Buying used boat question

[JDM-93_Z28]

Hey, I'm new here....looking for a boat and had a few questions.

I'm looking for something cheap and very basic to get out and fish on. I'm in the last year of college so I just need something to get me through a year and then I plan on fixing up the boat. I have absolutely no experience with fiberglass boats and just looked at two today.

This boat is 17' long and 63" wide fiberglass tri-hull. It is stripped down and pretty much bare with 2 swivel seats, and a third seat by the motor. The boat looked to be solid but there is a solid fiberglass subfloor so I couldn't tell from inside the boat. My question is, if I buy this boat and took it out, how would I know if I was taking in water....is there supposed to be a bilge pump? Not sure how this works.

He is offering the trailer, boat, a 7.5 motor, and a 15hp motor(doesnt run) for $750. Here is a picture.

Thanks in advance!

 

[NYBo]

Re: Buying used boat question

Welcome to iboats!

There is really no bilge in which to install a pump. Check the outside of the hull for any cracks or holes. If there are any and the hull is filled with foam, it could be waterlogged. That would be a big problem, and you should walk away. But if you can lift the hull fairly easily, it is probably okay. The price is good if the boat and trailer are in decent shape.

 

[JDM-93_Z28]

Re: Buying used boat question

Thanks NYBo!

I did check the outside of the hull and while I did see normal scrapes and scratches in which any older boat will have, I did see any cracks or holes. I did try to lift the boat and thought it was rather light but I really haven't lifted many boats(lol) before so I don't have anything to compare it to.

I will keep you guys posted, if I end up buying it this week I will be posting a ton of questions.

Thanks again, and if anyone has any advice please share!

 

[FunInDuhSun]

Re: Buying used boat question

My question is, if I buy this boat and took it out, how would I know if I was taking in water....is there supposed to be a bilge pump? Not sure how this works.

Not to sound smart, but take it out on the water and LOOK.
When you say 'solid fiberglass subfloor' does that mean it's got a concealed area that isn't accessible?
If that's the case, then it needs to have some access ports installed.

 

[JDM-93_Z28]

Re: Buying used boat question

Not to sound smart, but take it out on the water and LOOK.
When you say 'solid fiberglass subfloor' does that mean it's got a concealed area that isn't accessible?
If that's the case, then it needs to have some access ports installed.

Well I definitely would like to take it out on the water but due to the location and price of the boat, the guy really didn't want to do it.

Yea it was not accessible which made me curious. I thought there would be some kind of access panel but the owner said no. Like I said, I don't know anything about fiberglass boats so I wasn't sure if that was normal.

But I found a guy (friend of a friend) who knows his stuff and told me to pass on it. I'm still actively looking and trying to stay patient. Thanks for the help!