I'd like advice on buying a good used speedboat

I'm brand new to this forum and new to boating. My husband and I are looking for our very first boat. We can't afford a whole lot, so we're going used. I'm online trying to find out all I can about how to buy a boat -- warning signs, etc. For instance, I've run across a few ads that boast that the boat has a new floor. I saw a thread on this forum that stated that sometimes if the floor had been rotted, the structural beams might also have been rotted.

Anyway, does anyone have any advice for us as far as buying a good used boat? What we want is something large enough for us and our two kids, and maybe two of their friends to go out on the lake on. We want a boat which we can ski and tube with. We would like to have a bowrider, and because it gets so hot here in Georgia, we would like to have a bimini top (or is that something that can be added later?) We're hoping to get all of this for under $5,000. Any advice?

Re: I'd like advice on buying a good used speedboat

There are a lot of boats on the market right now. Check with your local dealers and or craigslist. There are usually a lot of bowriders in the 17-19 foot range. You want to think about power if you are going to ski and tube. I have a family of 5 and have a 6 cylinder, 4.3 mercruiser. Engine power and performanace is something you dont want to miss when you purchase. As far as the condition of the boat, please make sure your sale is contingent upon a marine survey. They cost about $100 in my area. A good marine survey is going to tell you about those rotted floors, transoms, cracked engine blocks and outdrives that need new bellow, gimbal and u-joints. Its and exciting time so good luck.

Re: I'd like advice on buying a good used speedboat

An older model Checkmate with a decent outboard motor might be a good choice. The older go-fast speedboats like that don't hold their value all that much, so you might can find a real bargain on-line somewhere. I owned a Checkmate for a couple of years and loved it for it's speed and smooth, deep-V ride. Good Luck!

Re: I'd like advice on buying a good used speedboat

Welcome to the forum. Read, learn and enjoy!

I would suggest as a 1st time boat owner/buyer to look at used aluminum boats, Smokercraft, Starcraft, Sylvans or Lunds. They all have bow rider models, are usually lighter than fiberglass so they are easier to trailer and the biggest advantage is you hardly ever have to worry about rotten stringers and transoms. They are usually also much more durable and you wont crack the gelcoat when you bump the pier or trailer while in the learning curve. Would also advise a Safe Boaters course. Can learn a whole bunch there. Also take a day trip to a local park that has a boat ramp and just watch some of the craziness that goes on and see if you can pick up some of the mistakes that people continually make there! That's fun all in it's self.

Try to find one locally that the owner will actually take you for a test ride too and show you were everything is and how it works. Even if it costs you a little extra.

Re: I'd like advice on buying a good used speedboat

Here's a link to someone who's selling a Checkmate Eluder that's in your price range, and they're in south Georgia.

http://checkmate-boats.com/forums/showthread.php?t=20456

You'll notice in my signature that I have an Eluder which I totally rebuilt. It's a fast boat (so far I've seen 65, I have no doubt it could hit 70 with a different prop - but I'm more concerned with being able to pull skiers) and is surprisingly easy to drive. If you're serious about a bowrider SPEEDboat this would be a good one to look at.

Re: I'd like advice on buying a good used speedboat

I recently picked up a nice 19' Bayliner Capri bowrider with 125hp outboard for $3000. I was fortunate that it only had a soft spot on the floor from a leaking cover and I was able to repair it myself easily with advice from the forum.
Will the repairs, servicing the engine, adding a pretty awesome audio system/amps/sub, an updated GPS/Sonar and new covers I am still way under $5000.
My experience is that the outboard equipped boats seem to suffer far less from structural rot and decay than the inboard boats and that was a decision factor for me.

Re: I'd like advice on buying a good used speedboat

6 people in a small, under 20 foot open bow is a tight and or uncomfortable fit. Even in a contemporary, wide beam boat, 6 is tight. If you aren't extraordinarily handy and have a lot of down time to spend grinding, a project boat isn't going to be for you. A soft spot in a floor is generally a harbinger of a bigger issue. I have an old OB bowrider and a contemporary I/O. The OB has served us well for years with zero maintenance costs and even the tiny 85hp engine was always enough to tow anybody and multiples plus it gets up into the 40's on a gps. The I/O has required much more annual maintenance adding a lot of necessary preventative expense. The I/O boat is 10,000 times the old OB boat in every respect but gives the same pleasure to the family.

Re: I'd like advice on buying a good used speedboat

X's 2 what Bubba1235 that is a perfect summary. Only things I could ad is don't fall in love with the first nice boat you see, take your time and look around. When you look at a used boat bring an old rug or a piece of cardboard along so you can lay underneath the boat to inspect the hull, there just might be a big gash down there that you would never see.
Understand that there is more maintenance to an I/O than there is with your average outboard. You can opt to not do some of the maintenance BUT sooner or later your fun times on the water will be nothing more than a frustration. Once you are an owner, buy the manuals, many I/O manuals are available as a free down load on this site. Learn the maintenance steps and DO ALL the maintenance. I youre not mechanical align yourself with a good marina to do the work. But if you learn to do it yourself it is rewarding. It also gets you to be all close and personal with your boat.
My boat is a Lund Tyee (aluminum fish and ski type) and is an inboard outboard. While the I/O isn't the best for some fishing presentations I love it when we're cruising around. The big motor sitting lower in the boat reall makes it stable in the water.

