1989 Parker 25 Sport Cabin vs 1994 25 Sport Cabin

[fighterpilot]

Would there be any difference in construction techniques between a 1989 25 sport cabin and a 1994 25 sport cabin? That is did they refine the construction as they learned from one year to the next? One with single 1999 Yamaha 250 saltwater and one with twin 225 2002 Mer EFI 225s, so aside from any significant condition issues is there a preference for one or the other. Could you single up the 2002 Mercs, keep one for parts, etc and still get reasonable performance out of the 1994 boat . Someone said with a 3 liter 225 Mer EFI probably equal the 1999 250 Yamaha ox66 in performance. ??? Thanks

They are both the same price. Does the later model boat, later model engines, and 2 versus 1 engine situation swing the decision one way or the other? Thanks

 

[fighterpilot]

It turns out the Mercurys are the 2002, 3liter, 250HP saltwater EFI 2 strokes.

I am somewhat surprised that this group of experts hasn't seen fit to help me out. Certainly there must be the knowledge here that could talk to the construction of the two different year build boats and to the specific engines either good or bad. A couple shops have said the aluminum in the Yamaha is recycled and prone to a lot more corrosion. They are tough to get apart when called for. Please have a go at it. Thanks

 

[Phil]

I'm not sure about the 94 but pretty sure that the underside of the deck on the 89 is not glassed or even coated with resin. That is a deal breaker unless you plan to rebuild from the hull up. I don't know much about mercs but going from twins to a single will not save you much gas and the cost of re-rigging will actually cost you much more. I would concentrate on the 94. Open the piehole hatch above the gas tank and feel the underside to make sure it is glassed--if not walk away.

Bring a small digital camera with flash when you look at the boat and stick it in every piehole and snap away. Take pics of the bilge, gas tank, wiring, ect. Then post them here and you'll get more responses.

 

[DaleH]

I'm not sure about the 94 but pretty sure that the underside of the deck on the 89 is not glassed or even coated with resin. That is a deal breaker unless you plan to rebuild from the hull up.

FWIW on my '92 mod-V 2520, the underside of the deck appears coated with resin, but is not glassed.

If it were my decision, I would go w/ the NEWER boat. The older one is due for scupper replacements now (IMHO) and 'soon' for fuel tank and deck replacement. I would still either have a survey done or would be all over that girl with a complete review. When I bought mine (empty, vandalized hull) I removed EVERY piece of hardware I could ... looking for rot ...

 

[Phil]

The underside of my 99 23dvsc bilge--glassed.

Before someone ask, the gunk on the piehole is marine grease to prevent any potential piehole leakage.

 

[fighterpilot]

Great, appreciate the replies. You confirmed what I suspected, at least on the older boat. I do use a camera with a flash and stick it down in areas and take pictures where I can't see. I note on the 89 what appears to be rotten wood. Will look at the 94 Thursday. My local OB shop suggested could probably use one of the existing controls if I wanted to single up on the duel powered one. Might have to mod the existing extension to handle a center line mount. Get a good welder to do that and fill in the other holes. Realize won't save much fuel but as the OB shop said would have a spare engine, just for parts if no other reason and reduced on going maintenance costs.

We have been maintaining twin 3208NA Cats and that is a load. Again, thanks--will pass on the 89, hope the 94 at least has something covering the wood.

 

[ctown67]

I agree with the "newer" advice. That said, i would have it professionally surveyed.

 

[DaleH]

I agree with the "newer" advice. That said, i would have it professionally surveyed.

Ditto! A $500 survey now ... can prevent THOU$ANDS in headaches later ...

 

[fighterpilot]

Talked with the broker today in anticipation of trip to look at the boat. He now says it is a 1997. The HIN should indicate the year built. Correct?? Where can I get an interpretation of the VIN number for the Parkers???

 

[TimC2520]

http://www.boatsafe.com/nauticalknowhow/hin.htm

 

[fighterpilot]

That is a great link for the HIN info. Thanks, FP