General Used Boat Questions & Concerns

[ezmobee]

Re: General Used Boat Questions & Concerns

Lets assume for a moment that I'm willing to buy an i/o that needs rebuilding (or even replacing). What would an ideal motor be from a complexity and cost point of view? Alternatively, what types of i/o motors should I absolutely stay away from?

I/O versus outboard is a matter of personal preference. I/Os have less complicated engines but have lots of moving parts between the crank and the prop that outboards don't have. A used I/O that has not been maintained can cost you a boat load to get up to safe reliable condition unless you do the wrenching yourself. An outboard you can pretty much drag out of a field and if it starts, put a new water pump in it and go boating. I/Os generally get better gas mileage. A new I/O engine is cheaper than a new outboard powerhead. However you can more easily swap out an outboard with another used outboard. Outboards have more complicated multiple carbs. Personally I prefer outboards. I've run a 1973 Johnson 85HP and now a 1981 Evinrude 90. Both motors, after having been completely gone over by a mechanic, provided me with years of trouble free service.

 

[catfishjoe]

Re: General Used Boat Questions & Concerns

1. Looks ok for the price. The 90 will be adequate power for a boat that size. The aluminum trailer is a huge plus. The soft deck is a huge minus. It's rarely just the deck that's bad. The stringers and transom are usually shot too.

Excellent points.

2. Chrysler outboard. As cool as I think they are, you can't get parts for them. Neat boat but it's priced as though it's equipped with a non-obsolete powerplant.

Ya, this one looked like a fun/clean boat. I couldnt find much information on a Las Vegas (not even sure if thats the make)

3. Can't really comment. Not my cup of tea.

My gut says stay away from it - too much work. I'd be better off buying new in a year or so once if and when we outgrow our first.

4. Unless you're tournament skiing, you probably don't want an inboard ski boat.

Any particular reason why? Just too costly for maintenance? Or is there a layout/seating issue I should generally be concerned with in regards to "ski" boats?

5. Heck of a motor on that one. Tough to tell condition from the pics. Make sure your anticipated passenger load will fit and be comfortable on that.

What makes that motor stand out? Its relative HP considering its on a bass boat (lightweight boat?), or is it the make?

6. STAY AWAY FROM THAT. It's a completely rotted worst of the worst Bayliner with an unsupported Force motor.

Thank you so much for this. It certainly felt too good to be true. I wasn't strongly considering it, but the fact that I cant identify that immediately makes me oh so appreciative to have people like you helping me out.

 

[oldjeep]

Re: General Used Boat Questions & Concerns

Any particular reason why? Just too costly for maintenance? Or is there a layout/seating issue I should generally be concerned with in regards to "ski" boats?

The seating layout is kind of a pain in a tournament ski boat. They will not go into as shallow water as an I/O or outboard due to the fixed prop. Maint is tougher since the trans is up in the boat. They also don't handle choppy water very well, easy to take a lot of water over the front with an open bow ski boat.

That one is extremely cheap, and I'm wondering how in the world they put a crack like that in it and what else might be wrong with it.

 

[ezmobee]

Re: General Used Boat Questions & Concerns

What makes that motor stand out? Its relative HP considering its on a bass boat (lightweight boat?), or is it the make?

A 1994 Johnson 140 looper is a heck of a motor and awesome power for that boat.

As for the ski boat, I don't know much about them so I prolly shouldn't comment but I don't think they are that great for just cruising around. A fixed prop and shaft always hanging below the boat sounds like a real pain to me also.

 

[chriscraft254]

Re: General Used Boat Questions & Concerns

You would have to make a road trip. But this could really clean up nice and you would have alot more boat than any you are currently looking at. I talked to this guy via pm and they really want it gone. Its taking up space where his dads new boat is suppose to sit. Already has a mercruiser in her though looks like it needs cleaning badly. I bet you offer him 3800 he would take it. Needs a better trailer to though.
http://www.thehulltruth.com/boats-s...s-craft-254-seahawk-6k-obo-reduced-5-obo.html

 

[chriscraft254]

Re: General Used Boat Questions & Concerns

These are all in NC. You need to look outside your area a little and maybe be a little flexable on the budget. Anyone of these could work and you can offer anything you like. The market is flooded with boats so look around, there are alot of good deals to be had.

