General Used Boat Questions & Concerns

[catfishjoe]

Hello, new user here. I'm interested in purchasing my first boat. I've got tons of questions and concerns as you can imagine -- I'll try and keep this as succinct as possible (please bear with me!).

I've been researching small boats for the past few weeks. I'd like to buy something for my small family (wife and 2 young children) for fishing, day cruising, tubing, maybe some wakeboarding. Something we can take down to one of many lakes in the area (NC) for the day.

I have a very small budget (under $4k) for the initial purchase. I'm generally fine with putting work into it.

On that note, I'd be very comfortable with any general mechanical maintenance (ex army electrical/mechanical tech), also very comfortable with any wood or structural related work or renovations (experience carpenter/general contractor). Unfortunately, I'm inexperienced when it comes to engines (I get the basics).

With that said, I think my best bet is to find a bowrider or dual console with an outboard motor. Most of the open bow boats seem to be I/O, and with my lacking engine experience, I think I'd be better off with an outboard (easy to access and/or replace). Does this seem about right?

I don't suppose I'm overly cautious, just want to make sure I'm not overlooking obvious.

Thanks for reading!

 

[Philster]

Re: General Used Boat Questions & Concerns

Old bow riders in the price range are going to be rotting. The I/O mechanicals might kill you financially. An older, sub 4k bow rider is at high risk for ending your boating life before it is born.

'Dual console' is a term that is reserved for a bowrider-type boat, only it is most likely based on a center console design. It should have self-bailing decks and little or nor fluff (cushions, vinyl, carpet). Lot's of white, spartan fiberglass all over = a good thing. Never call a bowrider a dual console.

You want to look long and hard for a center console or true dual console boat with an outboard from Johnson/Evinrude, Mercury/Mariner, Suzuki, Yamaha or Honda. More likely to find the first ones mentioned.

Have reserve money. Tell us where you live and we'll post examples near you of what we think is worth consideration.

 

[Augoose]

Re: General Used Boat Questions & Concerns

...Old bow riders in the price range are going to be rotting. The I/O mechanicals might kill you financially. An older, sub 4k bow rider is at high risk for ending your boating life before it is born...

I respectfully disagree, but barely- you do have to have some basic skills and know what you are looking for. As for I/O engines, access all depends on how its installed in the boat. Both of my boats were arranged with easy access to the engine and since it was a mercruise V6, it was like working on a car for the most part with some exceptions. I do prefer I/O's for several reasons though- cleaner lines on the boat, quieter, etc but I will admit that sometimes a outboard can be easier to work on.

My first boat I bought in 2009 and it was a 1989 Caravelle bow rider with a mercruiser I/O that I picked up with trailer for $2500. This boat lasted about 3 years until I sold it this spring because we wanted something different and I have no doubt that this boat is still in the water right now. I'm not saying I didn't have some maintenance work- new gimbal, new u-joints, bellows, etc, but that's all fairly normal stuff.

When you go looking, check out the engine compression via a compression check which is easy to do yourself. Then check the engine oil for signs of damage, check the plugs for odd wear, etc- treat it similar as to how you would a car because for inspection purposes as that will cover the basics. Of course the manifolds and some other components are very UNLIKE a car so that's not a catch-all. Drain some gear unit oil out and look for signs of water immersion and large metal flakes. If it has just been changed, ask why-might be hiding something. Have a marine surveyor come out with you and they'll go through it with a fine tooth comb for a couple hundred- its a worthwhile investment even when you only have $4,000 to spend. By the way, don't buy a boat in the spring anyway- a springtime boat selling for $5,000 will be $4,000 in the winter! Get more bang for your buck and consider waiting.

My next boat was a 1999 Chris Craft bow rider which I got for $4,500. This is all fiberglass (no rot) and has a volvo penta 5.0. After doing the belts and rebuilding the carb, this is one solid and great running boat that I got at an absolute steal. Nada guides list it for close to $9,000.

