How old of a boat is too old?

nomad317 · Mar 7, 2003

I'm shopping around for our 1st boat. Need something for skiing (kids) and fishing (me) and small, simple, and cheap. I posted in the Outboard engine area about a boat and had questions about the hp of the motor which in turn produced several other questions. Now I'm pretty clear on the motor size for skiing so my questions are more boat type as opposed to engine so I thought I'd better ask it here. Limited budget (as is 98% of the population). I can seem to stay in our virtual budget and get the engine power needed if I go a boat that's a few years older. I originally asked about a 1994 16' F & S but it only has a 70hp. I've determined (thanks to everyone here) that a 90hp or greater will work. In order to get that I need to drop down to about an 1987 to 1990 17' runabout or F&S. Since I know very little about boats, it makes me a little nervous about a boat more than 10yrs old. Is that logical or stupid thinking? How old is too old? Keeping in mind, I need enough power to pull (ski) with 2 avg adults and 2 or 3 teenagers. Thanks in advance...

NathanY · Mar 7, 2003

Re: How old of a boat is too old?

There is no boat that is too old, the question is maintenance. I have bought boats from the 50's that where in better shape than boats from the 90's. Some people leave their boats out in the elements and that caused quick deteriation, it all depends on the boat and owner as to how long one will last. Just make sure that you ask the questions, How was it stored, what maitenance was done, etc. Before you buy ask for a test run. Get in the boat and walk around and check for soft spots, climb down in the bilge and look at the transom, poke it with a screw drive and see if it is soft. If it all looks good then it does not matter what year boat you get.

nomad317 · Mar 7, 2003

Re: How old of a boat is too old?

Thanks Nathan! Unfortunetly, the boats we're looking at are through local dealers and they tell me everything I want to hear (no offense to honest dealers) or they say, "we took it on trade-in, what ya see is whatcha get" So basically, if it's in good/great condition then one can assume it was well kept? I know that sounds sophomoric (no offense to sophomores) but I don't trust too many people (dealers)...

EatMoreFish · Mar 7, 2003

Re: How old of a boat is too old?

If they took it in on trade then they would have info on the last owner. Ask them if you can talk to the last owner.

nomad317 · Mar 7, 2003

Re: How old of a boat is too old?

Thanks EatMoreFish, The main place I've been going to does have a 1985 Rinker V180, the interior is immaculate and looks as though it was completely re-done. Didn't check much else at the time (engine, hull...) Is Rinker a "good" boat??? Pic: http://www.boatbrowser.com/dealers/images/boats/Pic0000006598-Big.jpg

Lark40 · Mar 7, 2003

Re: How old of a boat is too old?

My "old" boats, listed below, are ready to hit the water again this year. Incidentally, I sold a brand-new 2001 bayliner cuddy to buy the smoother-running 1987 Starcraft. Newer is not necessarily better. If you can't afford a high-quality new boat, and aren't a natural mechanic, then a very-well-maintained boat with a multi-month warrantee is your best option.

JB · Mar 7, 2003

Re: How old of a boat is too old?

Ahoy, Nomad. Great boats are like great cheese or great wine. Given the right care, they only get better. Bad boat to start with or poorly cared for they just get worse. There are great boats around from the 60s to the 80s that have been babied and are as good as, often better than, new. Dealers are not going to have these boats. Private individuals have them and are only willing to part with them because of health or financial distress. Once in a while they are upgrading, but dealer employees buy those boats and wont sell them. I traded my '75 Boston Whaler 13 in to buy my son's Montauk. The boat has belonged to one of their wrenches since then and he turns down an offer a week. Find one of those and you will have a boat for a lifetime. Good luck.

Capn Mike · Mar 7, 2003

Re: How old of a boat is too old?

