XS 750 or XS 850?

[willf_ie]

Hi,
I am going to trade up my 2014 XS 680/150hp and want to go up to the next size up, the 2.9m beam range. There are two boats I have narrowed it down to, and indeed the owner of XS is refreshing as always to chat with about this.

2006 XS 850, two owners known to me, minded like a baby indoors in its own shed. 300hp L6 Verado engine. Nice demo boat spec, Proper A-frame, seating for 6 behind a double console. Original radar, chart plotter, no AIS. Never anti fouled, generally like new.

2018 XS 750, one yacht team owner unknown to me, 300hp L6 Verado. 430hrs, with no A-Frame just a rear towing post, seating for 4 behind a double console. Original Garmin chartplotter, no radar, no AIS. Suspension seats x2. Copper coat anti fouled.

The opinions I've got so far vary from the 2006 boat being an end-of-life boat, to the 2006 boat having the capability of a £90k boat and at some point will need tubes, but at that point it's right up there with a new one in it's capability. There is a little bit of prestige to the 850 locally, it was a real Celtic Tiger boat over here. Then you think about the 750, being 12 years newer with no issues expected with tubes, easier to tow, lighter, modern colours, suspension seats and less weight.

I don't need a bigger boat, the 680 I have will do 98% of the things I want, but I'd like to try something else. I plan to have access to a 5.8m Tornado Twin 2 Stroke with 60's for something small on the lake. So having access to a smaller boat for fun stuff, or for launcing in tighter places is covered off.

[69cmw]

Depends on the price of both boats ����

[fastasfox]

James is a cracking chap at XS is he not?
The 2006 like you said will need a re-tube as the seems were not as good as they are now...as they are properly welded...even the baffles and that is a £8500/£9000 job.
The upside is they will last a long time.
I don't think you will notice too much difference in the way the 750 handles, comparing it to your 680 but I imagine the 850 with the much wider beam will offer a very stable ride.....even in the rough stuff....I have never helmed one though.
Is there a big price difference?

[willf_ie]

My boat I have someone interested in it, and it's £32,500. The 2018 XS 750 is £44950 and the 2006 XS 850 is off market but it's my boat plus cash his way, sums TBC. The guys in XS reckon the 2006 8.5m is £25-30k boat and I should be just buying their demo 650 and moving up to a 2023 boat in the same hull size.

For resale, I guess the newer the boat the easier it will be to sell. There is a 2006 Red Bay 7.4 on at £36k and it's already had new tubes and a new engine! So I'm aware the boats don't last forever.

[fastasfox]

I think the only way forward is a sea trial....My bet is you fall in love with the 850 though.

[69cmw]

Originally Posted by willf_ie

The guys in XS reckon the 2006 8.5m is £25-30k boat and I should be just buying their demo 650 and moving up to a 2023 boat in the same hull size.

I saw that 650 on their site: there is also a year older 2023 model pretty much the same rib and spec for £15k cheaper