View Full Version : starcraft islander 221
ironman
03-10-2001, 02:18 AM
looking to purchase a 2000 islander with a 4.3ltr. in it. anyone have any type of experience with them.
cisco
03-10-2001, 02:33 AM
A buddyof mine has a 22 ft Islander he has used on Lake Michigan for years. I've spent many fine days catching trout and salmon with him in it. For an aluminum, it is a seaworthy craft, and, he is able to trailer the vessel quite easily. Cuddy cabin holds plenty of gear, prota-potti, and room for a nap if the day get long (or fishing gets slow). Nice rig.
Salty
03-10-2001, 04:54 AM
The 4.3 is very economical to run too.
KevinA
03-10-2001, 05:35 AM
Had a Islander 191V for a couple years, 19 footer with a big V6, 165hp. Overall it was a 'you get mostly what you pay for' boat. Which is not to say it didn't get me out & back on some great trips. Fortunately I didn't buy it new. How does the boat compare in cost relative to other boats in the same class...or at least style? Mine was sort of a bucket of bolts when I was running in sloppy water. Screws contantly backing out of panels. Road hard & wet, good thing I had a soft top on it. The Mercruiser ran like a swiss watch, idled all day at around 600rpm without a cough or a sputter.
I just looked at their website...the 221 is a 22'6" boat weighing 1850 pounds?... this is an extremely lightweight boat for that size....& it isn't because it's chocked full of hightech materials to reduce weight while maintaining strength. (It sort implies it's 1850 lbs with the motor?) You need to compare the specs with other boats in this size/model and ask 'why the difference?'. Aslo compare the 221 weight specs with 18-20 foot higher end walleye boats. You'll see the weights are very close to that of the 221. Gives you pause.
Take the delivered dollar amount of the 221 you're looking at and look at what you can get on the 1-3 year old used market. This is a perfect time to do it as the ads will be coming out in full force very soon. Take a look at traderonline.com (subtract 10-15% from listed prices) for an idea of how far your money will go in a better, slightly used, boat.