Opinion On this Boat? First Boat! 1988

[Bunnerrabbit]

Ok i am looking for opinions on this boat. I think it seems to be a decent deal. I was trying to wait to get some $$ issues in order but really considering trying to get the boat. First it is 400 miles away. I have a 98 full size chevy with 130k miles on it so im a little worried about a trip that far but it is a good running truck. Anyway is this a super deal or just an good one? <br /><br /> http://adcache.boattraderonline.com/6/6/5/78646165.htm <br /><br />This will be my first boat of this size I did have a 86 16ft basstracker 35hp but it was pretty easy to get around in.

 

[Solittle]

Re: Opinion On this Boat? First Boat! 1988

Nice looking boat. On it being a good deal - - that all depends on the engine and I know you can't tell much from 400 miles away and we can tell even less. Make sure you take someone with you who is outboard savy and do the usual checks - compression, gear oil etc.<br /><br />That will not be a speedboat. 88 hp should be OK though unless you plan on doing a lot of sking with a couple of adults on board.

 

[mattttt25]

Re: Opinion On this Boat? First Boat! 1988

my current boat was bought 400 miles away. get the guy's email and start a daily dialog with him, asking every possible question you can think of. have him send plenty of extra photos. then make an offer. even if it's worth the 3k, you can probably get him down a bit for the traveling required. of course, sale contigent on inspection. then go get it and have fun. i don't think your truck will have any problems pulling it.

 

[biloxiriver]

Re: Opinion On this Boat? First Boat! 1988

Looks good, price certainly sounds right for an 18' boat, motor and trailer in good shape. I have never heard of or seen a Troller myself, have you checked NADA values or BUC? The simple answer to me, is make the offer contingent on a checkout and test run; and when you test run it run it hard for a bit (WOT). Check the compression on each cylinder, and check the lower unit oil for water or evidence of metal shavings. The 90 sure won't push it real quick, but it should get her up in 32 - 35 mph range, which is plenty fast for many of us.

 

[Bunnerrabbit]

Re: Opinion On this Boat? First Boat! 1988

You have raised some more questions for me. I was thinking that the 90HP would be plenty and go faster than that(yes 35mhp is fast enought) But in thinking and trying to figure out whats best for me. Would a more current boat same style and size weigh in much less requiring less motor or getting more out of a 90hp motor? 19ft is the max i would consider and i have even considered some 15-16ft boats. However I do want to be able to fit atleast 5 people and would like to pull a tube sometimes. If i got that boat I would look into buying a new or like new motor within a year or so. Should i go ahead and just look for a newer boat now? I do want a smaller center console boat and was thinking 16-17ft 60hp motor would be enought. As for Troller its not even in NADA and i have found no info on them.

 

[Bunnerrabbit]

Re: Opinion On this Boat? First Boat! 1988

Also im thinking that boat has a wood floor.(yes? no?) If so when did they start making the boats without wood flooring?

 

[carrotsnapper]

Re: Opinion On this Boat? First Boat! 1988

As far as the distance, you didn't say how big your truck is. I have a 19 footer with a 260 merc i/o and make 600 mile round trips a couple of times a summer with a 95 dodge 1500. The trip shouldn't be a problem with that size boat.

 

[roscoe]

Re: Opinion On this Boat? First Boat! 1988

Most all boats had wood floors, and many still do. If its solid, no problem.<br /><br />It sounded like you don't trust your truck to go 400 miles. Or is it pull that boat 400 miles? Either way, check your vehicles tow rating, should be on a sticker on the drivers door. If it isn't there, stop at a dealership and have them read the codes for you.<br /><br />Sounds good, if the boat is as clean as described.<br />If the motor is sound, why replace it? If you want a new one next year, then wait a year and buy what you want. Cheaper in the long run.

 

[Solittle]

Re: Opinion On this Boat? First Boat! 1988

You mentioned the alternative of getting a newer boat - the age of a boat (or engine)is far less important as the care and condition.

 

[G DANE]

Re: Opinion On this Boat? First Boat! 1988

I wouldnt worry about fitting 5 people in an 18 footer or towing a tube with a 90 HP, both should work fine.

 

[sea wolf]

Re: Opinion On this Boat? First Boat! 1988

With 5 people on board pulling a tube, in my opinion 35mph is a stretch with that setup. You also have to take into account the weight of your gear, coolers fuel etc. There ain't much room on an 18 ftr. for 5 people once u load up. Just my .02.