HELP! Good or Bad News?

[SeaMaster711]

I talked to my dad today, and he told me some news about the boat. My impulsive nature automatically took it as bad news, but now I see it as good news.<br /><br />My dad says, that we will get the boat March 1st at the latest, but no earlier than February 20th or so. He also told me that INSTEAD OF THE ORIGINAL $3,000 MAX, I CAN LOOK INTO A BOAT $7000 OR SO.<br />Is this worth it, waiting for another month and a half?<br /><br />I saw this deal for a 2001 Boston Whaler 13' with 25HP Mercury. It looked really sexy....for $7,200...Is this a deal?, heres the link...<br /> http://adcache.boattraderonline.com/6/3/3/1600133.htm <br /><br />Or, should I be looking at an older boat and using the extra cash for something bigger, like a 15' BW or even a 17'??<br /><br />Remember, I'm a 14 yr old kid that wants to take this boat out to Narragansett bay, speed around, and do TONS OF FISHING off of it, for stripers blues and fluke. Fishing with my friend Mike, another kid my age, so that's 2 people fishing on a 13' Boston w/ 25HP merc outboard....with tackle bags and combos, livewell, cooler and bag with safety stuff in it. Is this manageable, will I be able to stand and sit fishing on it? Also, I expect it to handle some chop, not huge swells but some bay chop...even if that means getting a little wet.<br /><br />Guys, you posts really helped me earlier....please continue helping me on my search for a boat!<br />Thanks everyone! <br /><br />About the 13' Boston Whaler link I posted above, heres one of the pics of that boat...<br />

 

[crab bait]

Re: HELP! Good or Bad News?

at 14 years of age,, how you gonna haul it..???

 

[SCO]

Re: HELP! Good or Bad News?

Steep price but good boat. Thats about new price for that combo. Go price one new to see. Whatever you do, always. always attach the kill switch lanyard to start/run the motor. If you are limitd to 25 horses, that is a killer combo.

 

[SeaMaster711]

Re: HELP! Good or Bad News?

im sorry, that boat comes with a 40HP merc outboard, not 25HP

 

[roscoe]

Re: HELP! Good or Bad News?

Thats avery nice rig, and almost new. But with that kind of money to play with, I would look for one a few years older and a few feet longer. You will grow into it and want the space and stability.<br /><br />Oh, that is their advertised price, maybe $6500 cash would work.

 

[John Carpenter]

Re: HELP! Good or Bad News?

Yes, it's worth the wait...take your time and look around. Seven grand will buy a lot of boat & that amount of money greatly expands the available pool of boats you can consider. I would be looking for something a little older and larger. Keep in mind that it is very much a buyers market right now...sellers are going to be pretty flexible on price this Spring. Remember...cash is king!<br /><br />Keep in mind that the purchase price is just part of the cost of ownership. Operating expenses, maintenance costs, upgrades, insurance etc. are going to cost more than you think...believe it.<br /><br />I'm sure that at 14, you have limited experience negotiating deals of this magnitude. When you find the boat you want, and you have the cash in hand, don't hesitate to offer quite a bit less than the asking price. If he is asking 7K, offer 5,200 or so...worst thing that can happen is that he says no. Remember that the asking price is not necessarily a true indicator of what the boat is WORTH. Keep a close eye on the local paper/Trader and look at a lot of boats. Good luck with your search!

 

[SeaMaster711]

Re: HELP! Good or Bad News?

Hey guys, thanks for your help.<br />I looked up at www.boats-4-sale.com<br />a 1989 Boston Whaler Newport 17' with 90HP outboard...and trailer...it looks excellent condition...<br />Is this a good deal?<br />Heres a pic:<br />

<br /><br />Is the Boston Whaler Newport a good fishing boat in saltwater? It looks like it's open enough....

 

[magster65]

Re: HELP! Good or Bad News?

The 17' looks great, I like the bigger boat for stability. Make lowball offers, if a seller accepts your first offer, you coud've got it for less. On another subject... in Canada, at age 14, I think you need a certificate of competency to operate anything under 14'. Is that the same where you are? <br /><br />You should of seen my boat when I was your age... what a pile of crap it was. You're off to a nice start I'd say.<br />Be safe.

 

[SeaMaster711]

Re: HELP! Good or Bad News?

magster, do you mean over 14'?<br />I do not think it is the same here....<br />I already took a USCG approved boating safety course.<br />I will be sure to wear an approved life jacket AT ALL TIMES when aboard the vessel.<br />I'm thinking about SOSpenders, even tho there pricey, I cant stand bulky vests, and I will be comfotable on HOT HOT HOT days of the summer, with a T-shirt and SOSpenders on, Or just SOSpenders on, if it's really hot....<br /><br />Thanks! <br />This 17' Newport is a really good looking boat....and my dad likes it, it's looking good so far....I may have to get rid of my Sea Eagle 14SR and 6HP Mercury outboard for money towards it before I can buy anything, the leftover money will be birthday present from everyone....

 

[SCO]

Re: HELP! Good or Bad News?

The price in the paper today(Texas) for a brand new boston whaler 13 w 25 mec and galv trailer is 8045.00.

 

[SeaMaster711]

Re: HELP! Good or Bad News?

OK, I found myself a 15' Sport, but it's 1976! Is that too old, will it like fall apart on me?<br />It comes with a 60HP Mercury and a trailer, totals $5500. Sound good? Or to old? I wish I could find an 85 15' sport but there arent any I see....here's some pics:<br />

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[SeaMaster711]

Re: HELP! Good or Bad News?

hows it look?

 

[SCO]

Re: HELP! Good or Bad News?

It looks good, but looks can be deceiving. I dont know Whalers but have heard the hulls can pickup water if compromised. You could take a chance, they are good boats and I dont think the age is the big issue, hull/motor evaluation is. Find out details about the boats history, usage and storage. Has it been garage kept?. How new and good is the motor.Does it run great and when was the impeller last changed(if they say "whats the impeller, ask more about the maintenance)? THe price seems steep to me, and would skew me toward the new 13 w 25hp were I 14yrs old. THeres always another boat coming along. I might get a 13 myself in a few years for economy and storage and launch/handling ease.

 

[Captn Dave]

Re: HELP! Good or Bad News?

Boston Whaler's are great boats. My first fiberglass boat was a 13 footer. With Whaler's, if the hull is in good condition, age doesn't matter. Only the age and condition of the motor. Go with a 16 or 17 footer. The extra length makes a big difference. That 17 foot Newport looks nice if the price is right. Have a mechanic check the compression on the engine. Take your time and look around. Good luck.

 

[Fly Rod]

Re: HELP! Good or Bad News?

Hello Seamaster Boston whalers are nice boats. Look at the boat, look for stress cracks, clean boat,and if you like the boat and think you may want to buy itmaybe you pay for a compression test on the motor,and have the lower unit checked at the same time for water. It is better to spend a fewbucks at the beginning then alot of bucks after you buy. you being from Rhode Island I'd maybe go with the 17'<br />In Massachusetts i think that under 16 years of age you can take a course at the coast guard station and then you could operate a boat. If you don't take a course and under 16 then you need to have an adult on board.<br /><br />Happy Boating

 

[JAZZedBW]

Re: HELP! Good or Bad News?

Hi everyone. I am also a young Boston Whaler enthusiast. I'm 16, have a 17 montauk, and live in ohio. <br /><br />Whalers are the way to go. If you are going to do a lot of heavy fishing, go with a montauk. I bought mine for 1 grand and restored it an its absolutely beautiful. Anyone want to chat, IM Me at BugsyG2@aol.com<br /><br />JAZZ