SaltyBlood
Seaman
- Joined
- Jan 27, 2012
- Messages
- 63
Hello!
I am new to this forum, but not new to boating. At least, in the smaller, inflatable types. I have been boating since I was little, but nothing with anything more than some oars or a trolling motor to fish. So, you could call me a bit of a "newbie" when it comes to power boats.
The question I have: I have been looking for almost a year for a boat that is big enough to fit the wife and 3 kids for some summer fun, but not too big to tow to some smaller local lakes. I had a budged of 5k, but was recently "convinced" by the wife that we need a new bed. There goes 1500......but, I do have to admit.....we need a new bed. Anyway, back on subject. We want something along the lines of a bow rider that the kids can enjoy, maybe even be able to pull a tube, but is small enough that we can take to the local lakes and not kill us in operating costs.
I have found no less than a half dozen on Craigslist, but I am a bit nervous about that. I know I can hire a marine surveyor, but I just don't have the $$ to hire one to inspect every boat out there. I did some research, I gained some knowledge on what to look out for, but I want to make the best decision possible.
I received a call from a local dealer who has a boat that he says would be perfect for what I am looking for, but it seems to be a bit overpriced..... hence the question.....need some advise.
I am more willing to buy from a dealer than somebody who is selling their yard ornament that has been sitting for two years...if you catch my drift.
Attached is some pics of the 1981 Sea Spirit......they are asking 1900 for it and state the engine runs great and has no pressing issues.......trailer included....
So the question is.....buy???
Like I said, I have been watching the adds for about a year now......and I just feel more comfortable putting my hard earned cash towards a dealer......
Please straighten me out if I need it!!
Joshua
I am new to this forum, but not new to boating. At least, in the smaller, inflatable types. I have been boating since I was little, but nothing with anything more than some oars or a trolling motor to fish. So, you could call me a bit of a "newbie" when it comes to power boats.
The question I have: I have been looking for almost a year for a boat that is big enough to fit the wife and 3 kids for some summer fun, but not too big to tow to some smaller local lakes. I had a budged of 5k, but was recently "convinced" by the wife that we need a new bed. There goes 1500......but, I do have to admit.....we need a new bed. Anyway, back on subject. We want something along the lines of a bow rider that the kids can enjoy, maybe even be able to pull a tube, but is small enough that we can take to the local lakes and not kill us in operating costs.
I have found no less than a half dozen on Craigslist, but I am a bit nervous about that. I know I can hire a marine surveyor, but I just don't have the $$ to hire one to inspect every boat out there. I did some research, I gained some knowledge on what to look out for, but I want to make the best decision possible.
I received a call from a local dealer who has a boat that he says would be perfect for what I am looking for, but it seems to be a bit overpriced..... hence the question.....need some advise.
I am more willing to buy from a dealer than somebody who is selling their yard ornament that has been sitting for two years...if you catch my drift.
Attached is some pics of the 1981 Sea Spirit......they are asking 1900 for it and state the engine runs great and has no pressing issues.......trailer included....
So the question is.....buy???
Like I said, I have been watching the adds for about a year now......and I just feel more comfortable putting my hard earned cash towards a dealer......
Please straighten me out if I need it!!
Joshua