Do a lot of reading on this site there is much to learn and a lot of good folks with lots of experience that can help out.
Don't get freaked out when you start to read about some of the problems people have, it doesn't happen to everybody. When I bought my first I/O I started reading in the I/O forum on this site. I thought what the heck did I get myself into??? But once you get your boat, get comfortable with it you will absolutely love it!!

Oh, if your boat does not come with a bimini top you can buy them afterward.

Good luck!

Re: I'd like advice on buying a good used speedboat

If it were me and I was new to boating on a limited budget and didn't possess the fix it skills, I would look for a 17-18ft boawrider with w120Hp 2-stroke outboard (I would stay away from the Force brand). One those venerable Johnson/evinrude 4cyl models. Lots of parts, easy to fix, lots of skilled mechaincs.

The outboard will weigh less and be cheaper to fix than the I/O. The i/o while smoother and less noisy will not get the same performace out of the 120Hp or whatever it is because of the weight difference.

Re: I'd like advice on buying a good used speedboat

Welcome!

Bubba gave you a top-notch how-to for looking for a boat. Unless you are handy with the tools, the marine survey ...or at least a very experienced friend...is a must. I am from TN, so I kinda know the area and price range you are looking at. I was in the same exact "boat" earlier this year. I chose a project boat for $1500, and am using the rest of my budget to get it ship-shape. You have lots of options, and still plenty of time before prime season is upon you, so look at a few before you decide.

Oh...and updates w/ pics are a must!

Good Luck, have fun, and "welcome" again!

Re: I'd like advice on buying a good used speedboat

The old saying "measure twice and cut once" is valid in just about anything, including buying a boat. I would strongly suggest sampling many boats of different styles and sizes to make sure of just what suits your style of needs. Then, and only then, you can start the actual shopping in that select style, accessing brands versus prices, and the care it was given by the owner or owners of its history. I am sure you won't be happy with something that doesn't fit your needs, no matter how nice the deal or condition.....

Re: I'd like advice on buying a good used speedboat

Ditto on all the good advice from bubba. However: Just remember that boats are like hookers: there's one on every corner. Don't rush to buy any boat. No boat NEEDS to be bought.

If it sells out from under you, there will always be a better one that you haven't seen yet. And if you don't get one this season, there's always next year.

Re: I'd like advice on buying a good used speedboat

Frank Acampora said:

And if you don't get one this season, there's always next year.

Click to expand...

I am gonna' disagree on this one. My wife and I said the "we'll get one next year" for 14 years. It's way too easy to justify putting that money somewhere else. Plus, since I have been here, I finally realized there may NOT be a next year...or a tomorrow for that matter. Get it while you can, and enjoy it! But get a good one!

Re: I'd like advice on buying a good used speedboat

You're not looking for a speedboat. Speedboats don't typically have open bows, bimini tops or comfortable seating for 6. What you're looking for is a typical bowrider pleasure/family boat, probably in the 17-19 foot range. Go look on ebay for boats for sale just to see the pictures and get an idea of what kind of boat you want.

rogerwa said:

If it were me and I was new to boating on a limited budget and didn't possess the fix it skills, I would look for a 17-18ft boawrider with w120Hp 2-stroke outboard (I would stay away from the Force brand). One those venerable Johnson/evinrude 4cyl models. Lots of parts, easy to fix, lots of skilled mechaincs.

The outboard will weigh less and be cheaper to fix than the I/O. The i/o while smoother and less noisy will not get the same performace out of the 120Hp or whatever it is because of the weight difference.

Click to expand...

This subject has been debated to death, but there are some important pros and cons between outboard and i/o that you should be aware of when looking at boats. Outboard will be lighter, require less maintenance and offer better performance at a given HP rating. Outboard will also require you to mix oil/gas unless it's oil injected(for your price range you won't be getting a 4-stroke outboard), and of course run a bit more smokey. 2-stroke outboard can also be a pita to work on and difficult to diagnose the problem if it starts running poor, plus outboard-specific parts are $$$. I/O will be heavier and slower for a given HP rating, but can deliver good power for tubing, skiing, etc while delivering decent mileage. I/O also runs car-based engines most of the time, which for me as a car guy makes engine issues much easier and cheaper to diagnose and repair. I/O also requires a very proper winterization procedure if it gets below freezing where you live, have seen enough boats for sale with cracked engine blocks because of water left in the block over winter. If you don't do you own mechanical work, then it's probably a wash between the two by the time you figure in shop labor, parts markup, etc.