Need help for first time boat buyer

[mackkie]

Hey guys,
I am looking at a 1999 Monark King 160 SC w/ a 40hp Mercury FORCE engine. I have heard/seen some stories about this engine which makes me a little nervous, but here is the description of the boat:

1999 MONARK 160SC 16.8FT ALUMINUM BOAT, MOTOR AND TRAILER. THIS BOAT HAS NEVER SUSTAINED ANY TYPE DAMAGE. IT HAS VERY LOW HOURS AND HAS ONLY BEEN USED ON A FRESH WATER LAKE IN NEW ENGLAND. THE HULL IS IN CLEAN TO FAIR CONDITION AND HAS SOME MINOR SCRATCHES ON THE EXTERIOR PAINT DUE TO DOCKING (VIEW PHOTOS). THE BOAT IS POWERED BY A 1999 MERCURY FORCE 40 HORSEPOWER ELECTRIC START OUTBOARD, EQUIPPED WITH POWER TRIM AND TILT. THE MOTOR HAS BEEN INSPECTED BY OUR TECHNICANS AND RUNS OUT 100 PERCENT. THE RESULTS OF A COMPRESSION TEST IS AS FOLLOWED 150 LB. IN BOTH CYLINDERS. THE BOAT IS EQUIPPED WITH THREE REMOVABLE SWIVEL PEDESTAL FOLDING FISH SEATS, LIVE BAIT WELL AND ROD STORAGE COMPARTMENTS. THE PACKAGE DOES INCLUDE A SINGLE AXLE TRAILER THAT IS IN VERY NICE CONDITION .

Here is a pic of the boat:
http://www.onlyisuzu.com/~diamondmarine/1999K899-1sm.jpg
http://www.onlyisuzu.com/~diamondmarine/1999K899-17sm.jpg
http://www.onlyisuzu.com/~diamondmarine/1999K899-4sm.jpg

The NADA Avg. Retail for this boat, 40hp engine and trailer is $5,200. I can buy for $4,600.

Please let me know what you guys think! I just want to make sure I am buying a good boat.

I am looking to do mostly freshwater fishing and occasional inshore saltwater fishing on calm days.

Thanks again!

 

[rogerwa]

Re: Need help for first time boat buyer

My first boat had a force 50 and I just don't think it was as powerful as other 50's that I had used. It was a smelly motor, but easy to work on. If you have a choice, you would be better off with something else. There are a lot of satisfied owners out there, but I would think you could find a motor that has a lot better reputation out there.

You will also suffer on resale. When I sold my pontoon with the force, I had people that would not come to look at it because of the force.

I have no bad experience as it ran fine for me. But there are better motors out there..

 

[mackkie]

Re: Need help for first time boat buyer

Im just trying to get into something for pretty cheap. I thought as long as the hours are low and the motor is running good right now, then why not give it a shot?

I am not too concerned about resale value, I just want a boat that will last me a while for now.

 

[mackkie]

Re: Need help for first time boat buyer

Anyone else have any thoughts on this boat/motor?? Thanks

 

[MikDee]

Re: Need help for first time boat buyer

It appears fine to me, the older Force/Chrysler motors are ok, (pre-Mercury) although people still have a stigma about them, but mostly obtaining obsolete parts are the only problem. The newer (Mercury) ones appear to be just fine, don't let the naysayers get you worried if the motor appears to be in good shape, it prob has a lot of life left in it.If it's just what you want, appears good, and the price is right, get it!

 

[mackkie]

Re: Need help for first time boat buyer

Thanks for the info.
Just looking at the additional pics...the engine looks pretty much brand new with the cover off it it.
The NADA low retail is $4,650 for this boat...so I feel like I am getting a pretty good deal here.

Also, this boat shouldnt have any problem fishing along the shore/bays in the ocean on calm days should it? I would say I want to do 80% freshwater and 20% saltwater (stripers). I just want to make sure when I have the itch to go striper fishing I can do it in this boat provided the conditions are nice and calm.

 

[WAVENBYE2]

Re: Need help for first time boat buyer

It's a nice boat, think over what every one says carefully, The choice is yours to make,If you think its worth it to you If you put muffs on her with fresh water after you fish on salt water she won't corrode as quick, longer engine life.