Help Buying Boat

[Larisshsr]

Hello everyone, I am a first time boat buyer and need help picking a decent boat. I have a few I looked at but unsure whats the best route to take. I don't plan on going offshore, just inshore jetty fishing, bridges etc. All the boats have decent hulls with no soft spots and the sellers are open to water and compression testing. All the boats asking prices are around $5500. Any help and feedback is appreciated good or bad thanks

1. 17FT 1998 SEA PRO 180 CC 115 Ocean Pro Evinrude (needs carb)
2. 17FT 1998 ANGLER Mercury outboard (unsure of year waiting on response from seller)
3. 17FT 2001 McKEE CRAFT 115 Suzuki 2 stroke (New Lowrance Hook 7 and transducer need to be installed, provided by seller)
4. 16FT 1998 NEPTUNE SUNBIRD 85hp Evinrude with 18 gallon tank

 

[airshot]

With glass boats, having no soft spots does not mean a whole lot. When a soft spot does occur, it is normally long gone. Which boat has maintenance records ? Compression tests on motors ? When someone says needs carb work....what test show that ? If unsure, hire a professional surveyor

 

[racerone]

Are you planning to do any maintenance yourself ?-----Check with shops to see if they work on these older motors.-----The Evinrude in first picture may well be a 79 / 80 model.----Any model numbers for these motors ?

 

[Larisshsr]

Are you planning to do any maintenance yourself ?-----Check with shops to see if they work on these older motors.-----The Evinrude in first picture may well be a 79 / 80 model.----Any model numbers for these motors ?

No I dont know how to do any of that.

 

[Larisshsr]

Are you planning to do any maintenance yourself ?-----Check with shops to see if they work on these older motors.-----The Evinrude in first picture may well be a 79 / 80 model.----Any model numbers for these motors ?

Not a good idea to buy something with a motor that old right?

 

[Chris1956]

Those boats and motors are pretty old. Experienced guys can check the compression and gearcase, plus the overall condition of the hull. Generally if the motor has good compression and the gearcase is good, the rest can be fixed for reasonable money, if they do the work themselves.

If you cannot do the carb work/ign work/other, it is best to save some more $ and get a newer boat/motor.


The hull repair work, if necessary, is a whole different animal. That takes some experience as you will need to repair for necessary strength, which is a science.

as a rule, mechanically inexperienced owners should buy better boats. JMO.

 

[Larisshsr]

Those boats and motors are pretty old. Experienced guys can check the compression and gearcase, plus the overall condition of the hull. Generally if the motor has good compression and the gearcase is good, the rest can be fixed for reasonable money, if they do the work themselves.

If you cannot do the carb work/ign work/other, it is best to save some more $ and get a newer boat/motor.


The hull repair work, if necessary, is a whole different animal. That takes some experience as you will need to repair for necessary strength, which is a science.

as a rule, mechanically inexperienced owners should buy better boats. JMO.

Thanks, I'm new to this and I value your advice

 

[JASinIL2006]

Best bet is to have a buddy who knows something about boats (or even better, a marine surveyor or mechanic) look at the boats with you. The condition of the boat is of primary concern, so ignore bells and whistles and make sure the boat is sound.

Personally, I would not consider buying a boat that doesn’t run (e.g., ”it just needs a new battery,”) as you have no idea what might be required to make it run.

 

[Larisshsr]

Best bet is to have a buddy who knows something about boats (or even better, a marine surveyor or mechanic) look at the boats with you. The condition of the boat is of primary concern, so ignore bells and whistles and make sure the boat is sound.

Personally, I would not consider buying a boat that doesn’t run (e.g., ”it just needs a new battery,”) as you have no idea what might be required to make it run.

Thanks for the advice, I was against buying anything I couldnt get on the water to see how it ran

 

[airshot]

If unable to do your own work/ maintenence, be prepared to pay handsomely to have the work done for you ! Most marine shops now charge in excess of 120 bucks per hour of labor. Hire a professional to inspect and go with you for a test ride.

 

[Larisshsr]

If unable to do your own work/ maintenence, be prepared to pay handsomely to have the work done for you ! Most marine shops now charge in excess of 120 bucks per hour of labor. Hire a professional to inspect and go with you for a test ride.

I might just stay away from buying a boat for the time being.

 

[Sprig]

I might just stay away from buying a boat for the time being.

Good decision! Most people buy older boats because they are cheap and it’s what they can afford. The problem is that an old cheap boat most often ends up being a very expensive boat because of all the money you have to sink into the boat and motor. You probably wouldn’t buy an automobile that was 25+ years old because you know it would likely be unreliable and would cost $$$ to repair and maintain it. Same with boats. You just saved yourself a ton of money and frustration.

 

[airshot]

If your really interested in getting into boating, consider starting with an aluminum boat. Far less time and expense to get them fixed up. Learn about small engine repair so you can do your own work. Sounds like you are on or near the coast or ocean. Lots of boats around those areas that are well used and not always maintained. Many professional marine surveyors offer some type of warranty after their inspections. While not cheap, those inspections could save you thousands ! Getting started in boating with no prior knowledge can create some very costly lessons to learn.

 

[southkogs]

If you've not done it, try renting a couple of times and see what you like and dislike about what rentals are available. That can help you out in terms of what you're really looking for.

It'll also put you out on the water with some other folks who may have suggestions - or things you see - that spark some ideas.

There are also ownership "clubs" out there. Not always the best, but if you'll use it enough - and want all of the options they have available for a few months or a year; it's probably not a bad way to get started.