newbie...help on boating...need info

[newboating]

i found a boat and need opinion and suggestion. i m new to boating and owning a boat. any help will be appreciated.


i need to know the spec on the boat and the motor and etc. this's what i had;

http://www.golsn.com/listings/recreational_vehicles/boats-water_crafts/554204.html


1979 Ebb tide Dynatrak 16.6ft 140 hp Mercury Evinrude Trolling Motor needs Hot foot

 

[Silvertip]

Re: newbie...help on boating...need info

Rather than being interested in specifications you should be interested in other things. Such as, does it run, does it run well, have you seen compression numbers, have you taken an on-water test drive. What kind of shape is the trailer in -- as in tire condition and rust situation. Does the trolling motor work and are all of the batteries still good. Then and only then can you determine if the asking price is a bargain, average, or rip-off. But if you are interested in specifications, what specific specifications are you interested in?

 

[newboating]

Re: newbie...help on boating...need info

i m new that's why i came in here looking for help. i never own a boat, have a boat. as far as i know the guy said it run good, it has a title it is fiberglass lake ready just needs a hot foot. i m about 2 hours away from him and hate to go and got rip-off.

thanks

 

[NelsonQ]

Re: newbie...help on boating...need info

Unfortunately without running it and checking it out, you won't know if the deal is worthwhile.

Forget the cosmetics and the specs for a second as silvertip mentioned.

If you're new to boating, find someone who you know that can check it out for you or pay a local marina or surveyor to check it out. (take it to a marine shop in the town where you're going to see it, but not the marine that the seller uses)

If not, you may get something you don't want or pay more in the end for repairs. You can't go on the assumption that the seller is honest. More often than not he is, but its your responsibility to check it out.

I hope things work out for you but ensure its a sound boat, meets your needs, and is mechanically solid or at least in a condition of repair you're comfortable fixing or paying to fix.

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: newbie...help on boating...need info

consider the trolling motor shot. or he can fix it first. you do not state price. it is a 30 year old boat.

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

 

[triumphrick]

Re: newbie...help on boating...need info

This is a very helpful forum with lots of knowledgeable people. I have bought two boats in the past year. The first one was before I surfed on in here and made a few mistake with. The second boat was a great buy and I readily used the support of the forum. I also used the search function, "used boat" and read all I could on the posts. What I learned was if you or I am not mechanically inclined and have no knowledge of the boat buying, testing process we would need some help.
As posted, you really should have someone with you who knows a bit about boats and motors and trailers. If after viewing the posts and you still have some questions, all here will be ready to help you. Good luck, and welcome to iBoats. Rick