Monark???

[Lure Lightning]

I am looking at a 2004 monark 16 tracer with a 75 hp merc for about $8500 I was also looking at a 16' 1998 Crestliner 16' sport fish with a 90 hp johnson for $10,000 both have similar features but crestilner is older slightly higher in price and its a CRESTLINER not Monark any opinions is very helpful. Thanks Dan

[Ufatz]

Well Dan, I think you would be happier with the Crestliner. Check the aluminum thickness and the overall construction carefully. Examine (if you can) where the hull shape is supported i.e. ribs, reinforcing, stern supports. I have owned both (and plenty more) and have nothing particularly against Monarch. I just feel in this case the C'liner is a better deal.

FWIW.

[Lure Lightning]

From what I can see the only difference in the aluminum thickness is on the transom of the Cliner is .025 thicker the rest of the cliner is actually thinner alum. Thanks for the advice

[marine_man]

Well, I think you'd be happier in the long run with the crestliner. The price seems a little high for a 10 year old boat, and maybe you can work with the seller on that a little bit, but I think the crestliner is the better boat.

Have you done any comparison pricing (online, other dealers, newspapers, etc) to see if what the seller is asking for the crestliner is reasonable?

The fit, finish & quality are better with the crestliner than the monark, and I believe the ride is better as well.

Good luck in your decision!

marine_man

[bassNspear]

i believe that you will be happier with the Crestliner as well. Spend more money to get a better boat. Like Marine Man said, fit and finish is a huge thing when it comes to boats, and ride is another.

If it was me, i would spend the extra money and get the Crestliner. Plus, if you are ever going to sell it in a few years, your going to get more out of a crestliner then you would a monark.

Good Luck

[marine_man]

Bass n Spear makes a good point on trade in value as well...

One other thing to consider - I would anticipate that the monark with the 75hp is going to be a bit short on hp and you might be dissapointed with the performance. The crestliner with the 90 hp is pretty well matched and you should be happier with it, imho.

marine_man

[bassNspear]

 Originally Posted By: marine_man

The crestliner with the 90 hp is pretty well matched and you should be happier with it, imho.

marine_man

Thats correct

[Valv]

I have to agree with others regarding trade in value.

Monark are great boats but Minnesota is a different market for alum boats. We DO LOVE our local manufacturers, any boat with Lund, Crestliner, or Alumacraft brand on it will have much higher resale value in the future, to the point many people sold theirs at same price when they bought it....

[primetime49]

Lure Lightning

I have sold several of both boats and think that the monark is the better of two you mentioned

It has a better motor per weight and handling set up than the Crestliner.

I never had a complaint on any of the Monark boats we sold at 2 dealerships before retiring from boat buisness and customers i see boating still love them.

Crestliner does have better resale in this area but the one you listed here is highly over priced.

The Monark has nearly twice the book value today of the crestliner and it is a lot newer

Lots of innovation was put into boats in the 7 years of difference

The 75 Mercury is also a much better fishing motor

Good Luck

[bassNspear]

I still believe that the crestliner is going to be a better boat all around, but make sure that its the right boat for your needs.