinas have a pump out and they charge a nominal fee.

 4. What should I expect to pay brand new. They had a 220EX in stock for $40700 without the trailer. They don't have a 230ccr in stock so I'm not sure what kind of discounts I can expect if we had to special order. I know the MSRP of the 220ex they have is $56750. So should I expect a similar discount on a 230ccr? Also the $40700 number was just what the dealer gave us for a quote. We didn't bargain at all to get that price. Do you think we can bargain down further from that point?  Pricing is a regional thing and since you are in an area with ample boating opportunities you should expect to pay a decent price.  I will suggest this though.  If you decide to buy from a dealer that is a long distance from you based on price only then you should expect to have to tow the vessel to them for any warranty work. 

 5.  What are the typical loan terms for boat owners? The dealer told us we could go 12 years at about 6-7%. Is that typical to go 12 years?  That sounds about right for a loan.  You should check with your bank or credit union.  They may shoot you a better rate.

 6. Where would I find to typical repair costs for a crownline boat over the first 5-6 years of ownership? I don't think you are going to find this information anywhere, Boat is actually an acronym; it means Break Out Another Thousand.  But on a different note, the only expense I have had in the 9 seasons that I have owned it is winterization, a tune up and gas.

 

Thanks for any help you can offer.

Best of luck to you Jason, and I hope I helped a little.  Both of those boats are great models.

Kerry

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"I would rather be lost on the lake than found at home"

That's quite a toss-up.  Seems a bit like apples and oranges to me.

If you want to take a whole bunch of people out on the water and have room to spread out, get the 220ex.

If you want to spend some weekends on the hook with your wife, but still want a nice sporty boat with a good cockpit layout, the 230ccr is your boat.  If you go with the 230ccr, go with the 5.7L.

I think the 220ex will be cheaper to buy and run, but as with anything, its value is going to depend on what you want from your boat!

Also, consider proximity to your dealer for repair work.  I think Kerry noted this as well.  Make sure you like the dealer and that you have easy access to them.  If no, you will have a bad outcome. 

Good luck! 

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2006 235 CCR, "Mommy's Diamond" Fairwinds Marina, Magothy River

Jason,

I just got a 2008 230CCR.  I agree with what both of the guys said to a large degree.  Mine has the 5.0 MPI Bravo III engine.  I'm pretty happy with it.  It seems to move the boat really well.  That being said, my last boat was a 3.0L Carbed 180 BR, so I was pretty lacking in power there.  I probably wouldn't bother getting the pump out option.  The head on the 230 is really a potrta pottie with a tube that runs to a cap on the outside of the boat.  The regular porta pottie has a sealed container to carry the waste and dump it out.  Not much different as far as I'm concerned.  The deck space on the 230 is somewhat limited.  Looking at cuddies at boat shows, I noticed that manufacturers tend to favor either cabin or deck space.  Crownline favors cabin.  The deck space isn't bad, but if you don't plan on overnighting, go with the deckboat.  Let me know if you have any more questions about my experience with the 230.

Scott

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Scott & Adrianne
Patrick & Jack

2008 230CCR "Marlin"
Ferry Point Marina
Magothy River, MD