Looking at a boat...

[saumon]

Re: Looking at a boat...

Agree with the Starcraft (althought ezmobee's trying to enroll everyone in the Starmada, but that's another story!). If the compression check good and engine start, there's not much that can go bad. Everything else, like carb cleaning on the engine or floor replacement on the boat, isn't going to be costly, if needed.

 

[ezmobee]

Re: Looking at a boat...

although ezmobee's trying to enroll everyone in the Starmada, but that's another story!

Guilty as charged! However, you simply cannot beat an aluminum hull with an outboard when looking to get on the water cheaply with least chance of financial ruin.

Hey, I also searched sylvan, smokercraft, sea nymph, crestliner (you see the itchy result to that search ), mirrocraft, etc.

 

[jkust]

Re: Looking at a boat...

I think prices are much higher here in South Dakota, which is why I'm looking in the cities. That along with being up there occasionally anyways. I intend to pay cash, and we don't have a ton of it. We've got to get a 104' fenceline put in this summer and are also hoping to pave at least part of the driveway this year. We're all of 22 and 24, newly married as of last year, and my husband just bought a motorcycle two weeks ago. I'm trying to keep it under the $3k range with the knowledge that I'm going to have to fix something with any boat I buy. Really trying to keep it under $2k, just for some wiggle room. Part of what's driving the price is that I think we'll use it quite a bit, but I can think that all I want and until we have something I don't know that for a fact. I don't care to finance due to short credit history. We do alright for ourselves, but if I can get away with paying cash, I'd rather do that.

Well, given SD, ND, MN and to some extent WI and IA all have healthy economies as compared to many other states, I can see the high prices in SD. I'm not a fan of financing either especially for recreational equipment. I think you will do a good bit of shopping and bear the cost associated with your time finding a well maintained but older boat. At my age my time is the most valuable thing and so since I have none for repairing things and even less when factoring in other responsibilities, I would need a turnkey situation. Back when I was your age, I certainly had a heck of a lot more time and could take on a some repairs or even a full project. I color my comments with the backdrop of very little time and a willingness to pay to ensure I'm boating when I want to. The biggest bummer here to me is the poor manner in which so many people maintain their boats when in fresh water it is so easy to keep them looking nice for decades. It takes only the smallest amount of effort.

 

[BobGinCO]

Re: Looking at a boat...

you simply cannot beat an aluminum hull with an outboard

I can! I have THREE aluminum hulls with an outboard! :laugh:

 

[saumon]

Re: Looking at a boat...

Seriously, at that price ($2000 OBO), I'll jump on it if engine test good. That mean you gan get it for $1700, or even maybe $1500. A 16. ft. tinny with an outbard is by far the most versatile rig out there and, in a couple or years, you'll be able to sell it for what you paid for.

Definitely the best bang for your buck you can get.

 

[MariahS]

Re: Looking at a boat...

Seriously, at that price ($2000 OBO), I'll jump on it if engine test good. That mean you gan get it for $1700, or even maybe $1500. A 16. ft. tinny with an outbard is by far the most versatile rig out there and, in a couple or years, you'll be able to sell it for what you paid for.

Definitely the best bang for your buck you can get.

Excuse my ignorance, but which boat are you talking about?

 

[SigSaurP229]

Re: Looking at a boat...

I would be all over that Starcraft in a heartbeat the search would stop there.

 

[MariahS]

Re: Looking at a boat...

The only problem is that it's like 6 hours away, and through the mountains.... I wonder if I could get my friend's fiance to look...

 

[MariahS]

Re: Looking at a boat...

Nope, no go. Darn. The more I think about it, honestly, the more I think a small (16'-18') pontoon boat would suit us best. As long as there's a livewell. We couldn't use it for tubing or anything, but I don't know why we'd need to do that. If we did, we'll get another boat. And the frame would be aluminum, so less maintenance and a better chance of the boat being ok to begin with. Also, the ability to have more people on board with us, and the dog, too. Cost new is as low as $10k, so I'm assuming we could find SOMETHING within the price range. Now for the problem: there's just nothing for sale out there

 

[saumon]

Re: Looking at a boat...

Excuse my ignorance, but which boat are you talking about?

The Starcraft! If I'd be you, I'd strongly consider it. It's a very versatile , low maintenance boat and, if you think boats aren't cheap in your area, let's just say that one would easily sell for $3000 up there in good running order...

 

[MariahS]

Re: Looking at a boat...

Th? Starcraft! If I'd be you, I'd strongly consider it. It's a very versatile , low maintenance boat and, if you think boats aren't cheap in your area, let's just say that one would easily sell for $3000 up there in good running order...

'In my area' is the operative phrase. It's not in my area. It's 6 hours away allllllllll the way across the state and through the Black Hills. I'd do it if I knew someone traveling through or near and just pay them extra, but I would literally have to make two days out of that trip and it'd cost a ton in gas. That's two hours further than the Cities.