Bottom line is deals are out there- you just have to be in the right place at the right time- you can get a good boat for $4,000. Take a look on craigslist and go and kick some tires. If you like what you see, check it on nadaguides and post up the details here as already mentioned- there are some great folks here who will definitely steer you in the right direction!

 

[chriscraft254]

Re: General Used Boat Questions & Concerns

Since your new to boating, inland lakes are a good place to start. and being in NC if you do find a boat suited for the lakes instead of saltwater, it will probably sell cheaper than the saltwter boats in your area.

There is nothing wrong with a I/O especially if your mechanically inclined. They are cheaper to replace as well.

Look for a self bailing boat like said above, you will find you have less problems with self bailing boats than you do the typical bow rider. Like said, post what area you are in and we will post up some maybe's for you. Being that you have two children to worry about, your first boat is an important one, not just for safety but also for the right experience for your children.

Dual consol self bailers are reasonably new in the boating world, atleast quality ones. It would be a great all around boat for you, but finding one cheap enough may prove to be difficult in your price range/budget.

 

[catfishjoe]

Re: General Used Boat Questions & Concerns

Thanks for the input everyone. I'm in the Raleigh/Durham area of NC (triangle area).

I'd also like to note that while I've never owned anything larger than a tandem kayak, I've been on boats my whole life. I've even helped my father with a major restoration on a 20+ foot center console which included replacing the floor.

 

[H20Rat]

Re: General Used Boat Questions & Concerns

'Dual console' is a term that is reserved for a bowrider-type boat, only it is most likely based on a center console design. It should have self-bailing decks and little or nor fluff (cushions, vinyl, carpet). Lot's of white, spartan fiberglass all over = a good thing. Never call a bowrider a dual console.

You want to look long and hard for a center console or true dual console boat

I disagree, it depends entirely on your needs and wants. If he is boating on small inland lakes and just doing a lot of floating and family stuff, the spartan interior and lake of creature comforts on a true dual console/center is going to get nothing but complaints. There is no need for self bailing, and families tend to like carpet and cushions.

 

[Bob_VT]

Re: General Used Boat Questions & Concerns

Welcome to iboats.

Thank you for your service

Well since I almost feel obligated to say this stuff......

Look into an aluminum boat with an outboard. Take a look at the restoration section here on iboats and see what people have and how easy a restoration is. For a family your size a nice 16+ foot aluminum might fit your needs....... an 18 footer is even nicer

 

[Pony]

Re: General Used Boat Questions & Concerns

I respectfully disagree with the notion that a self bailing boat is necessary. We are talking about smaller inland lakes for family lesiure here. With that being said I cannot recal seeing a self bailing boat on any inland lakes I have been on, and like someone mentioned above families tend to like things like carpet and cushions. I know a lot of people despise carpet on a boat, but if you maintain it properly I don't see how that would be an issue.

There are plenty of boats that will do what the OP wants to do for 4k. They will be older, but they exist and if you look around enough you can find one with a solid motor and no structural issues.

I agree with Bob. I would look aluminum. There are a lot of fish & ski aluminum designs out there......and from what I have seen in my area at least......a lot of options in the 4k price range that would work. I would also look for an outboard. While it is true that I/O aren't bad, IMO they take up too much room inside of a boat that you are looking to use with your family................especially when we are talking about a 4k boat. Chances are the boat will be too small to have a lot room inside with an I/O.

 

[Captain Caveman]

Re: General Used Boat Questions & Concerns

Only you know if that $4k limit includes repairs & maintenance costs for the first year or not. If it does than get a $3k boat.

I'm generally an outboard guy and more on the simplistic side. If you want to enjoy boating then you'll need to spend more time out on the water than in the yard/garage wrenching on the boat and motor. A good aluminum boat with seats, carpet, etc will be easy to deal with and won't require much maintenance or restoration. Motors are motors, and just like a car you need to do what you can to weed out the obvious clunkers and then either rely on a professional mechanic or your instincts to make sure that you get something that runs.

