Need advice for when to pull the trigger on new purchase

[Steelguitarman]

Hello, been looking for a bigger boat, something I can take comfortable on the great lakes. Started looking about two months ago, which at that time everything was way higher, even junk. Stopped looking and started about a week ago. Better prices but just not sure when to pull.

I'm looking for a fishing vessel, around 24 ft, with a hard top. Im find alot of Thompsons and sportscrafts that fit this bill and are still trailerable. For a reasonable price. I know they are prone for transom rot, but what older boat isn't. I can look for that and have went home empty handed because of it.

I can't see spending big bucks on something new, especially in this economy. I've restored smaller boats in the past and wouldn't mind doing the same, but what I've found is that its potentially cheaper to pass up these project boats and find something alittle more that appears to be in much better shape.

Thats said, what should I expect to pay for something like this. I've found a few decent(or what appears to be) for 8k. Cheapest decent I've found is about 5k, but alot more wear or high hour engines

Any advice or even leads to boats would be appreciate. Located in ohio but willing to travel for the right boat(and price)

Thank you

 

[Scott Danforth]

I would look for something a few decades newer than a Thompson

Look for an aluminum boat made newer than 2000

 

[Steelguitarman]

I never considered aluminum an option on the great lakes. Except close to shore but still

If it's because of rot or water intrusion, that's not really a concern, I'll use my own best judgment and if a spell of doubt will have it surveyed. Looking for a reasonable price range for a good boat.

 

[Scott Danforth]

I never considered aluminum an option on the great lakes. Except close to shore but still

If it's because of rot or water intrusion, that's not really a concern, I'll use my own best judgment and if a spell of doubt will have it surveyed. Looking for a reasonable price range for a good boat.

Thompson hasn't been in business for almost 60 years

Any fiberglass boat under $10k should be considered a project unless proven otherwise

Fiberglass boats on the great lakes are prone to rot due to many reasons

You will get more boat for less money with aluminum. Especially if you are only looking for a fishing barge

Buddy has a 1994 24' crestliner sabre that probably gets 300 hours a year between Racine and Green Bay fishing, in addition to many runs to Erie

 

[ShoestringMariner]

What about a later model Starcraft Islander? 21-22’?
Not sure where you are but in Ontario it’s still a mixed bag. More Covid-Stupid pricing than normal but I’ve seen deals this year. Fortunate enough to pick up a 2000’s glass bow rider fb or under $1k

 

[Earl Cordova]

The best time to purchase a boat around here is fall and winter.

 

[roscoe]

Here she is.
24' ? aluminum Chieftain Hardtop, $8500.

Starcraft Chieftain Express Hardtop - boats - by owner - marine sale

1974 Starcraft Chieftain Express Aluminum boat. Hard top with enclosed cabin. Mercruiser (ford 302) runs great coupled with an alpha 1 outdrive, pushes this big water boat close to 40 MPH while...

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