You're shopping for a used boat and you've narrowed it down to two very different choices: a classic fiberglass bowrider that seems ready for the water, and a project boat that needs work before its first launch. Between them, there's a $2,500 price gap, but the real difference isn't just the sticker price - it's how much time and skill you're willing to invest.
Quick verdict
If you want to be on the lake this weekend with minimal effort, the 1985 Double Haul Sunrunner is the one to choose. It's presented as a complete package with a covered cockpit and a trailer, so you're paying for convenience. If you're comfortable with a project, the 1989 Proline is a much cheaper starting point, but it's not ready to run.
Price and condition comparison
| Product | Price | Year | Condition | Motor |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1985 Double Haul Sunrunner | [##########] $4,000 | 1985 | Used | Large Evinrude/Johnson outboard |
| 1989 Proline | [###-------] $1,500 | 1989 | Used | 1980 engine, turns over, needs wiring/fuel work |
Both boats share the same used condition, but the Sunrunner appears to be a much more complete package. The Proline's price is $2,500 lower, which may appeal if you have the skills to bring it back to life.
Where each product wins
The Sunrunner wins on convenience. It includes a trailer and a protective cover, and the motor is a large Evinrude or Johnson, so you can reasonably expect to use it soon. The Proline wins on cost - it's $2,500 less, giving you room in the budget for parts and tools. It also has a newer hull year (1989 versus 1985), though the engine is from 1980.
Product notes
1985 Double Haul Sunrunner Boat
This fiberglass bowrider features a cream hull with retro brown side graphics, a look that's aged well. The package includes a single-axle roller trailer with a spare tire mounted on the tongue, plus a white canvas bimini/cockpit cover to keep the cockpit shaded and protected. The boat is also registered in Washington state, a detail that can save you a trip to the DMV. The main reason to choose this is that it appears to be a turnkey situation - everything you need to tow and launch is right there. The limitation is the asking price, which is substantially higher than the Proline, and you're still buying a 1985 boat with whatever mechanical surprises that age can bring.
1989 Proline Boat
This 1989 Proline is a blank canvas for a DIY boater. The hull is there, and the engine - a 1980 unit - turns over, which is a promising sign. But the boat is non-running, and the known issues point to wiring and fuel system work. That means you'll need to trace electrical circuits, likely replace fuel lines, and possibly rebuild a carburetor before you can even think about launching. The upside is the entry price: at $1,500, it's significantly cheaper than the Sunrunner, so you have budget left for parts and your time. The limitation is the uncertainty: you can't test this on the water in its current state, and the final cost in parts and time could exceed the Sunrunner's asking price.
Final choice by use case
If your goal is a boat you can use right away, the 1985 Double Haul Sunrunner is the better match. If your goal is a low-cost project that lets you build the boat you want, and you have the time and skill for mechanical work, the 1989 Proline is the one to take home.
