Is this a good first V-Drive

Hey Guys,
I've been lurking for a while and was wondering what you guys thought about this boat for a first V-Drive. We have a houseboat at Apache Lake in Arizona and already have a ski/wakeboard but I want a go fast boat too.
I found this boat for $10,500, what do you all think is this a good first go fast boat?
1984 Sanger Runnerbottom V-drive
454 bored 40 over, aluminum rpm performer edelbrock heads, dual 600 edelbrock marine carbs, boat run 90 to 95 mph, seats 4 comfortably, 2 blade stainless race prop 11x15, custom stainless ski tow, tandom axle trailer with custom removable hitch, aluminum water jacketed exhaust manifold they will not burn you, this is a beautiful boat that runs strong I wish I could keep it but a baby is due within the monthand I must sell it
Pictures at Sanger (http://www.race-dezert.com/cgi-bin/t...second&id=6901)
Thanks!

I think Sangers are good boats. Honestly, you couldn't put one together for this amount, but if you hunt around some more you may be able to get a turn key boat for closer to $8K. Just my opinion. Maybe the guy will negotiate...

Hi Neck Check - Definately recommend having the motor inspected by someone you trust on any used boat purchase. I thought pulling the plugs and doing a compression check was a good test, but there allot of things that you can't tell. Pulling the pan and checking the bearings would have been a good start for me.
Some guys would recommend if the hull in in good shape,spend what you feel is right for the hull and rigging, and don't give any extra for the motor - since you don't know how much life it has. I tend to agree with this from personal experience. When you build up your own motor (or have it done by a reputable engine builder), you know what you have. Otherwise, you could be given a line of misinformation.
Just my thoughts. Have fun - boat shopping is always fun.

Beware of the pistons. Most if not all +.040 pistons are cast, not forged. I may be wrong, but I'll bet it has never seen 90-95 MPH with the current power/ prop and IF the pistons are cast it sounds like a cheap fix to sell it....MP

i just thought it was alittle over priced for what u get......just my 2 cents

It is on ebay also.

That is a nice "SKI" boat very clean, but way out of line on the price. The way it's setup "if" it does 95 it would be one scary ride!. As far as the motor goes, if you're good at gambling????????????. From my experience with buying complete boats, I woudn't buy one with a motor in it unless I absolutely knew who "built" it, what parts are in it(not what I'm told) and the history of it's running time!.. You can't imagine what you find in some of these boats!..

i just thought it was alittle over priced for what u get......just my 2 cents
Yep by about 4K

That is a nice "SKI" boat very clean, but way out of line on the price. The way it's setup "if" it does 95 it would be one scary ride!. As far as the motor goes, if you're good at gambling????????????. From my experience with buying complete boats, I woudn't buy one with a motor in it unless I absolutely knew who "built" it, what parts are in it(not what I'm told) and the history of it's running time!.. You can't imagine what you find in some of these boats!..
This is experience talking here, you cant beat that with a bat. :D
Definately go less motor, you just never know.
I took the company van to jiffy lube today.
The Jiffy Lube Tech: "It has been 13,000 miles since your last oil change."
The Customer: *PAUSE" "I think I had it changed somewhere else."
The Jiffy Lube Tech: "It still had our oil filter on it, when we pulled the drain plug, not much came out and it was sludge"
The Customer: "Just change the oil, I am trading it in soon"
The vehicle had 45k on it and the poor thing is shit. I am sure he will not say so during the sell. :)

http://www.race-dezert.com/trader/photo/Salep6901n1.jpg 80 MPH TOPS AND ITS WORTH ABOUT 5K$$$$ TOPS with that dog motor good ski boat :cool: :cool:

Wayne, you don't have to hold back, tell it like it is...........Ray

5 Large is a marginal deal.
That terd of a motor wouldn't see 95 being towed behind my Lightning.
That is a $2500-3000 hull complete (w/ trailer), less motor

A little (LOT) too much, but I sure like Bubble Decks. Alot of good advice here. Good luck................. :)

The boat is a 19' and it doesn't have the original interior in it. The boat looks decent but I have to agree it might be alittle over priced but not by much if you go by todays standards. I'd be more worried about the hull being tight.

Thanks for all the advice guys, I'll keep looking.

Try and find you a nice runnerbottom, if you want to go fast.

http://www.dragboats.com/images/clas...resti_mark.jpg
1977 Kurtis 500 runner bottom, Casale v-drive, 468 Chevy with a steel crank, H-beam rods , JE pistons, Isky cam, roller rockers and girdles all balanced,Vertex magneto, Wiend high rise manifold,dual 750 holley double pumpers,have all reciepts for engine build, and built ready for blower set up. Very fast as is 100+ mph, ran for one season , maybe , 5 hours on engine and v-drive rebuilds. X blown gas flat #410.Sits on 1973 Ellis trailer with new wheels and tires.Original race paint job.Must see excellant condition.9000.00 obo

Here is a certain boat for sale...looks fimiliar. :idea:
http://www.dragboats.com/images/clas...2824_h_rob.jpg
79 Hondo V-Drive Hydro for sale Turn Key $7,800.00 or trade for 23 T Bucket. Motor just broken in by Tom Papp (he did not build it). He estimates it at 420 - 450 HP. 396 4 bolt main. Steel Crank. 10.1 TRW's. Large Oval Heads. New Valves and Springs. Roller Rockers. 550 Lift Cam. Tunnel Ram. Paint is beautiful with a couple of flaws. Right side has gas stains in the clear running forward and a couple of chips. Interior is in real good shape. Casale V-Drive (I think 18 gears). Clever Prop. The back of the transom is faded a little, but can be buffed out (just the black part, the paint looks good). It has a Competitive Trailer that looks good, with good tires.

http://www.dragboats.com/images/clas...88_dow_sam.jpg
******PRICE REDUCED*******MUST SELL******** 1978 Brendella 2 in runner bottom. Casale V-drive 15% over. Whirlaway prop release. 468ci LS-7 BBC 12.5:1 comp. JE-SRP pistons. Engine profesionally built by AMS. MSD ignition with 6-AL box. Isky solid cam. Port matched Tunnel Ram to head. Head have lots of port-polish work. 50hrs approximate since rebuild in '02. Boat will run 100mph @ 10.8 sec. Fast and reliable turn key fun. Everything polished with stainless AN fittings and lines everywhere. Cavitation plate down pedal with T-handle lock. Willing to seperate engine and boat. VERY ATTRACTIVE!! $8950 together. $3500 hull. $5950 engine. Great deal either way. ****ALSO*** NEW BBC World Products Merlin

I want a go fast boat too.
http://www.dragboats.com/images/clas...resti_mark.jpg 9000.00 obo
Here you go obo 7500 would be a great price and this a is a great boat!!

I would think twice about the Sannger at that price. There is no way that boat runs that speed with the motor set where it is... I beat a bunch of those boats :) years ago with a much slower Raysoncraft. :)
Steve

I think this would be the ideal boat myself, and a hell of a better price!.. :)
http://www.***boat.com/image_center/...0/324388-3.jpg

I think this would be the ideal boat myself, and a hell of a better price!.. :)
http://www.***boat.com/image_center/...0/324388-3.jpg
That thing is bad! How much for the set up shown?

That thing is bad! How much for the set up shown?
Here ya go!.. :)
D'Cucci! (http://www.***boat.com/forums/showth...ight=D%27Cucci)

there is another nice flatie on dragboats.com also in the clasifieds