Opinions on 1985 Sun Sport

[Scotth]

I have been on the lookout for an 88-91 Mariah up here in Seattle and ran accross a 1985 Sun Sport. Anyone have any opinions on these? It will be primarily used for wakeboarding. What would someone pay for one? They are asking $4500 which is about the NADA value.

Specs:

351 PCM rebuilt 10years ago, not sure about the hours, rebuilt tranny 6 years ago, various newer engine parts

Interior is in good shape, overall the boat looks good for its age.

[Salty87]

i think i'd rather a sunsport over a mariah, provided they were in the same condition of course.

sunsports sit much higher in the water, more freeboard. i've ridden in a couple of sunsports, only seen mariah's. i can't think of any features that would put the mariah ahead of the sunsport...same engines, basically the same size.

$4500 for an 85 doesn't seem too bad. anything rebuilt 6 or 10 years ago but not used recently may need attention again though.

[Scotth]

Well that particular boat sold, but I think I am going to look into more Sunsports instead of Mariahs for the above mentioned reasons. Any reason they wouldn't throw a good wake with some fatsacks?

[hondo11]

I think I bought the sunsport you are talking about. It runs great. I put a new 13x13 3 blade prop on it and a joystick universal tower. Over the winter I plan to remove the old graphics and buff out the gelcoat with 3m rubbing compound then 3m marine wax and polish. I'm having a local sign shop make grey flames to run down the sides where the old stickers are. The interior is being redone as well at a local vinyl shop grey with blue trim. I just rewired the trailer but I think I'll sand it down and repaint it. It makes a nicer wake than I expected. So, I'd say buy a sunsport if you can find another quality one. There is another 1985 sunsport in great looking shape listed in the boat trader out of portland!

[Scotth]

Cool! Well you will have to let us know how you like it on the water. How is the floor and stringers? Was that the one in Bellevue?

Hey scott is that 85 sun sport Blue with rainbow decals over in bellevue?

If it is I know the boat

You can email me at [email protected]

[1988comp]

the sunsport is much more family-friendly than the Mariah. The Mariah is not a good rough-water boat like the sunsport, you will need that if a squall comes through (go fast in bad weather).

The main thing is take it out on the watrer if possible, that is still an old boat.