Looking at a boat...

[kvarilek]

Re: Looking at a boat...

Hey Mariah, I too live in this beautiful prairie of nothingness of South Dakota. Last fall I ended up buying a boat I found on Craigslist down in Omaha. I still like to cruise the Craigslist ads occasionally and for the most part it is pretty slim pickings around our area. I know you would like to stay within a couple of hours of SF but check out the Minnesota Craigslist ads, they have 10x more listings. However, they do seem to be asking more in that region. Omaha occasionally has some decent deals as well. Good luck in your search!

 

[rogerwa]

Re: Looking at a boat...

You may strech your looking to the Manakto region where there are more lake places and more boats. I think some of the feedback about being an old boat needs a little context. In florida a boat can be used all year long. In MN where I am from, and for the OP, SD, the boating season is really at the most 6 months. If it is well stored in the off months, an older boat can be a great value. If it sits open in a field then it is going to be crap anyway.

Where I boat there are a lot of nice old boats that are on the lift in the summer used for 12 or 15 weekends, then pickled and covered for the rest.

 

[MariahS]

Re: Looking at a boat...

I totally get what you're saying. I think I'm just really in a dry pocket of good available boats. Sioux Falls is big (relatively), and there's a few lakes around, but nothing like you get even a couple hours away. The only thing about a couple hours away is, well, it's a ways away and if a boat doesn't work out, I just drove my gas-guzzling Suburban a couple hundred miles for nothing. If I knew 75% that the boat was going to be a good deal, I might consider it.

I didn't think about different parts of the country having a different effect on boats and usage. I mean, I know that boats up here don't get a whole lot of use due to winter, but I figured that'd be a disadvantage since they sit there. I suppose it's like motorcycles, they're just going to sit because they can't get ridden, and as long as they're properly cared for, they'll be fine, even if they're 'older.' Still in a pickle, but gives me something else to think about. Personally, I don't mind an older boat. I just want it to not be repair after repair after repair. I don't mind putting in a little money up front (a couple thousand), but I don't want it to completely overtake my life, and I want it to be virtually lake-ready right away, even if I have to put in a couple hundred right away. As long as the boat is workable and I can make my repairs over a couple of months, I think I should be ok. Does that make sense? Maybe I'm too much in a car mentality, where there are things that need to be done NOW and things that can be put off for a month or two, but need to get done still.

 

[idonthaveaname]

Re: Looking at a boat...

Where are you in South Florida?

Hey IraRat - I am in Plantation.

 

[idonthaveaname]

Re: Looking at a boat...

"I don't want it to completely overtake my life, and I want it to be virtually lake-ready right away"

Yeah Mariah - We totally get what you are saying. I bought a fixer and 3 years later, still working on it. Although it's a project I am not giving up on, I ended up buying one I could use immediately. So most of us have "been there" and "done that." You have found a great forum for assistance. Keep the questions and pics coming and we will help you anyway we can.

 

[southkogs]

Re: Looking at a boat...

I'm with EZ - Let's go boat shopping!

HEREs one worth lookin' at: if the boat is solid, that Johnson 70 is a gem of a motor.

HEREs another: Same type of deal. If the boat is solid, it's a good starter boat. I don't know the Merc outboards as well, but some live and die by 'em. I used to own a Royal American boat - we kept it on the water for 35 years.

THIS one is a little iffy: It's a tin boat and a decent outboard. He lists things like dock rash (scrapes) and replacing wood. That's sometimes a sign of abuse. It also seems a little high priced.

Looks like prices in your area are a little higher than they are in mine.

 

[idonthaveaname]

Re: Looking at a boat...

Nice picks! Good looking boats!

 

[MariahS]

Re: Looking at a boat...

So regarding those three, then, i really like the first and second one best. pending any repairs, those fit my budget best. do you think thats what they're worth? Are they asking a fair price?

 

[airshot]

Re: Looking at a boat...

Due to your price range and the age of the boats you are looking at, I would definately go with aluminium hulls. The reason you don't see very many is they do not rot like glass does on the inside. There are many older glass boats in great condition but try to find one, the few good ones are kept by their owners or sold to someone that is familiar with the boats history. With an alum hull the worst case is a rotton wood in the transom which is quite simple to repair when compared to glass boats. Alum hulls require less HP and take less fuel.
You may not get the classy curvy lines that you find in glass boats but....you are just getting started, buy something that will not break the bank and discourage future boat ownership. Many people that have had bad experiences that turned them off from boating expenses have started with glass boats and found out to late the problems with rot in glass hulls. Good luck in your venture....

Airshot

 

[saumon]

Re: Looking at a boat...

I'm with EZ - Let's go boat shopping!

HEREs one worth lookin' at: if the boat is solid, that Johnson 70 is a gem of a motor.

Agree, and it has a "bikini top" which isn't something you see everyday!

 

[southkogs]

Re: Looking at a boat...

So regarding those three, then, i really like the first and second one best. pending any repairs, those fit my budget best. do you think thats what they're worth? Are they asking a fair price?

