2004 28TE Flush vs 1997 28TE Compartment

[allante]

Looking for opinions. Im looking at a 2004 Albin 28TE flush deck and a 1997 Albin 28TE(engine compartment) About the same money. '97 is 3k more
2004 Has a Yanmar with 600hrs and the 1997 a Penisular with 860hrs. both 315hp.
By descriptions and pics seem to be in the same good/excellent condition and mostly same features. Electronics seem to be similar. (not sure of specifics yet)
Anything specific I should look for between styles and engines? Any know issues or preferences?
Any thoughts on offer vs asking price?

thanx

[Jkraft]

Both great boats! If it were me i would be going with the newer boat with yanmar power pending survey. The 97 has wood in the hull construction and the 2004 does not. Parts and service are more readily available for the yanmar also. Good luck!

[Nancy's Promise]

I have a 2004 flush deck with a Yanmar engine for the past 3 years. I love the boat. It is great on fuel. The flush deck makes it easy to move around.

[catalina_mike]

The engine box has a few more inches in width for the rear bed. The peninsular is getting harder for support I have been told. I have the Yanmar and can get parts easily.

[Wfmdfm]

I like that the engine box model has higher sides. Being a tall guy it’s a seems more stable to fish from.

[RobS]

I like that the engine box model has higher sides. Being a tall guy it’s a seems more stable to fish from.

Normally that would be a true statement however the 2004 was the initial flush deck that was not actually flush, there is a step up from cockpit deck to helm deck so I believe the gunnel height was still the taller height as with the engine box.

[katmak]

I have a 97 TE engine back. Beast engine Pen. GM
Parts are an issue n trying to locate a dealer I can obtain parts from. I am out in Singapore
Original owner. So 23 yrs of experience with the engine.
Engine compartment allows for a lot of working room around the engine. I did replace all heat exchangers with Bowman’s .