Opinions on market for 2.5's and STV, Mirage, Hydrostream etc.

**DangerNewb** · 07-14-2023, 09:21 AM

Just starting a discussion of folks' opinion of the market for these rigs over the next 10 years. I've had a theory that I've spent no time researching, that old stuff, whether it be cars or boats, peak in relative value about 40 years after something was cool when folks were 20. In other words, if you thought a Hydrostream was the coolest thing ever when you were 15-20 years old, could not afford one, now that your 55-60 years old and have enough $$ to relive your younger days, you go out and buy one. So as of today, what was cool in the 80's is peaking possibly?

I don't see any softness in 2.5 motors and parts. Seems they just keep getting more expensive. Wonder if the bottom will fall out within 10 years as we age out (I'm 54) and there's not enough younger folks with any interest. They're not easy to get parts for, you have to be willing to tinker. What shops will be left to rebuild one once Tommy Dunn, James Perry, Jay Smith etc etc get out of it?

Interested in other's opinions. Not wanting to argue, just share thoughts. Happy boating.

**moatorbotin** · 07-14-2023, 10:42 AM

everytime i worry about the scarecity of parts or the market for one of my toys I stress myself out.

instead I just blissfully enjoy them now and hope others do the same down the road

**DangerNewb** · 07-14-2023, 10:48 AM

Originally Posted by moatorbotin

everytime i worry about the scarecity of parts or the market for one of my toys I stress myself out.

instead I just blissfully enjoy them now and hope others do the same down the road

Yes sir. I'm not worried about it. I enjoy boating no matter what. Just curious to hear other perspectives.

**Brad Zastrow** · 07-14-2023, 11:06 AM

I can make a comparison to the classic car market. Cars from the '30s, '40s, and '50s have really softened up in value. My opinion is that people who like those cars are getting older or dying off. Muscle cars from the '60s and early '70s are still good but with a bigger emphasis on resto-mod. Old cars with modern engines and suspension. Young people are not lusting after cars or boats like other generations in the past. So, my take on it is buy what you want but do not expect the value to soar. I am also seeing a lot of change in larger performance boats. Older I/O boats are getting harder to sell as many people are switching to CC and pontoon boats with big power. Look at any Poker Run today. A lot of four stroke outboard boats now.

**LakeFever** · 07-14-2023, 11:41 AM

The 2.5 and 3.0/3.2 stuff represents the top of the heap for performance 2 stroke ob’s and have always been in demand. The trouble with the recent value hikes is two fold; 1. Inflation hit everything 2. Theres no longer new lightweight high power ob’s available for the multitude of performance boats that cant float a fat jumbo four stroke. The natural cause for vintage prices to rise being scarcity also applies of course

**John S** · 07-14-2023, 12:11 PM

Originally Posted by LakeFever

The 2.5 and 3.0/3.2 stuff represents the top of the heap for performance 2 stroke ob’s and have always been in demand. The trouble with the recent value hikes is two fold; 1. Inflation hit everything 2. Theres no longer new lightweight high power ob’s available for the multitude of performance boats that cant float a fat jumbo four stroke. The natural cause for vintage prices to rise being scarcity also applies of course

What boats are you referring to specifically?

**CUDA** · 07-14-2023, 02:01 PM

Does anyone sell New HP 2.5 crankshafts ?

**Brad Zastrow** · 07-14-2023, 02:26 PM

The 300R four-stroke, the 300x, and the 300XS are all within a few pounds of each other. The 2.5 is a true lightweight engine.

**LakeFever** · 07-14-2023, 03:05 PM

Originally Posted by John S

What boats are you referring to specifically?

Theres heaps of 18' and smaller hulls out there that float a V6 merc half decent and in the past 5 years or so the young lads seem to be loving them and the used market for the V6 mercs has become a lot more scarce and pricier because of it

**mach351** · 07-14-2023, 04:06 PM

Ask any inline Merc guy if their stuff is cheap lol

**22R** · 07-14-2023, 04:50 PM

Getting my 1st 300R V8 this week. - Page 8 (screamandfly.com)

I still can't find the 1200.00 dollar 200XS dammit

The 2 strokes was supposed to be worthless by now.

22R

**DangerNewb** · 07-17-2023, 08:31 AM

Originally Posted by 22R

Getting my 1st 300R V8 this week. - Page 8 (screamandfly.com)

I still can't find the 1200.00 dollar 200XS dammit

The 2 strokes was supposed to be worthless by now.

22R

Heck, a $1,200 Sporty would be quite the find. I'm glad I bought what I did, when I did. Everyone has examples. Seeing folks ask $10k for a 280 powerhead. I paid $10,500 for my 280 complete with HD single ram mid and fat shaft sportmaster. Paid $11,500 for complete STV pro comp with 225 promax. In the past 5 years, not 10 or 15 years ago. Folks don't believe me, but other than gas and insurance, I contend I've made money on my boat habit. Not cash flow, but assets.