Buying a used boat in the boats personal watercraft market often means deciding how much work you're ready to take on.
The 1989 Proline Boat is a non-running project. The 1999 malibu boat has engine-type and fuel details, but its motor situation needs attention. This head-to-head shows what the price difference buys and which boat fits which kind of buyer.
Quick verdict
If you want the lowest entry cost and don't mind rewiring and checking fuel lines, the 1989 Proline is your boat. If you want a later-model hull and plan to handle the engine side yourself, the 1999 Malibu is worth the higher price.
At a glance
| 1989 Proline Boat | 1999 malibu boat | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | USD 1,500.00 | USD 2,000.00 |
| Price bar | ||
| Year | 1989 | 1999 |
| Condition | Used | Used |
| Hull and power | Needs wiring and fuel-system check; 1980 engine turns over | Fiberglass hull; single inboard/outboard; gas; 11-20 gallon fuel capacity; seller keeping motor |
Where each boat wins
- The 1989 Proline Boat wins on lower upfront cost and on being a straightforward shell you can rebuild at your own pace.
- The 1999 malibu boat wins on a later model year, more listed power-system details, and fresh-water use.
Product notes
1989 Proline Boat
This is the cheaper starting point in the comparison at USD 1,500.00. The boat is listed as non-running, and the job list is spelled out: wiring needs attention, the fuel system needs to be checked, and there's more to uncover. The engine is a 1980 that turns over, so you have a rotating core to work from even though the motor is older. Choose the Proline if your priority is getting a hull for the lowest cost and you're comfortable tearing into an electrical system and fuel delivery yourself. The trade-off is the unknown scope: a non-running boat can reveal additional work once wiring and fuel lines are opened up, so keep time and money in reserve.
1999 malibu boat
The 1999 Malibu is priced at USD 2,000.00 and gives you a later-model fiberglass hull with a single inboard/outboard engine type, gas fuel, and an 11-20 gallon fuel capacity. It is listed for fresh-water use, which makes it a sensible candidate for fresh-water cruising and water sports. The catch is under the hatch: the seller is keeping the motor for a pickup, though the sale includes water-cooled headers and other motor parts. Pick the Malibu if you intend to source or build an engine package and want the included motor parts as a starting point. The limitation is that you're buying a hull plus parts, not a turnkey boat, so you'll need a plan for the motor that isn't included and confirmation that the headers and parts fit your chosen engine.
Final choice by use case
Choose the 1989 Proline Boat if you want a low-cost hull and a rolling project you can rebuild at your own pace. Choose the 1999 malibu boat if you want a newer hull and are ready to piece together the power system, using the included water-cooled headers and motor parts as a foundation.
