New to forum, buying a used boat.

[RSVRMAN]

Re: New to forum, buying a used boat.

Re: "Lesson #2: If an owner will not consent to an on-water test he is a) hiding something, b) not very motivated to sell, or c) has something to hide."
This statement, from the Department of Redundancy Department, is not necessarily true, especially in a boating community. When you are selling small boats or cheap boats, or boats that are in high demand, the time the seller invests in taking strangers for boat rides is seldom worth it. And this is especially true if the boat isn't kept in the water, ready to go.

The compromise (as is often done around here) is a conditional sale, where you have an agreement to buy UNLESS a water test shows a MATERIAL problem. The test should never be about how the boat handles or suits the buyer's needs; that's homework he does on his own time. And for cheap boats, or newer desirable boats, there's no water test, nor is one needed (example: the $800 tri-hull from the 70's; the 12' jon boat with a 9.9; the 3 year old 19' center console with a 115 outboard; any boston whaler!)

RSVRMAN, it all goes back to the universal answer to boating questions: it depends!

Thats a good idea. Will be curious on how that conversation will go, but I'm sure I will figure it out. I know all to well how craigslisters will just say I got 20 other calls and I don't have time for you. It may just be on the hose and have to complete a condition of sale.

 

[RSVRMAN]

Re: New to forum, buying a used boat.

Welcome to the club. I'm in Minnesota as well...on which lakes or rivers do you anticipate boating? I've got all kinds of opinions having boated 39 years here and know someone or multiple someones with just about every boat you can dream of. I can give you specific boat opinions all day from first hand experience. I'll just comment on the garage situation since I have the same issue. The size of my third stall garage dictates the maximum size boat I can own. I actually put the boat in the garage through the two stall door and just angle it over. The pain is that I have to remove everything from the garage including all my snowmobiles and cars, bikes, etc but it is simple after a few times since I can't fit my boat through the third stall garage door. My sig boat is 18' 3 inches and can't even fit the swim platform but it is 24' trailer length and the tongue folds for maybe a 2 foot space savings. Good luck with your search and like I said i can give you as many opinions for our MN sized lake boats as you could handle.

Thanks for the welcome! Im actually just a bit east of you in Brooklyn Park/Champlin. I'm planning on getting a 3 rivers access for fish lake, medicine lake and occasionally bring it down the the traffic jam on minnetonka.

I do have a unique bump out between the double and the single and could probably swing that in as well. I'm still fairly young and decently strong so if I would need to un-hitch and wiggle it in by hand that would be no problem.

Just in the past two days the amount of boats listed here has doubled. Spring cleaning I suppose and this time I'm prepared.

I would always appreciate the advice and if you know of someone selling a boat that is in my criteria feel free to let me know.

 

[RSVRMAN]

Re: New to forum, buying a used boat.

I know it sounds strange but, drop down to Iowa and look around, you'll find the prices are lower for a given boat.


IE: 1995 bayliner 305 chevy and sound system clean!

Yup been checking them on craigslist as well. Especially following the Mississippi. I'm originally from there and the drive isn't bad at all from Minneapolis.

 

[Jonnybbad]

Re: New to forum, buying a used boat.

This appears to be a good fit. (I'm addicted to craigslist by the way) Craigslist: 1988 Glastron 16' boat 1988 Glastron 16' boat

 

[ezmobee]

Re: New to forum, buying a used boat.

This appears to be a good fit. (I'm addicted to craigslist by the way) Craigslist: 1988 Glastron 16' boat 1988 Glastron 16' boat

Nice boat, but I'm not paying that for an obsolete OMC drivetrain.

 

[jkust]

Re: New to forum, buying a used boat.

Thanks for the welcome! Im actually just a bit east of you in Brooklyn Park/Champlin. I'm planning on getting a 3 rivers access for fish lake, medicine lake and occasionally bring it down the the traffic jam on minnetonka.

