Noob, terrified, first time buyer - 1975 Starcraft Capri 15 w/ 1969 Merc 1000

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mr 88

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Its much smarter to ask on here BEFORE the purchase than to ask after," what do you think of the boat I just bought". Those post kill me when you know the guy bought a peice of crap and then ask's after the fact,duhhh.
 
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mr 88

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The spectrum looks to me like a nice deal that will meet all your needs , expect to pay about 2700 for it.10000% better than your first boat you asked about.
 
bonz_d

bonz_d

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LucyJune, the one you just linked to looks like a nice one and a fair price. If the engine on it was of the same year as the boat that price would easily double in most areas. Not that there is anything wrong with those V4 Johnsons, they are strong engines and can easily be maintained with still a good parts supply available.

As with buying anything used just remember that pictures can be deceiving. Don't get in a hurry or swayed by pretty paint. The more time you can take looking it over the better. If possible go look, leave, think and then go look again. Best thing is to read as much as you can about both the hull and the engine and then be an informed buyer.
 
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LucyJune

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Soooo if I make a list of prospects and post on here should I start a new thread? On the hunt again... :)
 
64osby

64osby

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I say keep the same thread.

Spectrum boats were made by several different company's during the 90's, Blue Fin, Fisher, Tracker I think.

Quality seemed to vary. It may have a combination of welds and rivets. The welded transoms were a point that had some issues on some boats.

IIRC they also had poured in foam to support the hull and the floor, not ribs and stringers like a Starcraft or other tin boats.

Check reviews on line for varied opinions.
 
TruckDrivingFool

TruckDrivingFool

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That Spectrum is a winner if it's as nice in person and as in pic and I think 88 hit the price on the head but I'd float 23-2500 first to test the waters.

As for posting up other prospectives - Might as well just keep going in this thread we're already watching it. :)
 
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LucyJune

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Thx! Will stay here. :) The spectrum is gone. I've called about the 14' in Cinci.

smokeonthewater I'm loving these boats but am restricted to 1500 total tow capacity. Womp womp. Unless anyone is interested in purchasing/trading for a nearly all original '68 Chevy Impala Custom, 2 door with a 327. ;)

How bout this Lund? https://bloomington.craigslist.org/boa/5146767823.html

Basstracker but can't tell if the total weight capacity is going to exceed the tow cap. Nada says the boat weighs 1000ish but can't tell if that includes motor... http://lexington.craigslist.org/boa/5179300371.html

Alum starcraft
https://eastky.craigslist.org/boa/5165896366.html

LoneStar http://indianapolis.craigslist.org/boa/5145918473.html

Lowes https://lexington.craigslist.org/boa/5170071158.html
Sea Nymph https://nashville.craigslist.org/boa/5166791781.html

Red Lund https://nashville.craigslist.org/boa/5175089759.html

Another red Lund http://louisville.craigslist.org/boa/5129430755.html
 
64osby

64osby

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smokeonthewater said:
Ouch.. Gonna be hard pressed to get anything fitting your needs under 1500 lbs....
Click to expand...


That is why a tin boat is key here.

The "another red lund" looks like a winner pending condition, followed by the blue lund, from your list.

The 16' starcraft super sport is still a good choice for a style and fit, if you can find the right deal.
 
TruckDrivingFool

TruckDrivingFool

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I'm going to suggest you make one big decision - Tiller or remote.

Blue Lund looks a bit wore I'd check the decks thoroughly in person.
Bass Tracker looks in better shape but they do seem to be a heavier boat - good or bad I don't know
Alum SC Like it but the 48 seems to be a bit underpowered in my mind for that boat
LS Vintage, I like it go fishing in style. Seriously though you might find that layout hard to fish from w/ more than 2 on board
Lowe pics are from afar so it looks ok from 20' away, same hull design as the tracker if it really interests you see if they'll let you in to like 5' away in person
SN I like it better than the Lowe both have Mercs not sure but I think this one is newer motor good or bad? dunno not a Merc guy.
Red Lund see the above big decision other than the tiller it's a good looking boat
Another red Lund you might do some searching here on forums, I seem to remember reading of harder to find parts for the older Suzuki OBs

Keep asking, if you have the time get out and look at them all if not find the few that really light your fire and get out and look at them. If they'll let you in romp around inside and sit in the seats that's the best way I've found to check out floors. Look at the transom wood as best as you can from the inside. Look for signs of bent outter skins or transom caps. Wiggle and I wiggle the motor as you know. For a flex reference my Jet with the new trans wood with the motor up I can bounce on it and the boat will bounce the trailer more than I see the smallest amount of flex in the transom.

That's my ?2
 
bonz_d

bonz_d

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Best of the bunch, StarCraft and last Red Lund.

The StarCraft looks as if it's been recently upgraded on the interior and that 48hp Johnson is a strong reliable engine. I have the 50hp model of that engine and the difference is the 50hp has the VRO oil injection system and is available with power tilt. It should push that boat just fine.

The Lund Mr. Pike was their top seller and set the standard of the day. Very sturdy hull and it takes a lot to hurt one. Here in Wisconsin we don't see many Suzuki outboards so I can't relate to it. But if the engine was taken care of and has good compression it shouldn't be a problem.

Those modified V jons have low freeboard and were designed mostly for shallow water bass fishing and are going to have a very harsh ride in choppy water.
 
smokeonthewater

smokeonthewater

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Lucy, where do you plan to use your new boat?... Most places near Louisville tend to be very congested and overrun with go fast and wakeboard boats.... A small tinny can be quite uncomfortable if you plan to venture away from the no wake areas... Example, Taylorsville lake feels more like sitting in the middle of a freeway than a lake.

The river can be less congested but has bigger boats and bigger wakes.... They can rock my 30'er hard enough while I'm anchored to knock stuff over at times.

I'm not saying the light boat can't work and maybe you are well aware of what Louisville waters are like but just throwing it out there.
 
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LucyJune

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Aug 17, 2015
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Going to see the blue Lund tonight. Called about the others. We shall see... I'm sure I'll have another lay in a few hours.

smokeonthewater mostly Cumberland, Green and Nolin. My Dad lives on Cumberland but we go down to Holmes Bend a lot. Nolin is the closer and feel most like home though. Not a big fan of Taylorsville.

We typically get back in a slew and tie off or anchor, let kids swim or would do some trolling.
 
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LucyJune

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What good is the ride without a few bumps along the way? ;) I appreciate the heads up, really. I got my statud promoted on here from one thread. Dang wee.

Not sure if you all saw the link to that Bomber I posted http://louisville.craigslist.org/boa/5154287031.html but I can't find anything about these boats. Best I can tell they were made by FiberKing. I got the VINs, talked to the guy and he was nice and the boat is very close but A) it's fiberglass, which I'm now a little weary of B) I can't find any darn specs on this thing so I'm not sure what that total pkg would weigh. I have a weakness for this type of boat since it's what we had growing up. :) any input?

Also, on the blue lund... the boat and motor are within specs but I can't determine trailer specs due to incomplete vin. I know its a roller trailer, fits an 18ft, coupler says class 3 rested for up to 5k lbs but nothing on the trailer other than its a shorelander. I looked on their site and try to do a compare but they can range from 250 - 750 lbs for a darn trailer. Any Thoughts?
 
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