AMi Crazy or not?

[DaBoat]

I am thinking of trading my 1999 17 ft Key West 90 hp Mariner bay boat for a 1993 23 ft Proline Walk around with V-8 Bravo inboard.  My Key West is turn Key ready, last year compressions check out at 125 o all cylinders. My boat is 12 years old but solid in all areas. I am looking at a 1993 23 ft walk around Proline. I have never heard anything bad about these boats, however never heard anything good either just kinda neutral. My kids are growing and wife doesn't like the bay boat, so I'm hoping this would be a good decision......

I'm just looking for some opinions from some boat people. All opinions are welcome. I will be doing this within the next week or so.

[Sea Morgan]

I just did something simular, I traded a 18' Cuddy for a 23 foot Proline Express. I think it depends on your reasons, I was looking for more room for fishing as my kids are older and bigger now, also can overnight on this one. I think I would have the drivetrain of the 23 looked over very carefully, anything that year around the salt will need some attention. I think the proline gives incredible value for what you are paying, no complaints about the boat from me.

Kelly

[DaBoat]

Thanks Kelly,

Yea I am needing more room to fish with kids growing, plus the idea of taking kids out camping like I used to, is very enticing. I picked up the boat today and dropped off to my mechanic, we started it and gave it a once over with no eye openers yet. He is gonna run compression tests this week.

My fishing itch is getting larger!!!!! lol!

Thanks again

[Sea Morgan]

Good luck, I hope it comes up clean. Same here, want to get out fishing and woke up to 6" of snow here this morning. Spring can't come quick enough.

[hd79irnhrs]

Go bigger I have  26 walk and wish It was bigger.Equipped with downriggers and planner board reels but she can be crowded.4 people fishing is about max cabin is small for sleeping but having a head is nice.Girlfriend doesn't have to pee in a bucket no more.feel free to ask,I love my boat but wish it was in the 30'+ class. good luck Greg

[justjon]

Just a thought ...have a good surveyor look it over I believe that 1993 still has wood in it--I think 1994 or 95 they switched over to no wood

just my $0.02

[DaBoat]

Thanks to all who replied!

Well i took the plunge! I had my mechanic look at everything, all compressions where over 130..... However, he did tell me it will nickel and dime me to get it where i like my boats to be! He even told me that he would "help"me chancre all the bellows at no charge! that was music to my ears!!!!

Family and I are VERY excited about it! Looking forward to some good times out on the water this summer!

Again thanks for all the replies, gives me piece of mind posting here! Will post again!

Safe and Happy boating to all!

[231CALIFORNIA]

Welcome. that boat will make you happy if you like to fish , sleeping is cramped but doable. make sure fuel is fresh and filters are clean and batterys  are sound.
IF you can, make sure that the drive alignment is done.
the350 with  Bravo coupler is very expensive and has aluminum splines and they fail every so often. motor mounts sagging agravate this.
mine(231wa/350bravo 2) has failed 2x even with annual alignment , lube, and motor mounts replaced. its not proline, its mercruiser.
if you replace it maybe consider the couple used on big blocks , it has steel splines.
One clue is when you pull the drive if it is hard to pull out/off.
inspect spline in shaft as well ,grease them every 100hours and remember that you have to pull the engine to change the coupler.
I paid the big bucks for mercruisers coupler and then found out the aftermarket is now making them for about 150 less bt dont know if they are any good.
alpha 350coupler is dirt cheap, bravo coupler is like being raped financially.
mercruiser knows this , bravo2&3 drive props are also wallet mollestation.
post a couple of pictures for us to see your  helm,cockpit and transom etc.
If you are in salt water make sure your manifolds ,elbows/risers and flappers are
recent and put on new ones if any doubt as that is a soft spot on most I/O boats.

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