2002 SANTE or 2004 SANTE

[cupples]

Hello. Maybe a no brainer, but wanted to get a consensus of what everybody else thinks. Considering buying a 2002 SANTE with 568 hours or a 2004 SANTE with 690 hours. If all things were equal...servicing, condition and money was really close between the two (within $1k of each other), which would you buy?

[Shooter]

Not a big difference between the two boats. I personally would go with the 02, but only if already had the digital gauges changed out. They changed engines after 02, so I guess it depends if you want the gt40 or the PCM.

[NautiDave07]

Shooter probably means gt40 or excalibur. Both are PCM

[MattieK27]

I would weigh the negatives. The 02 mIght still have the digital gauges which can be problematic, and the radio is still located behind the throttle. (I prefer the glove box)

04 was a pretty solid year, except what I consider to be a terrible new tower deign. Others must agree, they went back to the older design for 05.

Honestly, I would choose the boat that has the best service records; the one with the owner that really seems to care about the boat they are selling. You can tell a lot about a boat by the owner.

If you have more specific questions, let me know. I have been "studying" the first gen SAN 210 market for over a year now.

[johnboyy7]

my .02. from what i understand on the pre 04 is that the gas tank vent is closer to the transom, thus making it more suspetable to getting water it in. i surf on an 04 and do not have that trouble.

[obd666]

if you dont mind the look of the tower on the 04, you might be better off with it just based on the gauges and being able to verify the hours on the gm motor. also, i too prefer the radio in the glove box ... otherwise, you would really want to consider the overall condition of both boats, because either one can be made to work great

[GoBig]

Concur with everyone so far. Essentially the same boat with slight accy differences. If they are that close, what about the trailer (tires/brakes/dual vs. single axle)? Which color combo do you prefer? Do you prefer teak over fiberglass swimstep? I personally don't care for the '04 tower but I also prefer the fiberglass swimstep and the dash/stereo layout on the '04 over the '02. Like the other guys said, if it is that close, comes down to your gut feeling about how the boat was handled/maintained. At the end of the day, you can't go wrong...you're going to be getting a legend either way!

[jimmyj]

if conditions are similar, here is my take.

if the 02 has gt-40, hands down.

04 tower is ugly as sin.

teak looks better than fiberglass, just more maintanence.

04 tower is ugly as sin, once again. it actually hinders your view in driver seat looking starboard.

vent for gas is not an issue. 01 here. surf both sides HEAVILY WEIGHTED.

personally, i like the stereo behind the throttle. you can change cd sitting in the driver seat. the controls on the dash in later models are hard to press imo. just dont like it.

but if one is clearly nicer than the other, go with it. wake will be same. as someone mentioned, check trailor condition.

[cupples]

Thanks for the help. I believe that between the two that the '04 is the better one mechanically. Just not fond of tower and color scheme. I need to decide if I can live with it or keep looking.

[obd666]

Thanks for the help. I believe that between the two that the '04 is the better one mechanically. Just not fond of tower and color scheme. I need to decide if I can live with it or keep looking.

i would say keep looking till you find one you love. this is not a purchase to settle for something that makes you less than happy, and theres lots of boats out there ...

[cupples]

FWIW, what would you expect to pay for an '04 SANTE with 690 hours, painted single axle trailer and good service history?

[GoBig]

FWIW, what would you expect to pay for an '04 SANTE with 690 hours, painted single axle trailer and good service history?

Without seeing pics, this is like throwing a dart blindfolded. But I would say $28K-32K would be a reasonable range. I'm knocking the price a bit for hours, single axle trailer, and the fact that you weren't in favor of the color scheme...

[HS]

FWIW, maybe very little, you can check out other for sale prices at http://www.onlyinboards.com/ or www.boattrader.com to see what ask prices that year and model are being listed...

[cupples]

Here are a few pics.

[crowmobe540]

Just curious why people prefer the stereo in the glove box. I've had boats with both scenarios and I like it on the driver's side much better. On those 2-person days there is nothing like trying to pull a guy and change a cd (or ipod) when it is in the glove box...oh the memories