Should I buy this boat? 1957 Duracraft 15'

[uccal]

I have been eyeing this boat for a couple of weeks now, and I'm thinking this might be a good first boat for me for fishing and an occasional cruise on the lake and boat camping. I really like the size, and that it is aluminum which means I can easily tow this with my car.

What I know so far:
Only two owners, it was owned by one family until last year. Owner was supposedly a marine technician.
Motor is 1988 JOHNSON 40 HP, compression check on both cylinders show 140 psi.
Has title for boat and trailer. Planning on going to DMV with him to register it if I buy it.

I'm going for a test drive this weekend. Anything I should look for? Would you pay $1200 for it? I live in WA state.

Thank you

 

[garbageguy]

some good pics may help you get better opinions.

 

[uccal]

hmm wierd, i can see the pics on my side.

let me try embedding.

 

[Big Gee]

Condition is everything on a used boat and from the pictures, the condition looks pretty good.

If things check out on the test drive, you could do a lot worse for $1200. Does it meet your anticipated use of a boat?

 

[mr 88]

Aluminum boats pretty much last forever and you should always get what you paid for it if you decide to move up. The only thing that I would make sure of is that the replacement wood is not pressure treated. Or else plan on replacing that type of wood,is not compatible with aluminum. If it fits your needs and passes the water test then go ahead and become a boater !

 

[uccal]

Copy.

>>Does it meet your anticipated use of a boat?
I believe so. I will probably try to get something bigger next year when I feel more comfortable with boat maintenance, but for now I want a good starter boat for lake fishing that I can store in the garage.

>>If things check out on the test drive
Anything in particular I should look out for?

 

[Big Gee]

Here's a collection of things to look at when buying a boat. Some of them will apply to the boat you're going to look at:

http://forums.iboats.com/forum/gene...eeding-help-buying-a-boat-a-buyer-s-checklist

 

[uccal]

Thank you for the checklist.

Would love to hear other people's thoughts on this boat.

 

[southkogs]

It looks like a decent boat, and from what I've heard of the PNW prices it's reasonable.

While you're out on it, you may want to see what it's like moving around when it's afloat and how it does turning at speed. The older hulls like that are a little rounded, and tend to lean/heel/roll a little more than some of the more modern boats do. I wouldn't call it dangerous, but you will feel the boat move a little more. On inland lakes, it's no big deal but the bigger water you go on - the more that movement will mean to you.

Welcome aboard.

 

[Stumpalump]

One of the best motors ever built and the stock engine is still used today in the SST45 class. Aluminum is the only material a boat should be made from. It will out last you and your kids, does not need a cover and gets awsome fuel milage. You can run it up on a beach and push it off with one person. You could not give me a heavy fiberglass boat. Buy it, it's a deal!

 

[flyingscott]

Are you sure the motor is an 1988 model? The hood is johnson but the rest looks to be an evinrude.

 

[uccal]

Thank you everyone!

flyingscott, I'll see if he has any paperwork on the motor. Would I be able to verify with the serial number?

 

[flyingscott]

Thank you everyone!

flyingscott, I'll see if he has any paperwork on the motor. Would I be able to verify with the serial number?

You will need the model #.