Hey Everyone,

Tomorrow I'm heading down to LA to checkout this sea explorer.  I know it's underpowered with the 40hp but I'm wondering what everyones thoughts are on the price?  I'm pretty new to boating but have my heart set on an arima.  Not sure what to look for in a used boat though.  Any help or thoughts would be appreciated. 

Thanks!

https://losangeles.craigslist.org/wst/boa/d/16-boat-fishing-family-fun/6594127835.html

Price seems good but as you said that 40 hp motor is too small for that boat. Maybe ok for lakes If you figure 6K as is, then another 5-10k for a proper motor now your at 11-16K. I think anything less than 50 hp on that boat would be severely under powered  :twocents:

ok, thanks!

Yeah I was holding out hope that it wouldn't be too underpowered but sounds like it is.  My next thought would be selling the 40hp and hoping to get a couple $k for it as its looks to be in decent shape.  My budget is roughly 10K and personally I would rather have a 17 foot ranger or chaser.  Now I'm thinking it might be worth while to wait and save a bit more for the model I'm really after. 

I have been in your shoes many times. The one big advantage to this sale is for you to get a brand new motor. Your usage and your maintenance go along way.

I know. I found a place in Southern California that has a 60hp etec on sale for 6K.  It's a demo but has 9 years left on the warranty.  Thinking sell the Honda for 2K and boom I'm right at 10k with a brand new etec.  It would cost about another 1K for installation though.  I also want to sleep on the boat and I'm wondering how big a difference the beam size would make between the explorer and a 17 ranger.  I'm a pretty tall guy. 

As most people get a 2 foot itis after buying a boat, if you already really want a 17 foot Arima you may want to wait, unless this boat is in great shape and you really like it once you see it.  While you are traveling, you may want to call some dealers and perhaps they are willing to give you a rough estimate of what $ you are talking about with trading in the current motor and buying a new one.  Very few things are as frustrating as an underpowered boat.  It would also be a good idea to take the boat to a mechanic for mechanical inspection before you buy it.  It would a worthwhile $150-200.  If the seller won't let you do that, consider it a red flag.

Personally I would pass. Motor is too small. The SE is a good little package but Would look for one a little better set up. Also these earlier ones are built on a SH chasis. So are a bit narrower and shorter than  the ones built after 1992 iirc. No bow rail is a dead give away usually. Again, not that this guy is not a good unit, it is. The 40hp is a deal breaker for me.   

I do not know if this owner put that Honda on it, but what would it of cost to but a 50hp on it vs the 40hp for crying out loud

I concur with everyone....get a 17, you wont regret it. (Normally I am always recommending a 19)

You could take the boat for a spin and see how that motor pushes the boat but keep in mind being underpowered would be a problem that never goes away.

Buy something that is functional and your boating days will be happy days!

Did you see this one in Orange County?

https://orangecounty.craigslist.org/boa/d/arima-sea-explorer-best/6570909624.html

Also there is a SR 17 up in Los Osos

https://slo.craigslist.org/boa/d/1987-arima-sea-ranger-17ft/6552214828.html

Both of those look like solid deals.

The 1988 SE is actually 14'9" not 16' though. :whistle:

Thanks Everyone!  This is the advise I was looking for and is much appreciated.  I'm going to hold off and wait for something that is a better fit for my my wants.  Looks like a sellers market so I may have to be patient.  Are there any years that I should look out for?  I read somewhere that older models have wood inserts. Not sure how much that matters.

Thanks SB Steve!  I did see those postings but I wasn't sure if the value was there. I like the 17 SR in Los Osos but the price seemed high with the older 2 stroke.  Would love to hear other peoples thoughts though? 

Quote from: Fishnfun on May 22, 2018, 09:11:31 AM
Thanks Everyone!  This is the advise I was looking for and is much appreciated.  I'm going to hold off and wait for something that is a better fit for my my wants.  Looks like a sellers market so I may have to be patient.  Are there any years that I should look out for?  I read somewhere that older models have wood inserts. Not sure how much that matters.

Thanks SB Steve!  I did see those postings but I wasn't sure if the value was there. I like the 17 SR in Los Osos but the price seemed high with the older 2 stroke.  Would love to hear other peoples thoughts though?

Might as well check out that SR.  Maybe you can get it for 7 or 8.  Looks in decent shape, nice canvas etc.  Where are you located?

Yeah I was thinking maybe I would go check it out.  It's been on CL for a long time.  I'm up in the Bay Area and more specifically Alameda.   I could always use an excuse to head to towards SLO though.  Love the area.  I went to school at UCSB and had a ton of friends at SLO. It's always a good time heading back down to either area. 

What are your thoughts on this one?  https://portland.craigslist.org/wsc/boa/d/87-arima-sea-ranger/6591118978.html

I emailed about it but have not heard back yet. 

Don't exclude a motor just because of it's age.  Maintenance is crucial.  A well maintained older motor will likely serve you better than a newer poorly maintained one.  A good mechanical inspection is a must. It will cost you a bit upfront but should help you avoid a potential disaster.  Several years ago, I was looking into a boat that looked like a good deal, but the mechanical inspection showed otherwise.

That's a fair point and I probably should have clarified.  I'm not necessarily against older 2 strokes but I do want to be able to take the boat to Lake Tahoe. Almost all older 2 strokes are banned from the lake. 

I've had a really hard time finding mechanics that do pre-purchase inspections.  Every time I've called a place they tell me they are booked for a weeks in advanced.  I completely agree though and especially since I really don't know what I'm looking for.  I won't purchase a boat without an inspection.  If the owner doesn't want to wait for me to have it done I view it as a red flag and walk away.

Quote from: SB Steve on May 22, 2018, 07:26:42 AM
Also there is a SR 17 up in Los Osos

https://slo.craigslist.org/boa/d/1987-arima-sea-ranger-17ft/6552214828.html

That's my arima .
It's a solid old arima .
I've meticulously cared for it and it shows .
I need a bigger boat so sadly it has to go.
Call me if you want to check it out I'm willing to work with serious buyers .
The motor runs like a Swiss watch .
That's one of the most bullet prof Yamahas ever made.
Still available in Mexico .

 Thanks TJ!  Haha, ears must of been itching.  I am a very serious buyer and was thinking about giving you a ring this afternoon.  Looks like a great set up and very well taken care of. 

My issue isn't with the motor or quality there of but more so that I plan on keeping the boat at a cabin in Tahoe for at least a month or so every year.  They won't let me pass inspection with most two strokes. I had to sweet talk my way to taking up the extra garage space by promising some lake time.

Quote from: Fishnfun on May 22, 2018, 12:46:56 PM
Thanks TJ!  Haha, ears must of been itching.  I am a very serious buyer and was thinking about giving you a ring this afternoon.  Looks like a great set up and very well taken care of. 

My issue isn't with the motor or quality there of but more so that I plan on keeping the boat at a cabin in Tahoe for at least a month or so every year.  They won't let me pass inspection with most two strokes. I had to sweet talk my way to taking up the extra garage space by promising some lake time.

Yea I get the two stroke thing .
My arima was a lake boat for many years before I got it .
I got tired of the lake hassle and now have a separate skiff for lake fishing .
Nice little 12 ft Livingston with a Yamaha 9.9  Fourstroke.
If you can swing two boats I highly recommend it.