Nathan's right. The USS Constitution is still floating, but maintenance is kind of a b+tch. Realisticly, most fresh-water aluminum boats would probably be ok, while older fiberglass boats might be subject to some rotting wood in transoms, so you need to check that out. If you read these forums, you'll learn to stay away from OMC and Merc Bravo outdrives, Force/Mariner engines, non-carb Mercury engines, 2000 Evinrude Fichts, old boats with rotting transoms, and new Bayliners. But it's OK to buy: Volvo outdrives, used Bayliners, Johnson, Suzuki, carb Mercury, Yamaha OB, new Evinrudes, Seaswirl, Parker, Scout, Four Wynns, Tollycraft, Sea Ray, non-rivet aluminum boats and many, many others!

nomad317 · Mar 7, 2003

Re: How old of a boat is too old?

Thanks all! Capn Mike: You said stay away from new bayliners but old bayliners are okay. Where is the cutoff between old/new? Also, any opinions on Baretta ('89 18' F&S)??

mellowyellow · Mar 7, 2003

Re: How old of a boat is too old?

1 1/2 yrs ago. when I was in the market to get a (new) boat, I shopped extensively! set a budget and told myself I didn't want a boat any older than X. first boat I looked at was a bayliner. was only 5 yrs. old but looked 20... owner couldn't even get the force OB started. looked at a few searays too. they were driven hard and put away wet!(young owners) was getting depressed and desparate for a boat! went against plan X and went to look at an old '72 seasprite simply cuz it was 2 blocks from where I was. I was shocked! always garage kept and covered. the motor was a 115hp merc that looked brand new. no fading of gellcoat or upholstery... not 1 tear! I paid 1/3 of what I planned and got a great boat. the old man who owned it had a hard time parting with her. wasn't upgrading, was getting out of the game due to age... could barely see anymore. took a while to get past the '70's harvest gold color, but I thank God that force didn't start! my wife just loved that Bay Liner.... keep looking, she's out there somewhere! good luck! M.Y.

40 foot Owens · Mar 7, 2003

Re: How old of a boat is too old?

I wanted a good dependable boat that would not cost a lot of money. I looked at new boats in the 16ft range and they were pricey for what I got for my money. I was not appalled by an older boat but wanted the new technology that a new boat could offer. I took an approach that I do not regret. I looked for an older boat with style. The plan was to buy an older boat, strip her of her wiring, motor, and steering and put new state of the art material aboard. I located an older boat that had no motor but the fiberglass and seats were in grate shape. Paid $500 for boat and trailer. Paid $4,700 for the rest, included labor. I saved a lot on the motor by calling dealers and finding a new motor that was 2 model years old. Had a new gas tanks, and steering cables and wheel, and electrical wires installed. And for under $5,500 total. Now I have a clean boat that will do 40mph and has totally new technology on board. I did spend some time and had to plan out the project but I love my boat. I am confident that she will provide me many years of fun, and she comes with a warranty on the motor.

Jack Shellac · Mar 7, 2003

Re: How old of a boat is too old?

I would hazard a guess that there are more of us on this forum with boats 10 years or older than newer than 10 years. Mine is 12 years old and still performs like it did when new. It's all in how their taken care of.

Bondo · Mar 7, 2003

Re: How old of a boat is too old?

My Newest Boat is a 1974......

boatingfool · Mar 7, 2003

Re: How old of a boat is too old?

Me and Capn Mike almost went fist to cuff about Bayliners until I realized he was talking about new bayliners. I always have bought used. I personnaly would not buy used from a dealer. A dealer will tell you anything that they think will sell you the boat. I find private sellers tend to be more honest. Not all of course. You can tell from a private owner if he truly loves his boat. If I go to look at a used boat to buy and the seller isnt as infactuated with his boats as I am with mine I move on. For example: The seller of my current boat(a used 1984 Bayliner)told me every little problem and quirk he had with the boat. He truly cared for that boat but he was upgrading. As a matter of fact after the money exchanged hands and I was leaving the yard with the boat he made me promise him on a hand shake that I would change the oil before I took the boat out because it was last seasons oil.( I bought the boat in may). I havent bought a bad boat yet. So how old is too old?? The question is was the boat loved or ignored.

nomad317 · Mar 7, 2003

Re: How old of a boat is too old?

