Doing research on buying my first boat.

[baiselmareo6]

I recently made a post saying I want to buy my first boat and I know nothing. Now I’ve gather a tiny amount info, so I can ask more specific questions.

I believe I’m looking for: Inshore, out board tiller, for saltwater. I have a $2500 budget maybe alittle more if worth, I live in NY- Long Island. I’m 19, I will be using the boat primarily for fishing and only need to be able to vary 1 or 2 friends with me.

From my previous post I got several recommendations: skiff, bowrider, bayliner, aluminum hull v (which I’ve seen other kids with), Jon boat. I’m not quite sure what to go with, or how much these cost.

I don’t know crap about motors. From what I’ve heard 2 stroke is cheaper, 4 stroke is better, and get a compression test done.

Where to look (apps, websites, magazines, local), what to be careful about, and what certain things should cost would all be good things to know also.

Any advice, or things I should know or consider would be appreciated, Thank you.

 

[baiselmareo6]

I recently made a post saying I want to buy my first boat and I know nothing. Now I’ve gather a tiny amount info, so I can ask more specific questions.

I believe I’m looking for: Inshore, out board tiller, for saltwater. I have a $2500 budget maybe alittle more if worth, I live in NY- Long Island. I’m 19, I will be using the boat primarily for fishing and only need to be able to vary 1 or 2 friends with me.

From my previous post I got several recommendations: skiff, bowrider, bayliner, aluminum hull v (which I’ve seen other kids with), Jon boat. I’m not quite sure what to go with, or how much these cost.

I don’t know crap about motors. From what I’ve heard 2 stroke is cheaper, 4 stroke is better, and get a compression test done.

Where to look (apps, websites, magazines, local), what to be careful about, and what certain things should cost would all be good things to know also.

Any advice, or things I should know or consider would be appreciated, Thank you.

 

[jbcurt00]

Start a new user account?

There are no prior posts asking about boats under this user name, just 3 duplicate topics w the exact same content, all started today and all w in 7minutes of each other.


$2500 is likely to get a boat that looks like it might be a good deal, but is actually likely to.need work, esp if it come w a proven running motor from an on the water test drive.

 

[Scott Danforth]

if youre under $5k in a fiberglass boat, consider it a project boat. it may cost you between $2-3000 to make it safe.

if you find an aluminum boat with good maintenance history, those can be found for $2500

 

[UP HOOKER]

14’ - 16’ Aluminum v Hull skiff with 25 hp tiller

 

[ahicks]

I'd say stay with the most common set up you see in that price range, and plan on the first boat being a mistake! If it's a common setup, you should be able to use it for a bit to gain some experience, then sell it and buy a boat with some experience under your belt - IF - you are even still interested. Get your feet wet, then learn to swim......

 

[JimS123]

Buy a 16' aluminum V-hull utility boat, not never a Jon.

Buy a 4 stroke outboard if you can find one in your price range. If not, a late model 2-stroke.

Before you buy anything make sure you have a dealer / mechanic within driving distance that will be able to repair the engine. Then, before you ever put it in the water do a tune-up, impeller change, check the coils, replace fuel lines and filters and change all fluids. In other words, a "reconditioning" of sorts.

Start saving your pennies and dollars. Your price range is a bit skinny if you expect to find something serviceable. Nothing worse than spending you whole budget, just to have it break down the second time out.

 

[Captain Caveman]

My first boat in 2003 was a 14ft aluminum boat (aluminum bench seats) with a 1960 5.5hp motor. I used it for inland freshwater lakes. I bought the boat and trailer for $300 and the motor from a buddy for $100. I hit a lot of things with that boat, and backed the trailer into a dock. Two years later I sold that boat/trailer for $300 to a cousin. I spent $2k on a 16' Fisher with flooring, three boat seats, and a 25hp motor. I still ran aground a few times and mixed the oil/gas mixture too lean. I learned a lot with that boat until I eventually upgraded to my current (much nicer boat). Start small and cheap, around $1k. Learn all the safety stuff. Be happy just to be on the water. Save your unspent money for repairs on whatever you do buy, and keep growing that money to ultimately buy something better.

Most importantly, learn the rules of boating. Learn from all of our mistakes on this forum.