Advice - new or used

[FishedOut]

Guys (and maybe gals?):

I am a new forum member, but have been lurking ever since I decided to buy my 1998 Logic 170 CC a couple years ago. I love that boat, but naturally I need a bigger one now (haha). The new 23-foot Triumph costs as much as a 747 so that is out. I have been thinking about a 2000 or 2001 Logic 210 CC but have read and re-read about the drainage issues etc. and it scares the - uh - stuffing out of me because the last thing I feel qualified for is major surgery on a boat. I also have limited time to fish and don't want to spend half that time drilling holes and running around to marine shops for parts beyond normal boat maintenance.

So here is my question - do I go for the initially cheaper option and buy an older Logic 21-footer or do I mortgage one of my kids and go for a new/er boat? My family feels strongly about me getting a bigger boat for fishing off the northeast Atlantic coast, and I guess I can't blame them. Sometimes you can feel pretty small out there.

Also: if I go new or newer than 2000-01, which is the oldest 210 CC model year that is completely or largely defect free?

I would very much like to hear your thoughts on it (Dick at Merritt too), and please bear in mind that I do not have lots of cash.

Before I forget, a big thank you to everyone who puts all their experiences and information up here. It is great information. Much appreciated.

[OspreyVic]

WOW FishedOut, you are asking a mighty complex question, but a good question.

I have a 2005 210CC. In my opinion, the factory has made improvements almost every year to this model. I purchased new because I did not have the knowledge I do now. If I had to do it over? That would be a lot of hard thinking. Being retired, and having the time, just might have gone used.

There are many older Logics that have more upgrades than our 2005 model has. Green Grass Clogger has done a lot with his boat, and saved a ton of money. If going used, one thing to consider is the warranty. You would need to be within that five year period to get the lifetime warranty transferred. If my memory serves me correctly, ILLOGICAL GGC, purchased a Q2, has no hull warranty, so saved even more.

I do agree with your family and safety, that is why we have a 210 CC. I can still launch and retrieve her by myself, just a little slower is all. As I age, we do wonder if we will ever want to downsize, but wife is happy with what we have, so guess that will never happen.

Good luck with your search. There are some old Logic’s near us that are still in a rental fleet, and they have to be as old as your current boat, if not older. They keep replacing motors, but the hulls are still sound, so older and used is not a bad thing.

[ILLOGICAL GGC]

As osprey stated every model year is an improvement over the previous in fit and finish only. the hull on the 210cc has not changed sinc2 it was introduced. if you do not need the extra gas i would opt for the 70 gallon gas tank models which reduces transon weight .
However, those of us that are not freaked out by all the water in hull nonsense have made upgrades and add ons that make our older models just as fishable and comfortable as the latest models at great savings. I'll put my '01 up against any new model for ride and fishability and sell it for half the price of a new one and still come out even

[FishedOut]

Thanks for the input, guys. Illogical -- I am all about great savings.

So the water in the hull issue isn't a big deal in terms of surgery? I can operate a drill and a screwdriver, and have worked with Rule which is no big deal. I'm just a little scared of spending $10-12K and ending up with a screwed-up boat -- and a teed off wife. Questions, if you would be so kind as to answer them:

1. Is the water in hull issue the biggest issue that needs fixing on 2000-01 boats? It looks like it needs fixing on all larger Logic/Triumphs?

2. If buying used, how do I tell if the fuel tank is 70 gal? Is that on the rating plate?

3. Last but not least, if you could recommend anything specific to look/test for before buying an older 210 CC, I'd sure appreciate it.

Thanks in advance.

[NCangler]

Guys, I've been communicating with the folks at Triumph about the inner hull water intrusion question and I think we'll have an official answer on this soon.

BTW I have a segment of the DVD that I'm producing on modifications where Carl Merritt of Merritt Marine demonstrates how to install the inner hull exterior drain on a 215. I apologize to all interested in the DVD that it is taking me so long to get it finished, but I started my own company this year and I've had a lot of paying work to get done and it keeps getting pushed back. I'm still hoping to finish the shooting this month and get it edited early November.

[ILLOGICAL GGC]

i really feel the water in the foam is most relevant to the beginning model years of a new design when the exact recipe for cooking the plastic is being figured out. It is the primary reason i asked Randy to put on a logic forum so as to give those of us with these early models a heads up for what to look out for in these early models. Some owners have in the past confused our specific needs as a generality ,but that is not always the case. Your 2000 could and again i say could have any of the issues i have identified in the logic forum posts that could allow water to get into the foam.
the foam drain allows the majority of any trapped water to be removed thereby reducing weight.

the 85 gal. fuel tank extends beyond the rear of the live well and can be seen if you open the inspection cover in the rear floor plate and the live well will have it's drain above the deck rather than draining out the bottom of the livewell as in the newer models
now things that will need doing on an 00-01

the rear floor deck lid will need to come up to have the following things looked at and are discussed in the logic section in detail:
1 move stainless steel bar closer to fuel pick up fitting to protect it from breaking off from stepping on lid and reverse the mounting brackets to help force the fuel tank down and not be able to ride up off the center supports

2 check to see if rule is rubbed off ss strap under bilge hose thereby giving a way for water to get into the foam
3 check condition of fuel sending unit--orig were steel and rust away and should be replaced with aluminum one

here are the things that will need to be done in general to keep water out of foam
if any rod holder will not hold water to full then the electrical tape at the bottom they used to seal them have failed and the holder will need to be removed and a better method devised. i put barbed fittings and hose on mine and have them draining on the deck rather than into the foam inside the gunnels. check megga storage drain tube for cracks and repair as shown,if it has a t top look it over good to ensure it hasnt frozen and cracked.
Just read over the logic forum topics and you will see what we have done to get the early one up to the right stuff
Berto