buying my first boat, help!

[smidge112]

So i am looking at purchasing my first boat for fishing. I mostly do trout fishing in smaller eastern sierra lakes, maybe tahoe. As well as some southern california lakes like casitas and pyramid. I am looking at getting a 12-14' aluminum hull with an outboard motor. Just wondering what are some things i should be looking for when looking at used boats? I honestly know nothing about boats, but i do know my way around an engine, so maybe that will help in some aspect with checking the outboard. Thanks!

I have my eye on a 14' 1975 valco and a 15hp mercury with 25 hours that im going to check out tomorrow, which the guy says is in great condition.

 

[southkogs]

Welcome aboard smidge:

Some real good information HERE on buying a used boat. Really in used boats it's about 3 things: 1) is the boat in good condition? 2) do you like the boat and is it in good condition? 3) is the price reasonable and is it in good condition?

Sounds like a nice fishing rig though.

 

[Chad Flaugher]

Ya also need to consider how many folks you'll be fishn' with... A 14 footer would be just about perfect for 1 - 2 people. The smaller boats can get scary on big lakes when storms suddenly roll in, but based on what you told us, you're off to a good start. Great info on the link Southkogs listed.:welcome:

 

[smidge112]

yea the most i will probably have in the boat is 3 people and my dog. The guy selling it said he has put 830 lbs in the boat with no problems, he also uses it in the ocean so that makes me worry about salt corrosion, but also makes me think that it is a sturdy boat to take on the ocean

 

[smidge112]

also read through that link that was posted, and noticed this "Look for brown water staining visible around the transom motor mount bolts streaking down from them (for an outboard)." what does this brown water staining mean?

 

[Richmond2000]

on "tinnies" check all the rivets for looseness and check the skin for cracking around the rivets
if it has no interior look at the stringers for the same things and same for seat mounts ETC
if it DOES have an interior check the floor in hard to reach places IE around the bow / splash tub if any or at the transom in the corners for soft spots and around seat bases or where OTHER stuff is drilled into the floor IE bat box live wells ETC

 

[fishin98]

Just my 2cts....If your talking about having 3 people in the boat, find a semi vee that is WIDE and DEEP. , 25-30" deep and 54-72" wide. If it has a floor check for soft spots.

 

[thdrduck]

Something else to think about if you plan on boating Tahoe is make sure you check to see if 2 stroke outboards are allowed. Seems to me that they banned their use awhile back.

 

[64osby]

Cross any 12'er off the list. Capacity on those is usually below 500lbs.

3 people and a dog puts you in 16' to 18' IMO.

A 14'er would be very crowded and close to max with that load. Usually rated about 700 lbs

 

[lncoop]

also read through that link that was posted, and noticed this "Look for brown water staining visible around the transom motor mount bolts streaking down from them (for an outboard)." what does this brown water staining mean?

That applies to fiberglass boats. Since you're looking at tinnies you'll know if the transom needs work because there will be broken weld joints and other obvious indications.

 

[Chad Flaugher]

3 people plus a dog and gear???? You'll regret a 14' boat purchase my friend. Even if you come in under maximum weight, you'll be crowded. 3 people fishing on my 18' boat is just about the limit to what's comfortable. A few extra feet in length is not going to break the bank if spend the time looking. Good luck!

 

[smidge112]

thanks for all the input guys, and like i said 3 people maximum if i absolutely have to. but i dont find this happening often. maybe me another person and my dog (she doesnt like boats yet so she just runs around the lake after me). Another reason im trying to stay a bit smaller is i dont have the $ to buy an extra vehicle as well, and plan on towing this with my wrx

 

[lncoop]

Get at least a sixteen if you can. With open utility type boats there's hardly any weight difference. Keep your peepers peeled and you'll find one that fits your budget.

 

[64osby]

Where are you from, we love to help spend other peoples money.

 

[smidge112]

lol, i am from Ventura, CA

 

[64osby]

http://yubasutter.craigslist.org/boa/5198482856.html

Something like this Starcraft 16' SS (Super Sport) would fit your needs very well. Would work for 2 or 3 + a dog nicely.

Pricing seems high for where I live but may not be for your area.

If it is dry, the wood is good and the motor is solid it would be a $2500 to $3000 dollar boat IMO.

Looked on the map and noticed it is not close to you. Just giving ideas

 

[fish master 229]

is it a tiller or a side console

 

[64osby]

The link to the boat is my post above.

What is your preference console or tiller?

 

[fishin98]

Sounds like your looking for something like I have....

14 ft, wide and deep...rated for a 35hp....would do nicely with a 9.9-25hp...light enough to pull with you vehicle....look for a Alumacraft, Lund, Mirrorcraft, Smokercraft and the like.