I do have a unique bump out between the double and the single and could probably swing that in as well. I'm still fairly young and decently strong so if I would need to un-hitch and wiggle it in by hand that would be no problem.

Just in the past two days the amount of boats listed here has doubled. Spring cleaning I suppose and this time I'm prepared.

I would always appreciate the advice and if you know of someone selling a boat that is in my criteria feel free to let me know.

Well, I'd put some thought into that access pass. Fish lake was under a complete zero wake restriction last summer and I seem to recall my next door neighbor who's sister lives on Medicine mentioned no wake also. Generally speaking Fish lake is a crappy lake since it is narrow and you can't get away from the ski boats with their ballast systems making huge wakes. Medicine is largeish but gets crazy packed with boats and can be a pain to boat on. Minnetonka is nice but I never can get a spot to park since you have to get there earlier than I'm willing to go. There is a small window of opportunity to get a good small bowrider here in MN. The 4 cylinders/3.0's tend to languish since people tend to like more power over less power, the 4.3's go quickly and the v8's are a crap shoot. Also as you'd expect the larger cruisers don't move fast either since of course other than Minnetonka and rivers they just aren't practical. It's amazing the fantastic depreciation on larger boats that cost hundreds of thousands of dollars going for a tiny fraction of the original pricing that are only 5 years old with hardly any engine hours on them. We tend to do most of our boating up north and in a pinch will head to Weaver lake since it is 30 seconds from home. It's tiny but deep and can fulfill the urge if needed. I can say I don't like intown boating but would change my tune if I had guaranteed access/parking at Minnetonka.

 

[smclear]

Re: New to forum, buying a used boat.

All good advice so far. I might add that you not forget to factor in all the goodies you'll need with the boat. Dock lines, PFD's, Anchor, etc. Check what's legally required and make sure you budget for them. Won't be a budget buster but they could easily add several hundred dollars to the final price. Add toys and a few hundred more $'s come in to play. Also remember, if you are new to boating, you will most likely be wanting something a little different in short time (a couple of years). The more you actually go out, the more you'll discover what is really important to you. I guess what I'm saying is the chance of you finding the perfect boat that fits your exact needs/desires the first time out, while not impossible, is slim. Who knows, you may find a slow moving party barge (aka pontoon) is more your speed. Doesn't sound like it but you never know. And......if you haven't already considered this, it would be wise to take a Boating course from the local authorities (Power Squadron, Coast Guard Auxiliary, DNR) in your area. Doing so may save you a few dollars on insurance.

 

[RSVRMAN]

Re: New to forum, buying a used boat.

Nice boat, but I'm not paying that for an obsolete OMC drivetrain.

I've been reading that. Maybe I'm being picky but I may stay away from OMC outdrives. Again depends on the deal.

 

[RSVRMAN]

Re: New to forum, buying a used boat.

Well, I'd put some thought into that access pass. Fish lake was under a complete zero wake restriction last summer and I seem to recall my next door neighbor who's sister lives on Medicine mentioned no wake also. Generally speaking Fish lake is a crappy lake since it is narrow and you can't get away from the ski boats with their ballast systems making huge wakes. Medicine is largeish but gets crazy packed with boats and can be a pain to boat on. Minnetonka is nice but I never can get a spot to park since you have to get there earlier than I'm willing to go. There is a small window of opportunity to get a good small bowrider here in MN. The 4 cylinders/3.0's tend to languish since people tend to like more power over less power, the 4.3's go quickly and the v8's are a crap shoot. Also as you'd expect the larger cruisers don't move fast either since of course other than Minnetonka and rivers they just aren't practical. It's amazing the fantastic depreciation on larger boats that cost hundreds of thousands of dollars going for a tiny fraction of the original pricing that are only 5 years old with hardly any engine hours on them. We tend to do most of our boating up north and in a pinch will head to Weaver lake since it is 30 seconds from home. It's tiny but deep and can fulfill the urge if needed. I can say I don't like intown boating but would change my tune if I had guaranteed access/parking at Minnetonka.

