MN Used Boats

Weirdboymike

Seaman
Joined
Apr 9, 2015
Messages
59
Hey all,

Wondering where everyone buys their used boats, other than craigslist. I have been looking for a cheap 14-16' V with out motor for sale and haven't had too much luck. I am looking at boats at Smitty's Marine which seems to be the best option.

Looking for a slight up grade from my1980 Lowe Skipper V. Like an older Lund Rebel or Alumicraft Lunker.

Sorry if this is not right location for this post.
 
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Scott Danforth

Grumpy Vintage Moderator still playing with boats
Staff member
Joined
Jul 23, 2011
Messages
49,548
I would look in CL in the quad cities and even St Louis - just a bit south of you. much less expensive then MN, especially near the twin cities.
 

TyeeMan

Master Chief Petty Officer
Joined
Feb 27, 2006
Messages
849
I would look around up north Mn in the lakes area, tons of boats for sale up there. Brainerd/Baxter, Nisswa, Pequot Lakes, Walker, Alexandria, etc.

We have a place in Nisswa, I see the type of boat your looking for all the time at the grocery store pinned up on the board.

Find various boat dealer and check their used stock.
 

roscoe

Supreme Mariner
Joined
Oct 30, 2002
Messages
21,739
lots available in western wisconsin.

price range and size of motor desired?
 

fishin98

Chief Petty Officer
Joined
Nov 28, 2009
Messages
521
I look on Craig's list all the time for my next project. I see many of what your looking for in MN and Western WI. Of course be advised Lund and Alumacraft are going for a premium at this time of year. Look into a Northwoods, a Sylvan or a MirrorCraft as a Alternate. 2 years ago I traveled to WI from FLA to purchase a 1988 Alumacraft Lunker V14, with a Shorelandr trailer, paid $750 for these beaters put another $2000 into a rebuild.
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DeepCMark58A

Commander
Joined
Aug 17, 2015
Messages
2,350
Being here in Minnesota it isn't as much of where as when. Cheaper boat prices left when the ice came off the lakes, check in June once the rush has died down.
 

Weirdboymike

Seaman
Joined
Apr 9, 2015
Messages
59
No Title

Fishin 98... Wow you did a great job on that!

Rocoe... Don't really need one so hoping there is a decent one that is a little bigger than the one below at a price under $1000. I have plenty of motors so no need for a new outboard unless trades are welcomed (ideal as funds aren't in excess but outboards are). I go on an annual camping/fishing trip with a few guys and with all our camping/fhishing gear for 5 days and 2 guys this one gets a little overwhelmed. I would be willing to trade this set up as well.
 

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Weirdboymike

Seaman
Joined
Apr 9, 2015
Messages
59
I hear you DeepCMark58A Problem is the trip is in May... I plan on making due with what I got. Just wishful thinking, and wondering if any of you had any hidden gems on places with good deals that you normally work with. Still might try that Smitty's Marine as I believe they do trades.
 

jkust

Rear Admiral
Joined
Aug 2, 2008
Messages
4,942
I bought my current boat and my previous on CL here in MN. I discovered that is THE place that people post their boats. You probably already noticed that MN is pretty overpriced for just about any vehicle and in particular boats as compared to many other states but that this exact second is when the used boats are piling onto the market. The cycle is short and before you know it, it is over and then you are left with undesirable stuff and onesie and twosies that come onto the market.
Used boats in MN that are sold by private party or by brokerage have no sales tax associated with them, only the trailer for which you personally tell the DMV the value of the trailer from which sales tax is calculated. People know this and avoid the dealers because dealers are required to charge sales tax on the boat and trailer aside from the fact that the dealers overprice their boats as you'd expect. Back to that MN market thing...I generally buy all of my vehicles out of state and have them shipped to my front door because the price difference is so dramatic and the shipping cost works in the equation and I was actually searching nationwide for my current boat (the exact model) when only out of luck did someone nine miles from me post one up otherwise I'd have surely bought one for a lot less dollars down south or four or five years newer of the same model.
 

ezmobee

Supreme Mariner
Joined
Mar 26, 2007
Messages
23,767
I found my Hydra-Sports on a Facebook group/page for boat sales in my area.
 

Scott Danforth

Grumpy Vintage Moderator still playing with boats
Staff member
Joined
Jul 23, 2011
Messages
49,548
FWIW, I saved $5k on my searay by driving to St Louis vs prices in Wisconsin and Minnesota and Michigan. That was mid march time frame
 

oldrem

Commander
Joined
Nov 7, 2013
Messages
2,002
Another source to look at is facebook marketplace - been finding prices on several items I was looking for lower there than c/l
 

Lightwin 3

Petty Officer 1st Class
Joined
May 18, 2010
Messages
300
If you can wait until just after Labor Day, that's when the bargains pop up. Some guy realizes he has no place to put this thing and the wife wants her car in the garage! Well, at least some do.
 
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