looking to buy a used boat

[a267mm]

hello

Am looking into purschasing a used boat. I know more about cars boat don't know anything about boats. What do i need to look for when buying a boat.

 

[Bondo]

Re: looking to buy a used boat

Ayuh,.... Welcome Aboard,....

Outboard power,..??

I/O power,..??

Inboard power,..??

How Big,..?? 12', or 52',..??

 

[shrew]

Re: looking to buy a used boat

The question is very open ended and vague. Replace the word Boat with Car or House, then re-read the post. How would you address it if someone asked about a car? honestly, this is probably the most active boating forum, and the question your asking is the most commonly asked. I'd start with the search feature, and browse the miles of threads on this topic.

I'd start by narrowing down the scope of search by asking myself a few questions.

1) What type of boating are you going to be doing?

2) How are you going to use the boat?

3) With whome and how many people?

Are we talking about a bass fishing boat, a canoe, a sportfisher, walkaround, center console, bow rider, cruiser?

I'd start by trying to narrow down the type of boat I'm looking for to begin with. Then I'd be looking at my price range.

 

[a267mm]

Re: looking to buy a used boat

The question is very open ended and vague. Replace the word Boat with Car or House, then re-read the post. How would you address it if someone asked about a car? honestly, this is probably the most active boating forum, and the question your asking is the most commonly asked. I'd start with the search feature, and browse the miles of threads on this topic.

I'd start by narrowing down the scope of search by asking myself a few questions.

1) What type of boating are you going to be doing?

2) How are you going to use the boat?

3) With whome and how many people?

Are we talking about a bass fishing boat, a canoe, a sportfisher, walkaround, center console, bow rider, cruiser?

I'd start by trying to narrow down the type of boat I'm looking for to begin with. Then I'd be looking at my price range.

looking for a 17-25, more of a boat to hang out like the ones that u can walk around from front to back. Like i said don't know what types they have. First boat

 

[Home Cookin']

Re: looking to buy a used boat

there is a world of difference between a 17' and a 25'. The differences in price range, handling, storage and maintenance, trailer and tow vehicle requirements, and difficulty if you trailer it. The question still can't be answered.

Let me suggest you go to a website of a boat manufacturer that makes boats from 17' to 25'. Look at the difference in price, size, motor, weight. You will get a better idea of what you want, realistically, and what you can handle based on skill, money, towing ans storage limitations. Price out insurance, registration and storage. Look at fuel consumption--6 gallons an hour makes an expensive day's trip.

Try Boston Whaler, Grady White, Carolina Skiff/Sea Chaser, Sea Hunt, Palm beach, Tahoe, Bayliner, Sea Ray--I think they each cover your range.

Note that you can buy a fairly new used boat for 75% of the new price and a decent used model for 50% of new. But the best place to start is the new ones to learn design options, etc. Be sure you are sitting down when you look at the prices.

Although lots of people do it, I think 25' is too big to trailer and launch every time you use it, and too big for a learner. I'd start at 17-19'. You can also usually stay on a single axle that way.

 

[southkogs]

Re: looking to buy a used boat

Where do you plan to boat (lake, ocean, river, etc., etc.)? What kind of boating do you plan to do (skiing, fishing, cruising, etc., etc.)? How many people do you plan to have on the boat? How are you gonna' tow and store the boat? How much money do you plan to spend?

Little more of that kind of stuff and we can help a bit more.

 

[a267mm]

Re: looking to buy a used boat

Where do you plan to boat (lake, ocean, river, etc., etc.)? What kind of boating do you plan to do (skiing, fishing, cruising, etc., etc.)? How many people do you plan to have on the boat? How are you gonna' tow and store the boat? How much money do you plan to spend?

Little more of that kind of stuff and we can help a bit more.

ocean, maybe some fishing here and there. Looking not to go over 5k. people 3-7 depending. I have a dodge ram hemi. storing behind my house or the side of the house. what should i be looking out for. I found this boat looks ok on pictures

http://fortmyers.craigslist.org/lee/boa/2912158816.html

http://fortmyers.craigslist.org/lee/boa/2896535723.html

 

[southkogs]

Re: looking to buy a used boat

Go check out that Proline. That's the type of rig I would want on big water. He's also showing he's ready to take you for a ride which I like. If you've got a marine mechanic who'll go with you, that would be worth dropping a few bucks for.