As for going fishing, day cruising, tubing, and wakeboarding....you'll probably have to compromise on a $4k budget. I'm not saying that there aren't boats out there that fit the bill, but the likelihood of finding that perfect boat in your area for your price reduce the odds. You might want to think about whether a comfortable ride for your wife is the most important goal, so that in a couple years she green lights the next boat purchase/upgrade. If your kids run the show, then get something for the tubing and wakeboarding. If fishing steers the ship then head in that direction.

I have a fishing boat because that's what it does 80% of the time, but it's comfortable enough for my wife and friends on the lakes we frequent and also can pull us around on tubes or skis when desired. Good luck finding what works best for you right now!

 

[ezmobee]

Re: General Used Boat Questions & Concerns

Coming here before purchasing was a GREAT first move. We can save you from buying a money pit. Good advice so far.

The basics are........... your two biggest concerns with any used boat (especially older, inexpensive ones) is an obsolete powerplant, and rot in the wooden components in the hull.

For I/Os, stick with Mercruiser or Volvo drives with GM based engines. They enjoy the best parts support. For outboards, pretty much anything but Chrysler/Force are well supported (unless you start getting too much over 30 years old).

Wood generally exists in the transom (rear most "wall" of the boat that supports the motor and/or drive), the stringers (longitudinal "floor joists") and the deck (floor). You want a solid transom and deck. ANY soft spots in the deck are usually indicative of more serious rot below in the stringers so check very carefully. Outboard transoms should have no flex when you give a good yank on the motor and should not be reinforced with metal sleeves or other such band-aids. For an I/O, do your best to get a good look at it from inside behind seating and/or in the motor bay. You don't want to see any stress cracks or lots of discoloration. Rotted boat can be repaired but it's a major job and the materials are not inexpensive. Taking on a restoration project is fine but you won't want to pay much more than a 3 digit number for the hull.

Aluminum hulls have aluminum stringers and their wooden decks and transoms are only mechanically fastened to the hull so replacement is much easier. For that reason, I generally recommend an aluminum hull for a low-budget buyer looking to get on the water with least chance of financial ruin. However with careful checking, a fiberglass boat can fine also.

 

[chriscraft254]

Re: General Used Boat Questions & Concerns

Thanks for the input everyone. I'm in the Raleigh/Durham area of NC (triangle area).

I'd also like to note that while I've never owned anything larger than a tandem kayak, I've been on boats my whole life. I've even helped my father with a major restoration on a 20+ foot center console which included replacing the floor.

Ok, couple questions, how old are the kids first off and what will be the "primary purpose of this boat? The reason I ask about the primary purpose is a name like catfish joe tells me you like inland freshwater stuff. If thats the case an aluminum may be the way to go, but the ride and comfort of a glass boat will be much better.

You will get a thousand different opinions on what your first boat should be, but to give you an example, my boat and trailer cost me a whooping 5g when I bought it. 2006 Trailer, 1990 26 foot boat and the motor was new, so deals are out there and if you be patient the boat will usually find you.

If you plan on staying out longer hours or want protection from the sun/rain/wind etc, look for a walkaround or something that has an inclosure. I don't like having to go in just because a rain shower comes your way.

The people that swear by carpet probably have never had a self bailing hull and there stringers and floors are probably rotten also. Bahahaa i

 

[KC DREW]

Re: General Used Boat Questions & Concerns

A lot of good info here.

 

[Home Cookin']

Re: General Used Boat Questions & Concerns

I disagree, it depends entirely on your needs and wants. If he is boating on small inland lakes and just doing a lot of floating and family stuff, the spartan interior and lake of creature comforts on a true dual console/center is going to get nothing but complaints. There is no need for self bailing, and families tend to like carpet and cushions.

I've never heard anyone complain about no carpet but I know what they say about old carpet. No one has complained about open seating or a bare interior, although it's smart to provide seat cushions that you can remove. Self bailing does more than just bail out the boat when running; it keeps a boat dry underneath which adds to its life. The only boat, among a dozen my family and I have had, that brought complaints was an aluminum starcraft bow rider, due to the consoles, cramped-ness, cushioned seats, etc.

