Novice boat buyer needs info!!

[skimm222]

I've never purchased a boat before so I really don't know exactly what to look for? I'm interested in either a starcraft islander, sylvan offshore, or crestliner sabre in the mid 80's to early 90's. I would welcome any hints as for what to look for or problems to be aware of with these models

Thanks

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: Novice boat buyer needs info!!

Buying a boat

1st you need to decide what you want to use it for, fishing, cruising, or water sports.

2nd how many people adults, children you want on board of the average outing.

3rd outboard, inboard-outboard, or inboard power plant.

4th Budget, what you want to pay, and what you are willing to pay, when you find
Exactly what you want.

You can hire a marine surveyor, to inspect the boat, or you can do it yourself.

You are mainly looking for soft spots in the deck, transom, cracks, all signs of a rotten, under frame. You walk all over the deck, that a mallot, or hammer with wooden handle, using handle, tap all over the transom, a shape rap is good solid base, a thud, is questionable base.

The motor should be clean, no spots where the paint is discolored, or pealing from heat, having run hot. (This part for outboard motors Compression should be atleast 100psi, and within 10% of each other,)
Spark on all cylinders, good pee stream, check lower unit for water in oil.

The overall condition of the boat will tell you a lot, as to how it has been maintained.

A 30 year old boat motor combo, may be in better condition, than a 3 year old.

 

[ezmobee]

Re: Novice boat buyer needs info!!

I believe those are all aluminum boats which is great because it does limit how big of a lemon you could accidentally purchase. No rotted stringers to worry about. Check the deck and transom carefully for rot. However on these boats I'd use a rotted deck or transom more as a negotiating point than a reason to run away because these aren't prohibitively difficult DIY projects. All 3 of those are solid brands that have been making great aluminum boats for decades.

 

[12vMan]

Re: Novice boat buyer needs info!!

Also make sure your tow vehicle is set up for the weight of your new boat. Make sure your boat has either a working surge brake, or electric brakes, where you will need a controller in the tow vehicle.

Also check the overall condition of the trailer - rust, etc. Check wheel bearings and lights.

This all shows maintenance charactaristics of the previous owner. If the boat is pristene and the trailer isn't, red flags should be a-flyin'.

When I sold my last boat, the whole package was so clean, the first person who saw it bought it at asking price and didn't even want to hear it run because it was so clean. (I did insist)

 

[haskindm]

Re: Novice boat buyer needs info!!

The only thing that matters with a used boat is condition, condition, condition. Did I mention condition? The best built new boat can be a lousy buy as a used boat if it has been abused. Check it over carefully and try to get an idea how it has been maintained. Has it been well cared for all of its life or just cleaned up to sell?
Good luck with the hunt.

 

[Limited-Time]

Re: Novice boat buyer needs info!!

If your looking for an IO, stay away from OMC (Obsolete Marine Corporation). Some people will tell you they are still viable, but they have been out of business for over 10 years. No need to strap yourself with that burden going forward. And you will need a good sized pile of cash........................................................................................ backed up by an even bigger one JIC................................

 

[tommays]

Re: Novice boat buyer needs info!!

Well


There is used and USEDED UP with a lot of boats falling into the usedup pile at that age

Your really looking for a garage kept boat to try and help avoide as much of the wood rot issue as possable

 

[dave11]

Re: Novice boat buyer needs info!!

I like the Islander with an outboard.