Boat on a budget

[SkiDad]

i paid $3900 3 years ago for a mint 1985 Bayliner. It took me 6 weeks of Craiglisting to find the "right one" a lot of junk out there - Guy had the boat for 25 years and you could have eaten off the engine or floor. Maybe a little high and I wasn't really looking for one with a Force on it and I'm sure others will frown, but it does all we need and then some - pulls multiple skiers too. We been out in it about 50-60 times in the 3 years I've had it and money well spent... I'm sure I could sell it for 2500 at the drop of a hat even with my kids 3 years of wear and tear. I think the main thing to look out for is maintenance on the boat and engine... that is key - and also that it was stored properly.

 

[Maclin]

Good deals are out there, takes time and patience and being ready to NOT buy one that you look at. I found the one for me about a year ago, 16 foot vhull outboard bowrider in great shape, 1980 model. Got it for 1.65 BOAT units. That ended my 3 year search involvng many trips to go look at seemingly Ok boats, not many were in good condition at all