 

[Philster]

Re: General Used Boat Questions & Concerns

^Precisely.

 

[southkogs]

Re: General Used Boat Questions & Concerns

Lots of good stuff in here - I'll add a couple of things: First, don't limit your search locally. Check around a bit even if you have to drive a little extra. Boat prices are regional things, and sometimes you can get a better deal a couple hours away. $4k isn't a bad budget, but you'll want to be patient.

Second, spend a little time looking at stuff first. Maybe rent a bow rider for a couple hours one day. Go over to the local boat dealers and climb in a couple new boats (don't waste the sales people's time, but it's okay to look around). See what you like a don't like about certain layouts and what things pop out at you in regards to how your family will use the boat. Take your time, and get an idea of what you want. That'll help you search more specifically.

 

[CPTom21]

Re: General Used Boat Questions & Concerns

I don't know what kind of fishing you do, but pretty much any smaller boat will be fine for lakes/rivers. Maybe your main goal should be to make certain that the wife and kids love spending time on it. A nice comfortable boat that you can picture yourselves lounging on and skiing/wakeboarding from sounds like the right direction. You can still fish from this. : )

Around here(Syracuse, NY) $4000 will buy you anything from a 1999 16' open bow to a 1970's 22' Starcraft Islander(and almost anything in between). Both in great shape, and with very good engines. I'm guessing your area is a bit more "pricey" though, but I think you could still find a nice 18'-20' in your $$$ range. Look at boat's a bit farther away too. Personally, I wouldn't go with much smaller than 17' though.

 

[catfishjoe]

Re: General Used Boat Questions & Concerns

Hi everyone. First and foremost, thank you sincerely for the amazing amount of guidance, support, and suggestions. I wish I could respond to everyone individually, but I'd be here all night!

Everyone has given excellent feedback. A few important notes to inject:

1. $4000 appears to be a very reasonable budget for this time and 2 hour radius. I've been pouring over a ton of information in the past month (mostly craigslist, ebay, etc). $4000 gets me something in my preference range (15-20 feet, open bow, 6+ seats). What it doesn't get me is any guarantee that I won't get sold a bad boat.

2. I believe my best bet is something that has comfortable seating. I'd also have to get some type of bimini top for the kids.

3. I'm hearing some compelling arguments against an outboard. As originally mentioned, I thought it may be best to have an easier (albeit more costly) motor to replace. I'm reconsidering.

Lets assume for a moment that I'm willing to buy an i/o that needs rebuilding (or even replacing). What would an ideal motor be from a complexity and cost point of view? Alternatively, what types of i/o motors should I absolutely stay away from?

 

[chriscraft254]

Re: General Used Boat Questions & Concerns

Hi everyone. First and foremost, thank you sincerely for the amazing amount of guidance, support, and suggestions. I wish I could respond to everyone individually, but I'd be here all night!

Everyone has given excellent feedback. A few important notes to inject:

1. $4000 appears to be a very reasonable budget for this time and 2 hour radius. I've been pouring over a ton of information in the past month (mostly craigslist, ebay, etc). $4000 gets me something in my preference range (15-20 feet, open bow, 6+ seats). What it doesn't get me is any guarantee that I won't get sold a bad boat.

2. I believe my best bet is something that has comfortable seating. I'd also have to get some type of bimini top for the kids.

3. I'm hearing some compelling arguments against an outboard. As originally mentioned, I thought it may be best to have an easier (albeit more costly) motor to replace. I'm reconsidering.

Lets assume for a moment that I'm willing to buy an i/o that needs rebuilding (or even replacing). What would an ideal motor be from a complexity and cost point of view? Alternatively, what types of i/o motors should I absolutely stay away from?