Both of those first two boats look clean, but pictures can be deceiving. If they are in good working order (as in you can take 'em for a ride on the lake right now) and solid (good transom, good hull, etc.) then the prices are fair. You may try to work down a little, but I wouldn't lose sleep over paying asking prices on those boats.

You want to run those boats on the water ... not in the driveway. And if you can, have a marine mechanic look 'em over for you.

Properly kept those boats can run for a very long time.

Agree, and it has a "bikini top" which isn't something you see everyday!

... :lol: I didn't catch that when I read the ad.

 

[IraRat]

Re: Looking at a boat...

Hey IraRat - I am in Plantation.

Hah! You're right by me!

 

[roscoe]

Re: Looking at a boat...

Minnesota, Iowa, and the Dakotas all carry pretty high prices on boats. And the pickin's are slim in the Dakotas.

Here's what you do.

Pick a weekend.
Plan a get away for 2 to the SW side of Minneapolis.
Make your calls and emails during that week and set up some visits to see the boats you are interested in.
Take a laptop along, or stay at a motel that has a computer to use in the lobby, so you can find new adds and keep in touch with the sellers..

Drive up Friday nite, and soak in the motel hot tub.
You should have time to check out 5-8 boats on Saturday and Sunday, and still get back home Sunday nite.

Treat it like an adventure or treasure hunt that you 2 can do together. One that includes a nice dinner, and some bonding time.

Now, if you find a good boat, great, pay cash and drive it home. If not, you still had a nice weekend mini vacation together.


But here is an absolute beauty. Forget what I said above. Take the day off tomorrow and drive over and pick this boat up, ASAP.

1986 Larson 75hp Johnson

 

[Alwhite00]

Re: Looking at a boat...

Minnesota, Iowa, and the Dakotas all carry pretty high prices on boats. And the pickin's are slim in the Dakotas.

Here's what you do.

Pick a weekend.
Plan a get away for 2 to the SW side of Minneapolis.
Make your calls and emails during that week and set up some visits to see the boats you are interested in.
Take a laptop along, or stay at a motel that has a computer to use in the lobby, so you can find new adds and keep in touch with the sellers..

Drive up Friday nite, and soak in the motel hot tub.
You should have time to check out 5-8 boats on Saturday and Sunday, and still get back home Sunday nite.

Treat it like an adventure or treasure hunt that you 2 can do together. One that includes a nice dinner, and some bonding time.

Now, if you find a good boat, great, pay cash and drive it home. If not, you still had a nice weekend mini vacation together.


But here is an absolute beauty. Forget what I said above. Take the day off tomorrow and drive over and pick this boat up, ASAP.

1986 Larson 75hp Johnson

Stored inside does it for me, That's a beauty.

LK

 

[MariahS]

Re: Looking at a boat...

Sorry for the delayed response. Had to teach puppy class last night, then I worked my dog, then we went for a night run, then I was shot and didn't want to get on the computer.

I so wish I could just up and go there today. Actually, I get off at noon, unfortunately, I have a lunch meeting, need a haircut, and have a contractor coming to tell me what it would cost to finish out my fence line at 4 this afternoon. This weekend I'm swamped. Next weekend I'm working the agility trial all weekend, the next weekend I think I'm open, though, so maybe we might have to give that a whirl. It'll give me a little more time to research what the area has to offer and what the general pricing is like. And sell the damned motorhome, since that's my condition of buying the boat from my husband. (I'm 100% sure he'd allow me to buy the boat prior to selling the camper, I just have to sell the danged thing sooner vs. later, so whenever I find the right one we're good to go)

On a related note, anyone interested in a '79 Winnebago Brave with bunks? Runs like a champ! lol

 

[idonthaveaname]

Re: Looking at a boat...

I was shot once...long story. (jk)

I really like that Larson in Minneapolis! If you are interested in that boat, call the owner and express your interest and explain when you can be there to look at it. Most people are fairly patient and...at least in my area...boats don't sell that fast--actually that's how I get most of my deals; what a couple of weeks and then offer.

 

[MariahS]

Re: Looking at a boat...

I texted the guy in Minneapolis (at work, prefer not to call) and we'll see if he answers. If he doesn't answer by tomorrow, I'll give him a hollar. I also texted the guy with the first boat of the three that were closer to me. He no longer has the boat I'll have to call on the second one, as well. Hopefully the people coming to look at the camper tomorrow buy it so I can get on with my boat buying! A trip away sounds really nice right about now...

 

[MariahS]

Re: Looking at a boat...

BAYLINER CAPRI

This one look to be any good?

 

[MariahS]

Re: Looking at a boat...

1971 16' GLASSTRON - Or this one?

 

[rogerwa]

Re: Looking at a boat...

Stay away from the Force OB. That is a problem you don't need. You may plan to do this a bit later when you can also do water tests. It is too early to make a contingency based on water test as the lakes are not open yet.