Is This a Good Deal, 1st Boat Purchase, 1987 Bluefin 18' Alum 50HP Force

JT.ca

Recruit
Joined
Jan 13, 2012
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2
Looking for any info on this older alum boat. Here is the the craigslist ad:

1987 Bluefin 18ft aluminum fishing boat. Boat has 50hp Force outboard and 9.9 Gamefisher kicker both are 2-stroke and run excellent!
They were serviced last year with new plugs, fuel lines. and fresh gear oil. There is a full canvas bimini top with side curtains and backdrop to make a cozy enclosed cabin in those early morning fishing trips. There are 2 holes in the front of the lexan in the bimini top (see picture) that could be easily fixed I just havnt got around to it. There is brand new floor in the front bow with 4 compartments including one livewell with working aerator pump.
The floor was replaced in the stern 3 years ago by the previous owner but I put new carpet in the stern to match the bow. The seats were replaced last year and are pretty much new. There is a fish finder with depth, speed, and temp that works great. There is a VHF radio with antenna. I am going to throw in 2 downriggers that I made custom rod holder mounts that are easily removable. Comes with fire extinguisher, couple life jackets, and floating cushion. Everything you need to get on the water legally. I just replaced the bow roller, bow strap, and bow stop on the trailer along with freshly packed bearings. The trailer has 6 ft long guides to make launching and loading a dream. Almost all of the lights were replaced within the last year. I made a custom rod that connects the steering of the large motor with the kicker motor so you can steer the kicker from wheel at the helm.
This boat is ready to go fishing NOW it needs nothing but a new owner and some fishing poles.

$3800 OBO
No low ballers. Serious buyers only! I have the TITLE IN HAND.

Link to video by seller:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0o8UP4a6Iww&feature=youtu.be
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=585W1M-M3Bw&feature=youtu.be


Thanks in an advance for any info. Looking a purchasing this boat to fish for trout, kokanee & landlocked salmon in central CA
 

Kyleb100

Cadet
Joined
Oct 1, 2011
Messages
16
Re: Is This a Good Deal, 1st Boat Purchase, 1987 Bluefin 18' Alum 50HP Force

I would question why the floor was replaced in the stern... see what he says and form your own opinion from there. The motor will definitely get you there but not very fast. A 75-115 HP would be perfect for that boat. I don't know much about the game fisher motors, but that is a good size for that boat and should compliment the boat well. You may come to find out that you'll want to swap the kicker back to tiller controlled and use a tiller handle extension. There is a lot to be said for instant control over the kicker. Plus you will be facing the rear most of the time to watch your poles, which can prove to be a pain when steering from the helm. A full canvas is nice and you will definitely appreciate it on colder/rainy days. I would ask him when the last time the impellers were changed out in both motors. Even if he said within the last year or so, I would probably end up replacing them as well as changing the gear lube. It's really cheap insurance and provides peace of mind. All in all, it sounds like a fair deal as long as everything checks out. Better deals will come up though, if you want to play the waiting game. Try using a website called Search Tempest to search craigslist ads within a certain radius of your location, it's a boon.
 

roscoe

Supreme Mariner
Joined
Oct 30, 2002
Messages
21,878
Re: Is This a Good Deal, 1st Boat Purchase, 1987 Bluefin 18' Alum 50HP Force

The hull is actually made by Starcraft/Sylvan/SmokerCraft.

Very nice riding hull.

I sold the same boat, much nicer trailer, and a 115 Merc, for $2000 a few months ago.

Should have waited for spring and gotten $2800, but I needed to move it.

The hull will just barely plane with that motor. Will do ok with a 70 hp.
Does very well with anything over 85 hp.

Believe it is rated for 125 or 140 hp.

Good boat, but overpriced by at least $1800 in my opinion.
 

Part-time

Chief Petty Officer
Joined
Jul 5, 2011
Messages
536
Re: Is This a Good Deal, 1st Boat Purchase, 1987 Bluefin 18' Alum 50HP Force

My father has a 16' Starcraft, pretty much same shape hull just a bit smaller and a 60 mariner just gets it over 30mph with a 14 or 15 pitch prop.
And I don't put much faith in Force/Chrysler motors, I see them alot on kijiji (canadian version of c-list) that "run excelent... just need bottom end".
 

Bob_VT

Moderator & Unofficial iBoats Historian
Staff member
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May 19, 2001
Messages
26,108
Re: Is This a Good Deal, 1st Boat Purchase, 1987 Bluefin 18' Alum 50HP Force

The price is too high.

Look around and do not be afraid to travel to find a good boat. Try to water test everything you purchase.
 

sublauxation

Lieutenant
Joined
Oct 13, 2008
Messages
1,317
Re: Is This a Good Deal, 1st Boat Purchase, 1987 Bluefin 18' Alum 50HP Force

Are you sure it's an 87? Looks older to me but I'm no Blue Fin expert. What area do you live in? In MN I've seen a couple early 80's to late 70's hulls around that look to be in good shape with decent trailers for under 1K. That boat is definitely overpriced and underpowered, so it would be a double whammy to pay too much for a boat that needs a bigger motor, especially when neither motor on there would have great resale value.
 

Maclin

Admiral
Joined
May 27, 2007
Messages
6,761
Re: Is This a Good Deal, 1st Boat Purchase, 1987 Bluefin 18' Alum 50HP Force

Here is a link to a 1987 Blue Fin right here on iBoats, looks very similar to the on in the vidoes above so the 1987 vintage is probably correct, this one has the 50hp Force also, max 90hp is mentioned here for the hull...:

http://forums.iboats.com/showthread.php?t=398449
 

wlg

Petty Officer 2nd Class
Joined
Jan 1, 2012
Messages
168
Re: Is This a Good Deal, 1st Boat Purchase, 1987 Bluefin 18' Alum 50HP Force

You should hold off and find a better deal. I agree with the others that feel this boat is over priced. I'm not done with mine yet, but should be under the $4000 mark on a total rebuild.
 

79camaro

Petty Officer 3rd Class
Joined
May 4, 2011
Messages
83
Re: Is This a Good Deal, 1st Boat Purchase, 1987 Bluefin 18' Alum 50HP Force

sounds like a lot to me. I'd wait for a better deal, there's sure to be one, trust me.
 

JT.ca

Recruit
Joined
Jan 13, 2012
Messages
2
Re: Is This a Good Deal, 1st Boat Purchase, 1987 Bluefin 18' Alum 50HP Force

Thanks for all the info, I think I'll pass on that boat. I found another one on craigslist for all more money but the boat seems to be well taken care of, let me know what you think:



1993 Fisher SV16 DC Aluminum Boat for sale.

Includes 2 stroke 40 HP Mercury Outboard with autofeed oil (no mixing required).
Power Trim
Motor Guide 55lb Thrust Wireless Trolling Motor (wireless foot pedal and key chain remote)
Lowrance 5" Fish/ Depth Finder/ GPS with speed and water temperature.
2 Cannon Manual Downriggers
Steering Console with all gauges, Walkthrough Windshield
Huge Live Well
Removable Pedastal seating 4 in back, w/ removable pedastal on bow
Built in Gas Tank
Bimini Top and rain cover
CD AM/FM Stereo w/ auxilary ipod jack
Clean Trailer w/ swing away tongue to reduce space (will fit in most garages)
Boat cover, bumpers, 2 anchors, rod holders, rod storage, lots of lockable storage throughout, balance beam, extra props, etc....too much to list.
This boat is ready to fish....just add water!
This boat has been well maintained, garaged and is super clean.



Thanks
 
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