Thanks to all! Good points from everybody. Went looking again today and I've seen so many boats lately I can't keep them straight (even w/ my notes). So I assume an "old" bayliner is more than 10yrs old. I did find a real nice looking boat; 1989 Barretta 185 F/S w/ a 4.3L OMC Cobra. Looked fantastic but it was getting dark so I'll have to go back in the morning. Any thoughts on the 89 Barretta? (I've never heard of them) NADA's site value is right around what they're asking but again, I haven't jumped up & down on the floor yet. (dealers live when I do that) Again thanks...

Lark40 · Mar 8, 2003

Re: How old of a boat is too old?

The OMC 4.3 v-6 is a great engine and the sterndrive is far smoother than the new Merc Alpha's made today. But, you may have to search to find a shop that will work on it. On the other hand, parts are easy to get and there is plenty of tech advice on the Internet. My engine and sterndrive have never been rebuilt/replaced.

DJ · Mar 8, 2003

Re: How old of a boat is too old?

nomad, Rinker is a nice boat. The Rinker family has owned, and still does, the company for many years. I like the styling of the unit pictured. I would shy away if it has an OMC stern drive (Cobra). Nothing wrong with them, just OMC's out of business. With that said, I would still do a major looking over of the unit looking for soft spots in the floor and transom. JB is right about buying from dealers. MOST dealers do not do well with used boats. They seem them more as a liability than an asset. The better dals are availbale from private owners, yet you are totall responsible for checking the unit out. One last piece of advice, don't let the "flash" and cool looks of a particular unit sway you. There is a reason those units are for sale.

RGR · Mar 8, 2003

Re: How old of a boat is too old?

Hello Nomad: I am rather new to boating (as an owner) and know what you going through on a first boat buy. I purchased a 1970 Starcraft a couple summers ago. Now I admit it was rough and looked like hell! I have had it out 2 times as I rebuild her. I also went out and purchased a 1998 Caravelle just so I could get out on the water and have some fun. I test drove it along with a bayliner that was newer and like the caravelle better. If I hadn't done that I would not have had anything to compare it to. If you can't take it for a test run on water, don't buy it. I agree with the others that new isn't always the best. My advice is look at a lot of boats and find someone who knows the Mechanics of a boat. That is where I failed on the Starcraft. They can be expensive to repair. Make sure you buy something that is ready to go. As far as sking and fishing goes, my dad had a 85 Chrysler outboard on a new tri hull open bow boat that pulled him just fine back in 73. We also fished out of the same boat with up to five people onboard. I wish you the best! RGR

Whaler Proud · Mar 8, 2003

Re: How old of a boat is too old?

I have to weigh in with JB on recommending a Boston Whaler. No knocks inteneded on other boats, just my opinion (semi-humble at least). I have a 1968 16'7 that was passed to me from my Dad. I installed a Suzuki 90 2 years ago and the boat fits all of the needs you are looking for. The extra bonus I have is the unsinkability Whalers are known for. Knowing that my family is considerably safer is a big asset. Mine can have a "wet ride" sometimes when the water gets rough, but we fish, ski and cruise in it to our hearts content. And I expect to pass it down to my son when I am too old to enjoy it (he will be quite old by then

). I have seen mint older Whalers like mine go for less than $5,000.00 with trailer and motor in web boat classifeds in your area. Take care of a Whaler and it will keep its value while providing years and years of enjoyment.

bamadave · Jun 21, 2006

Re: How old of a boat is too old?

Drive a boat that is in perfect shape so when you are test driving a boat that you are considering, you can HEAR any differences. If you are considering an i/o, make sure you don't hear ANY growling noises(bad bearing). Turn the wheel to near lock both directions and listen for clacking sound. Any roaring, growling, or knocking sound, RUN AWAY. The boat hasn't been routinely serviced. You will able to SEE and HEAR a boat that has been loved.

How old of a boat is too old?

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