Buy a Javelin or Gambler????

Looking at 2 boats both early 90's both 20ft. Javelin has 200hp Johnson, gel coat great shape. Gambler has 200hp mercury but some cracks and fading in Gel coat,and has been sitting 3 years covered up.I know there are not many Gamblers in KY, Gambler is only priced 600-1000$ more than Javelin. Any thoughts or preferences on which boat is better? I know without seeing them or knowing details its hard question,but i am struggling on decision. I think Javelin is in better shape and is cheaper but i have heard Gamblers are great and rare in this area. Thanks for any pro or cons.
Marc

I know two guys right here in town that both have a Gambler. They are nice boats and fast. I have ridden in Javelins before too but I like the Gambler better. Good luck in your choice.

I have a gambler and love it I like the way you sit low below the gunnels feel good when turning

I would have the motors checked out pretty close. The one with the most sound motor is the one I would buy.

Thats another thing they want$75 to check compression and to put impeller if needed is that fair price? Is that normally all they check is compression or what else can they check? Place i called is saint matthews imports marine division in Louisville.

Call B&J or Profesional Marine. If you call B&J ask for Brian and explain the cituation. They have checked out a couple of boats for me. Also if you can take it out and run it.

Get a RANGER!!

I have had a javelin 389 and my dad had a javelin 409. My 389 had a 175 ficht and dads had a 225 Merc pro-max. Both boats were very slow out of the hole but both boats had a great ride once on plane. Storage in javelins can also be frustrating as there is very little. They fish great but have draw backs. I have never had or been in a gambler so cant give any info on them but wasn't displeased with Javelin and new what I was getting before I bought it, since dad had one already. When I bought the boat I worked it out with the seller that I would buy the boat as long as it passed a mechanics inspection. If it passed I would pay for the inspection and buy the boat and if it failed the seller should pay. It worked out for me and if there are problems the seller isn't telling you he will not want to pay the inspection. Good fishin

I have a 00 Gambler Outlaw and love it. Reminds me of a sports car of bass boats. It will flat fly and handles rough water OK. Tons of deck room, most I've ever seen on a bass boat. Only drawback is the consoles sit low profile and I am 6'1 and cramp up on long runs with the hot foot. Hard to fit your legs under them.

Shawn