If your coonsidering an I/O a volvo or a mercruiser will be easy to get parts from. The omc cobras are a pita because of the shift assist systems and are harder to get parts for. I currently have an mercruiser motor with an omc outdrive, that should confuse some,lol

There are disadvantages to both an outboard and inboard. But there are definately pluses to having an I/O. If your considering an I/O get the largest boat you can because the engine takes up space on the interior, that being said, you can usually have seating next to the engine cover or make a pad that goes all the way across the stern to layout. I also use the engine cover to stand on for fishing to see the fish better, works great. It also helps getting in and out of the boat.

A rebuilt 5.7 liter will cost you in the neighborhood of anywhere from 1500 to 4000 depending on what you get. I got mine fully dressed with all new stuff on it and it is rated for 325 hp. Compared to the original motor that was 260 hp, that was a great upgrade.

The best thing to do is post up the links to the boats your considering and we can give you our best opinions/experience on what your looking at specifically, including if something just doesn't seem right.

 

[catfishjoe]

Re: General Used Boat Questions & Concerns

The best thing to do is post up the links to the boats your considering and we can give you our best opinions/experience on what your looking at specifically, including if something just doesn't seem right.

Here's a small sample of boats I've been looking at, and by all appearances, I am interested in. I'll link to their listings, and include my thoughts:

http://raleigh.craigslist.org/boa/2994075135.html

• Seems like an overall good buy at 2450, I'd likely negotiate lower
• 90hp seems underpowered
• Likely would have to replace the floor in the future, which I'm fine with (I've replaced a boat floor in the past)

http://raleigh.craigslist.org/boa/2994753352.html

• Looks clean, very cheap. Looks to be an very late model (maybe late 70s?) No idea
• Not far away from me to go check out
• Size and seating seems right. Comes with a bimini top which is absolutely on my must have list

http://raleigh.craigslist.org/boa/3016508905.html

• Cheap and apparently water ready
• For some reason I haven't pulled cuddy cabins off the table, maybe its because I remember sleeping in one as a kid
• No doubt I'd redo the cabin (I'd actually look forward to it)

http://raleigh.craigslist.org/boa/3016405465.html

• Really concerned with that fiberglass crack. Likely indicates some type of major issue (collision perhaps?)
• Price is right. Looks clean. In my short 5 minute research, this thing seems way faster than I need
• Other than the questionable condition/history, this boat appears to be the idea boat as far as seating/layout

http://raleigh.craigslist.org/boa/2974176383.html

• Seems like a great buy, even though it's more of a fishing boat
• I saw this guy list the same boat last week at 4k, he must not be getting any bites (great news for me)
• Seems loaded and well maintained

Note: The above 5 boats are all well under my budget, nearby, and posted yesterday. Tons of boats for sale in this location.

Here is a boat I found on ebay and have been emailing back and forth with the owner.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=261018991928&ssPageName=ADME:X:AAQ:MOTORS:1123

He wants $1500 (I could likely get it for $1000). Hes told me that he keeps it in a garage, that it runs (but needs a battery), and that he just doesn't have time to take care of it. He told me he replaced the floor last year. I'd be going into this one knowing there's a good deal of work. Really feels off, but he could just be an older gentleman who doesn't type so well.

So that's a start. Opinions are more than welcomed. Thanks in advance!

 

[ezmobee]

Re: General Used Boat Questions & Concerns

1. Looks ok for the price. The 90 will be adequate power for a boat that size. The aluminum trailer is a huge plus. The soft deck is a huge minus. It's rarely just the deck that's bad. The stringers and transom are usually shot too.

2. Chrysler outboard. As cool as I think they are, you can't get parts for them. Neat boat but it's priced as though it's equipped with a non-obsolete powerplant.

3. Can't really comment. Not my cup of tea.

4. Unless you're tournament skiing, you probably don't want an inboard ski boat.

5. Heck of a motor on that one. Tough to tell condition from the pics. Make sure your anticipated passenger load will fit and be comfortable on that.

6. STAY AWAY FROM THAT. It's a completely rotted worst of the worst Bayliner with an unsupported Force motor.