Absolute beginner wants a boat but very lost

[CVX20SPRINT]

Re: Absolute beginner wants a boat but very lost

One thing is for sure.I've never seen boat prices so low in Ont.Not a big fan of those old v-4 Johnson o/b but I like the boat.I've got a 15 ft Starcraft with a 50 Merc.Boat has been in the family since new(68 I believe),but I put the Merc on.IMHO buy the $950 Starcraft(you could start a bit lower) and then when you can afford it look for a newer/more efficient motor.Sturgeon Point Marine in Wasaga Beach has a good selection of used and rebuilt engines that he stands behind.BTW I'm about 45 min. north of you near Georgian Bay.Good luck.

Chris
Glastron/150 Merc
Starcraft/50 Merc

 

[ozenine]

Re: Absolute beginner wants a boat but very lost

One thing is for sure.I've never seen boat prices so low in Ont.Not a big fan of those old v-4 Johnson o/b but I like the boat.I've got a 15 ft Starcraft with a 50 Merc.Boat has been in the family since new(68 I believe),but I put the Merc on.IMHO buy the $950 Starcraft(you could start a bit lower) and then when you can afford it look for a newer/more efficient motor.Sturgeon Point Marine in Wasaga Beach has a good selection of used and rebuilt engines that he stands behind.BTW I'm about 45 min. north of you near Georgian Bay.Good luck.

I am going to take a look at it tonight. I know taht it is missing back row seat (it has only 4 seats in it now). I think I can build a seat if I have too.

Alos a question on this note, I cannot test it in water, so lest assume it leaks, how big of the deal is to fix that?

It is nice to meet almost neighbours in the web

 

[BeaufortTJustice]

Re: Absolute beginner wants a boat but very lost

Outboards do more with the same horsepower. That's because they are lighter and have less power loss between the crank and the prop.

I'm not disputing your point, but wanted to add that some I/O's make up some or all of the difference with torque, IMHO. I could be wrong.

 

[Jeep Man]

Re: Absolute beginner wants a boat but very lost

Ya know Jeep Man, I know your post is in jest but this actually something I'm concerned about. I don't want to sound like I'm pushing Starcrafts on people or trying to convert anyone. It's just that we do have a number of new members coming and asking for advice looking to get on the water inexpensively. I just personally feel that an outboard powered tin boat has the least potential to be a money pit. There's a lot of scary stuff out there in the <$3000 fiberglass boat world! The last thing I want to see is someone unknowingly buy a rotted hulk of a hull and end up being turned off on boating altogether.

Yeah I know.....Just yankin' your chain.

 

[Home Cookin']

Re: Absolute beginner wants a boat but very lost

A leaky aluminum boat can be hard to patch. Although as I said I had 2 growing up, I moved to fiberglass because the rivets+salt water+pounding against chop meant leaks. I think they are better suited for fresh water.

 

[CVX20SPRINT]

Re: Absolute beginner wants a boat but very lost

My 68 Starcraft doesn't leak a drop.Don't even have a bilge pump in it.All fresh water though.For tinners these boats are well constructed IMHO.