1996 245 Explorer

[Dave2]

I'm looking at a used one with a 2014 250 Suzuki less than 20 hours on motor.  Any major problems with that year hull?  Priced at $19,850 with a trailer seems to good to be true.

[seabob4]

Dave, at first I thought, whoa, almost $20K is way too much...until I went back and read '14 Zuke 250.  So let's assume he got the motor and rigging for $12.5K, that puts the boat and trailer at $7300.  Now if we would go back and throw the old OMC 225 on her, you'd be looking at around $10K for the package.

So $19,850 to me is an excellent price!  And in answer to your question regarding the hull, no real problems with her, maybe some soft spots in the cockpit sole...

[RickK]

I priced a new 250 outboard at a show and it was over $17k - if that person got it for 12.5 he got a heck of a deal.
Seems to me that the boat's value has very little to do with the price in this case, seems to be all about the motor.  NADA on a Zuke 250 is $20k avg. $24k new.
So I would agree that it seems too good to be true.
To answer your question on the boat - I really like my 230 and it's about the size of the boat you're looking at.  Mine does not have the euro transom like that one does so they'll end up being about the same size. The Explorer model is great model unless you want to go in skinny water - it draws about 19" with the engine up.
Here's a link to a '95 catalog from our gallery.
http://www.classicaquasport.com/gallery/showgallery.php?cat=628

[wingtime]

I have a 1998 245 Explorer and I love it.  A 250 is a nice match for that hull.  Does it have a hard top?  If so that adds some value to the package.  As long as no one has mounted anything to the deck by drilling holes into the cockpit sole you shouldn't find any soft deck issues.  She has balsa cored decks but from there factory there are no screw holes that penetrate the deck.  So water cann't get into the core and rot it.  I think 96 should have a poured composite transom.  $5 says you will find the port side corner of the plexi cabin hatch broken off.  This is common from trying to close the cabin door with the hatch down.  The rubrail insert shrinks with age and begins to pop out at the base of the pulpit.  Not a big deal and can be easily replaced.  There are some common electrical wring issues caused by corroded connectors.  So she will need some electrical work soon if it hasn't already been done.  Overall the 245 Explorer is a GREAT boat.  They ride nice and make a great multi purpose platform.