why are these Zodiac 733's so expensive?

[zip]

I have a Novurania 430 that i have had for a few years now, and am thinking about stepping up to something a little bigger.
I bought my 430 for the primary reason of being able to moor my boat on the dinghy docks at Catalina Island.
It is perfect for that use, but it can be a little bit of a rough ride crossing the channel in less than calm conditions. I can really get the crap kicked out of me, probably cuz it is so small. I still get a kick out of telling people that i came over from the mainland on it. They usually think that i am nuts or lying.
Anyway, i pretty much dig the rib thing, and considering purchasing a bigger boat.
I took a look at the 733's, and whew, almost 40k for something that is used.
Can anyone tell me why they are so pricey? Think i would notice a big difference in going to the island? Any other recommendations for other boats?

thx

Zip

[zip]

don't know if i have posted this before.

[Screaming04]

They're a commercial duty boat that sells new for $150,000+ Most of the ones that you find for sale were sold at government auction and refurbished.

Set up an account at the GSA auction website, you can have it email you when they become available. They come up at auction in San Diego every year or two.

They end up going fairly cheaply at auction but refurb costs get up there. Wiring is stripped out, fuel tanks, no engines etc. Costs add up quickly.

PS difference to the island would be significant, most sea worthy 24 footer you'll ever find. 6m would be a decent choice if you can find one... 150-200 hp instead of 250-300 (1/2 the fuel consumption)

[zip]

i've seen those boats at the government auctions, and they are really beat up. Willards seem to be a popular boat too.
I've seen them both with the i/o, and the outboards. differences between the set ups?
i'll check out the 6m, but kinda like the idea of more room on the bigger boat.

thx for your input

[Screaming04]

Room like this?

I wanted outboards so that I could beach the boat if required without worrying about a leg. I've never driven an i/o rib but I think the outboards have a "sportier" feel. I know that my boat when it was equipped with an i/o and a 250ish hp diesel made around 40mph... now it does 50.

[zip]

exactly.

do you know how much fuel you use in an hour at cruise?

how does the single i/o diesel compare to the twin ob?

[Screaming04]

Originally Posted by zip

exactly.

do you know how much fuel you use in an hour at cruise?

how does the single i/o diesel compare to the twin ob?

Cruise is 2mpg if I'm lucky at 40mph 10 gph x2 = 20 gph I could slow down or run on one but what fun would that be?

50 mph = 30gph = 1.66 mpg = more gas in an hour than you burn in a day.

From what I recall a 315 yanmar burns 8-9 gph at cruise. A single four stroke outboard would give similar fuel burn of 10-12 gph

I'd use 1/2 the fuel if I bought a new four stroke single but I can buy a lot of gas for $20,000

BTW people frown a bit when I use the dinghy dock.

[Rogue Wave]

I love it so true!

[jyasaki]

Originally Posted by Screaming04

From what I recall a 315 yanmar burns 8-9 gph at cruise. A single four stroke outboard would give similar fuel burn of 10-12 gph

Geez, my F115 burns about 6-7 gph at cruise. Gotta love diesels...

BTW people frown a bit when I use the dinghy dock.

LOL; I'm sure they do. You do have the advantage in the typical American impression of "Any boat with inflatable tubes is a toy", though.

jky

[Starovich]

bah! Yanks with fuel prices so cheap... why worry bout how many gallons it use?

- $3.2 per gallon , we are paying $2.25 per Litre!

(if my math is correct)