1998 Explorer 1600

[Ted]

I am considering buying the 1600. Can anyone tell me good points, bad points about this boat. Thanks for the input.

[MarkG]

Good points big live well,(compared to the ones in their equivalant size boat currently) nice storage in the back,plenty up front, .077 hull gauge . Not too heavy on a trailer. Bad point..
they dont make this boat anymore.

[Ted]

Mark (or anyone else) -
The boat I'm considering is a "new" boat, and I'm not sure why they still have it after 3 years. I think they probably picked it up 1-2 years ago from a dealer going out of business. I originally was looking at a Rebel 1650V (it's a 2002 model). The dimensions and weight are very similar, but the Explorer seems like a "bigger", more seaworthy boat. The motor would be the same (a 2001 50 hp Merc on either one).
The dealer will sell them both for the same price of $6900, boat and trailer. On the one hand, I'm leaning toward the Explorer (more boat for the $); on the other hand, the price seems high for a boat that will soon be 4 years old. Is there any rule of thumb for how much dealers will discount a non-current boat? The price is at least $1000 over blue book retail (maybe more like $2000); my dealer in KC has a history of being at least $1000 higher than dealers 200 miles to the north of here in Iowa and Nebraska, but I accept that for the convenience of dealing locally (especially for service).

thanks!

[MarkG]

Ted,my opinion is that if he is asking the same price, its way too much for the Explorer.Considering the upticks in new boat prices that you would expect over 4 years,I would expect that that rig should have cost LESS than a current Rebel-V. As far as Seaworthyness ,Both boats are equally seaworthy. The explorer might "look" moreso because of the more straight up and down sides giving it a deeper "look" compared to the Rebel-V ,which are more flared out. But the specs actually show that the amidship and bow depth of the Rebel-V is deeper 31" 34" compared to 29.5 " and 31" on the explorer. Also the Rebel-V has a higher capacity rating =1300lbs
compared to the Explorer at 1120lbs.The Rebel-V is also 2 inches longer. The only dimension that the Explorer comes out on top is the stern width which is 72.5 compared to 71 on Rebel-V. By the way I will correct myself on the .077 bottom thickness,it is a full .080 like the REBEL-V . I have a 2001 Tiller 1650 Rebel-V and have been out in some tough stuff with it already,and it does a nice job. Its built very tight and is a pretty smooth ride for its size. Big issues I would have between the 2 rigs is the interior layout. They are quite differant. Unless they change the 2002 Rebel, my complaint is the Livewell,is small. Its OK,but just ok. I would much rather have the big one the explorer has. The front deck is much higher in the Explorer,I prefer the slighly lower one as the Rebel. Explorer has 1 Rod locker ,not sure if it will handle 7footers,Rebel has 2 that will easily take 7s. But you will probably sacrifice 1 for "Stuff" because the lower frontdeck storage is less. If you LIKE the Explorer better,only thing I could suggest is try to negotiate him down.Or maybe just make him an offer, telling him you cant justify paying same as new current model. Here is my question for you... Did they make any significant changes from 2001 to 2002 Rebel-Vs?

[KP]

See if the dealer would change that Merc. motor to a 4 stroke for the same price on the Explorer. That should compensate for the price difference and your boat would then retain it's value better with a 4 stroke vs. a 2 stroke.