First time boat buyer.

[Badger88]

I am looking to buy my first boat and looking for some advice. A little background on myself, I live in Wisconsin so the boat will be used on small to medium sized fresh water lakes. I am looking to get something I can cruise around on with my wife and also toss a fishing line from time to time. I dont have a huge budget to spend at this time so i am looking at older used boats. I found two that i am interested in.
The first boat is an 1993 Northwood built by forester. I haven't found a lot of information on this boat. The seller is asking $2700 claims it runs good.
The other boat is a 1986 Bayliner 19' capri for $2000. I read all the bad reviews here about bayliner, the only reason I ask is it's in my budget. I though maybe since I'm in Wisconsin with smaller lakes maybe the bayliner would hold up better. I'll post some pic of both boats, both are located in Wisconsin within a couple hrs drive. Just looking for some input on what others think the best option would be

 

[Badger88]

Here is the bayliner.

 

[Badger88]

I also am looking at a 1992 starcraft Eurostar fs. I really like the looks, they are asking a little more $3000.

 

[SkaterRace]

The starcraft looks a bit better to me, though it comes down to how the engine runs and also how much rot there is. You should inspect it for a rotten transom or floor/deck. Either of those rotten === you running away from it. You don't want a rotten boat unless you plan to do a complete restoration project.

I've had lots of fun on rotten boats but knowing what I do now, I was too young and stupid to realize how dangerous it was. Had a wakeup call one day when I found out the transom was rotten and had to be rebuilt because the motor took a small hit and it broke off. I rebuilt it (cost like 1k in materials) and thank god because the next year I hit a shoal and only reason we didn't sink was the (over) rebuilt transom.

 

[southkogs]

So some reading HERE.

At the end of it, in used boats it's all CONDITION. My knee jerk reaction is that the Forrester and the Bayliner are both carrying Force Outboards. They're not necessarily bad, but they have a sketchy reputation. The Starcraft looks to have a Mercruiser (I'm guessing a 3.0) which I think would be better over the long term.

From the pictures the Starcraft looks to be in the best shape, then the Bayliner and last the Forrester.

Bayliner has a sketchy reputation too. But mine has been a fine boat, and relatively easy to take care of.

 

[Badger88]

Thanks for the input guys, I really appreciate it. I am going to look at the starcraft first and then the forester. I think I am eliminating the bayliner from the list.

 

[KD4UPL]

Cheap boats are only that until you have to repair, replace, maintain them. If you end up spending $2,000 in the first year you might as well have spent the $2,000 on a more expensive boat.
Anything in that price range is going to need lots of work.

 

[harringtondav]

My $.02. I love my Merc sterndrive. But in a used boat, condition is God, as mentioned above. Old sterndrive boats, in my opinion, are more vulnerable to transom rot than outboards. And an aged, iffy sterndrive can pile up repair costs fast. A solid outboard boat can be refitted with a good used outboard motor for much less than major sterndrive engine and outdrive repair. Plus winterization and annual maintenance on an outboard is nearly nil compared to a sterndrive.