Keep in mind, if you spend a little more now, you will probably spend a lot less later. Find a boat that has been maintained correctly and cherished by there owner. forget the clunkers and get a nice boat.

This looks to be in great condition and he has two boats so wants to sell I am sure. Little out of the budget but worth it in the long run. Good starter boat for your family.
http://onslow.craigslist.org/boa/3012375039.html


This looks clean, don't know what the contraption on the top of the outdrive is though. Maybe trolling motor. This would be a perfect starter boat for your family.
http://raleigh.craigslist.org/boa/3019230372.html

Thought I would throw this in the mix. Fresh water boat.
http://greensboro.craigslist.org/boa/3018135514.html

 

[inthedirtagain]

Re: General Used Boat Questions & Concerns

I had a similar budget and intended uses for our family boat. Last year, we started with a near-freeby to see if the family would be interested. Everyone had blast, so this spring we went shopping with a budget of about 3-5k. Problem was, in my area, that wouldn't buy much. My wife wanted a certain "look," nothing too old or out-dated like the freeby was. Ended up with a 1983 Larson 16ft with 90hp Merc outboard. I had to drive 300+ miles to even look at it, but it was definitely worth it. In fact, I could easily sell it locally for $4k.....its that nice. Has a modern interior with fresh paint, wax, and custom graphics. I've been getting comments that it doesn't look as old as it really is. The first link that you provided (with 90hp Mariner) is very near what our boat looks like. I don't like how loud the Merc can be at WOT, but it runs out nice and can yank a skier or tube with no problem.

I suggest researching models that you are interested in and see how popular they are and try to find any known issues. Same goes with the powerplant. Several local marine mechanics have stated that they could repower my boat for around $1500 installed. In my opinion, that's one of the best reasons to choose an outboard: less maintenace, easier/cheaper replacement. If you look around and be patient, you can find a good deal. If you do your research, you'll know what to stay away from, and what you are capable of fixing on your own. My $2500 gamble has been great so far. I've only had basic maintenance and tuning to attend to (carb jetting).

 

[catfishjoe]

Re: General Used Boat Questions & Concerns

Well my wife wont be too happy, but I effectively doubled my budget for this purchase. What will 8k get me? At that price range I'll need something that holds its value of course. I'm thinking 1990+

Safer bet?

Edit: Also, should I consider buying from a dealer? Just trying to limit my risk I suppose.

 

[inthedirtagain]

Re: General Used Boat Questions & Concerns

Depeneding upon the area, 8k could get you a substantially better boat, but not necessarily from a dealer. If you decide to buy from a private individual, at least bring someone along who knows a thing or two about boats. Best bet is to have a surveyor or marine mechanic do an inspection. Last thing you want is bring home problems. They often say its not the price you pay upon purchase, but how much extra you'll end up paying after you bring it home. So far, I've been lucky. My boat didn't need anything but a carb adjust and a single wire reconnected on the enrichener circuit once I got it home. Now, we just have the fuel expenses!

 

[saumon]

Re: General Used Boat Questions & Concerns

You would have to make a road trip. But this could really clean up nice and you would have alot more boat than any you are currently looking at. I talked to this guy via pm and they really want it gone. Its taking up space where his dads new boat is suppose to sit. Already has a mercruiser in her though looks like it needs cleaning badly. I bet you offer him 3800 he would take it. Needs a better trailer to though.
http://www.thehulltruth.com/boats-s...s-craft-254-seahawk-6k-obo-reduced-5-obo.html

Wow, that's a lot of boat for that price. And it seems to be clean...Wish i was closer!

 

[chriscraft254]

Re: General Used Boat Questions & Concerns

Wow, that's a lot of boat for that price. And it seems to be clean...Wish i was closer!

Yep, and built like brick shizzat house,lol He just dropped it to $4G Asking with best offer, bet he would take 2500 to 3000 for her. She would need alot of work to make it real clean but I can attest a very good hull to start with.