Buying used boat...need advice

[BamaBassboat]

I am in the market for a used bass boat around $2500. I know that I will have to get an older and more heavily used boat to get in this price range. I have found a 17' 1992 Legend boat with a 150 outboard that I like. The seats are in good shape and so is the carpet. However, there is a "weak spot" in the floor just to the left of where your feet would be if you were driving. Right in the middle of the weak spot there is a hole about the size of a softball where the wood is gone completely. The rest of the floor feels okay and sounds okay when I tap it with a hammer. The trouble spot is only about a 1 1/2 foot square. I know how to fiberglass so it would be an easy enough fix to simply cut out the old rotten plywood, replace it, fiberglass over it, replace the carpet, and keep fishing. My problem is that I am worried about the stringers being rotten. I know they are fiberglassed over as well so that they will stand up to some water. I don't mind fixing the floor because the price is only $2500 for the boat and it is a pretty nice boat. Any advice on what to do, how to check the stringers, etc. Anything would be helpful as this will be my first boat purchase. Thanks.

 

[Andy in NY]

Re: Buying used boat...need advice

unfortunatly the stringers cant be checked without pulling the deck out. but since you have a soft spot, i would start by cutting that spot out and using it to explore below deck some. but chances are the stringers AND transom may need to be replaced. rot spreads like cancer in a boat. if there is a soft spot, its most likely because it wasnt covered all the time when not in use, or just generally has been neglected.

 

[MacPointMan]

Re: Buying used boat...need advice

I have been looking around the Atlanta area for a decent bowrider in the same price range. I have pretty much reserved myself to the fact that whatever I find will need some work put into her i.e. new or reupholstered seats, floor issues fixed or later on after a season or two floor replacement. New motor or outdrive those type of issues.

I have pretty much come to the realization that for something with a good floor and decent motor I am looking at the over $3000 price range. I have found a few in the 4000 price range. Not out of my reach but a little more than I had planned on spending. Though I believe the benefits will outweigh the cost. An adult only vacation leaving our little one behind can wait. Having a boat that we can have family fun times together on will be priceless. Having spent so much time away from home the past couple of years I am looking for something special that will give us years of fun family outings. I have always wanted a boat and I have decided that my daughter is at an age she can really enjoy it and fun times on the water.

MacPointMan

 

[Jmnemonic]

Re: Buying used boat...need advice

Hi Bamabassboat,

I've purchased my boat recently, it's my first boat, and my advice is clear, look for an expert, a mechanic or someoen with enough experience and knowledge about boats and motors to make a real test and to know where to look and what are the "big problems" and what are not, you maybe spend some cash in hire this person, but it worth it, you can safe lot of money on hidden problems that a begginer cant see.

This is my advice.

 

[MacPointMan]

Re: Buying used boat...need advice

After doing some searching on Craig's list and around the net, talking to a couple of boat dealers and emailing a couple of sellers it is apparent to me that I can get a decent boat within my extended price range from a reputable dealer reselling used boats.

This seems to be the best way to find something that I can get my feet wet with. Yes I might be spending a little more money than I need to but I would like my first learning experience with a boat to not be one that will end up costing me more in the long run.

I could save $1,000 or more buying a boat from someone whop is just looking to unload his I could end up lucky and find a gem or I could end up with a Hull and a motor that was running by a shoestring and it could end up costing me a crap ton of money in the end.

After I gain some experience and learn the ways of boating and about boats I can explore the hey ill drive 75 miles to check out your Hull see if it is worth anything aspect of the hobby / activity / LIFESTYLE.

If anyone knows of any reputable used boat dealers in the north / mid Georgia area I would be more than happy to know. I can even go so far as Birmingham, Al. for the right deal and boat.

I have been in contact with Lanier Marine and Halls Bridge Marine. Both have some promising boats in the $4,000 price range.

MacPointMan

 

[kenmyfam]

Re: Buying used boat...need advice

Soft and / or partially rotted floor is never usually good news.
Steer clear or expect a lot of work.

 

[Rumley]

Re: Buying used boat...need advice

RUN!!!
i bought my boat for 2200, thought that i had to fix a small spot in the floor of my boat, and change a gimbal bearing. instead i replaced the whole floor, stringers, carpet which in materials alone cost me well over a $1000 and 8 weeks of time working every night after work. unless you are prepared to spend alot of time and money i would keep looking and bring someone who knows what they are talking about. instead of just changing a gimbal bearing in the outdrive, i ended up changing bearing, bellows, ujoints, water pump. all in all my 2200$ boat now has about 6000 into it (some of that is new electronics) but it was unexpected.
just my opinion, i definately wish i would have brought a friend who knew stuff about boats.