 

[kvarilek]

Re: Looking at a boat...

The good news is that if you wait something will come along that is perfect for what you are looking for. The bad news... you have to wait! Last fall I had looked at an 18ft pontoon boat that was really in nice shape for $4,000. However, that was in the fall when you can occasionally find a good deal.

 

[saumon]

Re: Looking at a boat...

'In my area' is the operative phrase. It's not in my area. It's 6 hours away allllllllll the way across the state and through the Black Hills. I'd do it if I knew someone traveling through or near and just pay them extra, but I would literally have to make two days out of that trip and it'd cost a ton in gas. That's two hours further than the Cities.

I'd say it's a 1 day trip but, however, road don't bother me at all. Heck, I picked up my last boat 1100 miles from home. That's a 2200 miles round-trip that I made in 3 days, including the boat inspection, sea trial and border-crossing paperworks! But I understand that 12 hours is a pretty long run when you're not sure of what you'll find...

Sometimes, people ask if there's other forum members willing to check a boat in a particular area for them, and it usually works pretty well. Everybody likes to shop for boats!

 

[MariahS]

Re: Looking at a boat...

I was thinking about that. Just have someone check it out to see if it was worth driving the distance. Especially with everyone around the Minneapolis area. I would buy lunch and throw a couple bucks their way as well lol!

Patience is a virtue, one that I'm not well known for. I wish I would have been looking last fall! That sounds like just what I was looking for in the right price range. Too bad. My only consolation is that if you can find it once, you can usually find it again. I'll just have to stay diligent and see if I can find a nice pontoon boat in that price/size range.

 

[saumon]

Re: Looking at a boat...

Looking at a map, maybe someone from Rapid City or the surroundings will chime in.

As for the Spring/Fall thing, there's pros and cons to each. Yes, it's true that boat and engines are cheaper in the Fall, but there's also at least five times less boats and engines for sale then.

 

[Willyclay]

Re: Looking at a boat...

... recently I was considering a tow vehicle out of state on Ebay

I am late to the party as usual but, after reading the thread twice, I have not seen any mention of the OP's tow vehicle. IMHO it is a big factor in what boat to purchase. Not trying to rain on the parade, just BTDT.

 

[MariahS]

Re: Looking at a boat...

I am late to the party as usual but, after reading the thread twice, I have not seen any mention of the OP's tow vehicle. IMHO it is a big factor in what boat to purchase. Not trying to rain on the parade, just BTDT.

1999 Chevy Suburban. I think for the most part it's pretty sufficient for what we're looking at.

 

[Willyclay]

Re: Looking at a boat...

You've got it covered. Good luck with the boat!

 

[roscoe]

Re: Looking at a boat...

Nope, no go. Darn. The more I think about it, honestly, the more I think a small (16'-18') pontoon boat would suit us best. As long as there's a livewell. We couldn't use it for tubing or anything, but I don't know why we'd need to do that. If we did, we'll get another boat. And the frame would be aluminum, so less maintenance and a better chance of the boat being ok to begin with. Also, the ability to have more people on board with us, and the dog, too. Cost new is as low as $10k, so I'm assuming we could find SOMETHING within the price range. Now for the problem: there's just nothing for sale out there

Not to dump vinegar in your gatorade, but I really don't think you will find a decent pontoon, with a good engine, and a solid trailer, for anywhere near the $2 or $3000 range.

Even used pontoon trailers go for $1000 or more.
Toons are most often stored outside, because of their size, which exposes them to much more sun damage and severe weather abuse.



So, you are not going to ski or tube, and you want a livewell, so maybe you should be looking at fishing boats instead of runabouts.

 

[MariahS]

Re: Looking at a boat...

Not to dump vinegar in your gatorade, but I really don't think you will find a decent pontoon, with a good engine, and a solid trailer, for anywhere near the $2 or $3000 range.

Even used pontoon trailers go for $1000 or more.
Toons are most often stored outside, because of their size, which exposes them to much more sun damage and severe weather abuse.



So, you are not going to ski or tube, and you want a livewell, so maybe you should be looking at fishing boats instead of runabouts.

Oh, no, looking at pontoons I was thinking more in the $4-5k range. I was talking about that with my husband last night. They just cost more. We have to adjust for that. But when you can get a brand spanking new one in the size range we're looking at for around $16-18k, I wouldn't think that if we got a little bit older one that maybe needed the seats re-done that it would be too difficult to find one around our price range. The problem is that most of them are over 21 feet, or don't have seats at all. I was thinking the aluminum, to a certain extent, would take out a bit of the issue with them being stored outside. Yes, I'd love one stored inside, but if it is stored outside, at least it won't rot. That doesn't mean we won't get damage from snow, ice, etc. (On a side note, what the heck, Punxsutawney Phil?!) It just means I'll have to be more selective. I do want the option to take a few friends out with us, and this seems to be the best one. If I don't find something this year, I'll definitely have to reassess. I really just think I have to be patient.