ryanstandley
Recruit
- Joined
- Jul 11, 2007
- Messages
- 4
Hi there,
I'm new to boating, looking for a bit of advice in purchasing a used power boat. I have a budget that could stretch to about $8k right now. I've got a Chevy half ton to pull it with, and a 9' wide drive to park it in.
What I'd like to get is something to run up to the San Juans for the weekend, or maybe take fishing out in the Straits with myself and at least one passenger. I'd like her to have at least a v-berth and a porta-potti for overnighting.
I'm very mechanically inclined, and intend to do as much of the maintenance on her as possible. I'm also rather anal retentive about keeping up to date on maintenance schedules. I'm not interested in a major project, since I've already got one (free Reinell 17' had rotted transom, soft floor, etc.)
Given my wants, is my budget adequate for a usable, safe boat? I'm not in a huge hurry, so If I need to wait until I have more cash that's ok. Having seen what can lurk under a sole, I'm very nervous that I'll end up buying a boat that'll need major work soon.
Here are a couple that caught my eye, along with my thoughts. I'd love to hear from some of you old salts.
http://preview.tinyurl.com/375u6b
I like the fully enclosed cabin given the crap weather around here, radar's an unexpected bonus, nice looking galvanized trailer. Shouldn't have any structural issues given the extensive hull rebuild. Haven't heard great things about OMC outdrives though.
http://seattle.craigslist.org/see/boa/422448759.html
I love the way this one looks, but looks are pretty far down my list of priorities. She definitely needs new bottom paint, and the rest of the finish is pretty rough. Motor looks really really thirsty, but I bet she moves. Looks like a great fishing platform, and I've heard aquasports can take a pretty good beating. Price leaves a lot of room for upgrades, or fuel.
Thanks in advance,
Ryan
I'm new to boating, looking for a bit of advice in purchasing a used power boat. I have a budget that could stretch to about $8k right now. I've got a Chevy half ton to pull it with, and a 9' wide drive to park it in.
What I'd like to get is something to run up to the San Juans for the weekend, or maybe take fishing out in the Straits with myself and at least one passenger. I'd like her to have at least a v-berth and a porta-potti for overnighting.
I'm very mechanically inclined, and intend to do as much of the maintenance on her as possible. I'm also rather anal retentive about keeping up to date on maintenance schedules. I'm not interested in a major project, since I've already got one (free Reinell 17' had rotted transom, soft floor, etc.)
Given my wants, is my budget adequate for a usable, safe boat? I'm not in a huge hurry, so If I need to wait until I have more cash that's ok. Having seen what can lurk under a sole, I'm very nervous that I'll end up buying a boat that'll need major work soon.
Here are a couple that caught my eye, along with my thoughts. I'd love to hear from some of you old salts.
http://preview.tinyurl.com/375u6b
I like the fully enclosed cabin given the crap weather around here, radar's an unexpected bonus, nice looking galvanized trailer. Shouldn't have any structural issues given the extensive hull rebuild. Haven't heard great things about OMC outdrives though.
http://seattle.craigslist.org/see/boa/422448759.html
I love the way this one looks, but looks are pretty far down my list of priorities. She definitely needs new bottom paint, and the rest of the finish is pretty rough. Motor looks really really thirsty, but I bet she moves. Looks like a great fishing platform, and I've heard aquasports can take a pretty good beating. Price leaves a lot of room for upgrades, or fuel.
Thanks in advance,
Ryan