Mainly you want to look at the structure (transom and stringers) to make sure nothing is rotted out or weak (don't know if that boat has wood in it or not). Make sure the OB runs at idle, wide open and all points in between. Push it a little bit to make sure it does what it's supposed to - don't break it, but make it work some.

Look at the overall condition ... did the guy take care of it? If it looks well cared for, that may mean you had a good PO who really kept a nice boat for ya'.

 

[coastalrichard]

Re: looking to buy a used boat

a267mm:

The two boats in your post are two extremely different animals and their uses and utility are as well.

The first one is called a center console for obvious reasons. It is set up for and used primarily for fishing. Seating is very limited as are most creature comforts.

The second boat is called a cuddy cabin; again pretty obvious by virtue of the small enclosure in the bow. This boat is set up for and used primarily for pleasure cruising. There is ample seating for folks, probably a nice stereo and maybe fresh water on board; maybe even a porta-potty in the bow. You won't be fishing on that boat unless you make some additions for rod stowage, etc.

Some other types of boats also have some peticular features and uses:

Bay style - usually a skinny water boat that let's you get into shallow waters without problem
Offshore - will have a deep-v hull that will slice through waves easier and provide a smoother ride in offshore conditions
Ski - special purpose with features that permit quick hole shots (starting a skier), low wake and manueverability
Pontoon - basically a floating dance floor with a motor. Not fast, but great for taking lots of folks and many different seating possibilities
Walk Around Cuddy (WAC) - a combination of offshore hull with a cuddy cabin that you can literally walk around to get to the bow; has fishing and pleasure boat features
Bowrider - most will have some style of vee hull and an open lounging area in the bow as well as the cockpit (rear); lots of creature comforts; not a fishing machine without some mods

And lots more....nowdo you see why we're asking all these dumb questions?

Tell us where you think you will use it, what your main uses will be and what "things" you would like it to have and we'll spend ALL your money....I guarantee it!

 

[a267mm]

Re: looking to buy a used boat

I understand don't know which style am shooting for more of the proline but wanna make sure am not buying a messed up boat. which ever boat i get i just wanna make sure u guys steer me on the right direction on looking for the things that go wrong with them as far as cracking. The seapro guy just called me telling me motor sucked up water so that's a no go for me.

 

[etracer68]

Re: looking to buy a used boat

The Proline is setup for fishing, not really a pleasure boat. I do alot of fishing, and just relaxing. I have a 16ft, but made sure it had one back to back seat, so Joanne could lay it out, and lay in the sun. If your married, and have kids, ask them too. A center counsel boat is not setup for pleasure. The layout of a boat, is very important, if you want to be happy with it. Or, buy more then one boat,LOL. I had 3 boats at one time, each for differant outtings. Condition is everything, sea trial, and take along someone that knows boats, it will be worth it.

 

[southkogs]

Re: looking to buy a used boat

If you're not quite sure what you like (style wise) what about tromping out to a couple of local dealerships and crawl around on a few? You can sit in different styles, see how big they feel and then start finding what you like and dislike about them.

Ocean use and first time boating pushed me toward the center console (I think outboards are easiest to learn with, center consoles are generally designed for bigger water and you can fit several people on board reasonably), but that's not the only boat in the game. Some time looking at the new ones might help you figure out what to look for in a used one.

Just make sure you let the sales dude know you're just doing some recon.

 

[a267mm]

Re: looking to buy a used boat

Look at this boat yesterday looked very good just needed some comestic work but not bad

 

[cyclops2]

Re: looking to buy a used boat

Buying a used boat IS NOT even close to being like buying a used car.

Do you have any boat owner friends ? Or are you doing this on your own ?

 

[a267mm]

Re: looking to buy a used boat

Buying a used boat IS NOT even close to being like buying a used car.

Do you have any boat owner friends ? Or are you doing this on your own ?

went with a friend today and bought got tired at looking so i settled with a 1996 regal dynasty i/o

 

[ricohman]

Re: looking to buy a used boat

Good luck with the new boat.
I went through the same thing last year. I ended up buying a 1979 Starcraft tri-hull with a merc 90. I had a lot of fun and a lot of trouble.
But I liked boating so much I ended up selling and buying new
Make sure you keep a fire extinguisher on board!