I will defiantly consider weaver lake as well if I get a chance. Im up very early even on the weekends and may get to minnetonka early enough. Got to have a boat first. Actually last summer my fiance and I kayaked on medicine and fish lake both quite a bit. Helped me helped her make the decision on getting a boat. I drove the idea into her head, "wouldn't it be nice if we had a motor pushing us around?" I actually have called on 3 boats with 17' one in WI and two in IA. Two are already no goes. "The floor in the back is a little soft, but its been that way for years and no need to worry about it." Went one conversation. The other went something on the order of a fuel pump being bad and it runs sluggish at times. "Its an easy fix." Just thankful for being a mechanic for a number of years. I'm still patient and hopefully will find that 4.3. Ive seen quite a number of 3.0s and if I can't get a 4.3 I may settle for that.

 

[RSVRMAN]

Re: New to forum, buying a used boat.

All good advice so far. I might add that you not forget to factor in all the goodies you'll need with the boat. Dock lines, PFD's, Anchor, etc. Check what's legally required and make sure you budget for them. Won't be a budget buster but they could easily add several hundred dollars to the final price. Add toys and a few hundred more $'s come in to play. Also remember, if you are new to boating, you will most likely be wanting something a little different in short time (a couple of years). The more you actually go out, the more you'll discover what is really important to you. I guess what I'm saying is the chance of you finding the perfect boat that fits your exact needs/desires the first time out, while not impossible, is slim. Who knows, you may find a slow moving party barge (aka pontoon) is more your speed. Doesn't sound like it but you never know. And......if you haven't already considered this, it would be wise to take a Boating course from the local authorities (Power Squadron, Coast Guard Auxiliary, DNR) in your area. Doing so may save you a few dollars on insurance.

That is why I'm trying to stay in my price range. It will be a beginner boat for me. My first motorcycle was a beginner, but had room to grow. I'm hoping the same for the boat. When I bought my first motorcycle I saved an additional $2k just for full leathers, quality helmet, boots ect. I'm trying to keep it around 6k as I have a set cash amount that will be dedicated for repairs, gear, safety ect. I actually already have 3 very nice lifejackets. I appreciate the boating course idea. I may have my fiance take that, but I'm a grab your steering wheel kind of person. I was raking hay on a JD 3020 by age 8. Learned to ride PW50 before a bicycle. Scared the drivers ed teacher by reversing through the entire course instead of going forward. (That was a good laugh) Only class I can honestly say I've benefited from was a racing class I took in brainard. I've driven friends/family boats so I'm not too worried about my skill. I don't plan on racing with the boat, just driving a nice line for the fellow wakeboarder or getting to that sweet fishing hole. For insurance I was quoted only about $50.00 full coverage on a boat worth 5k. Not really breaking the bank.

 

[Jonnybbad]

Re: New to forum, buying a used boat.

Nice boat, but I'm not paying that for an obsolete OMC drivetrain.

Oops, didn't catch that part. Yeah, I don't blame ya.

 

[ezmobee]

Re: New to forum, buying a used boat.

I've been reading that. Maybe I'm being picky but I may stay away from OMC outdrives. Again depends on the deal.

Wise move. Do you really want to start out boating with something you have to rely on Ebay for parts support?

 

[Jonnybbad]

Re: New to forum, buying a used boat.

Craigslist: Forester Phantom 164 Sport Forester Phantom 164 Sport.
Doesn't say what motor / drive, but you gotta take a look at this. Nice!

 

[Jonnybbad]

Re: New to forum, buying a used boat.

Every one of this model I've ever seen have the Mercruiser 3.0L.

 

[ezmobee]

Re: New to forum, buying a used boat.

Craigslist: Forester Phantom 164 Sport Forester Phantom 164 Sport.
Doesn't say what motor / drive, but you gotta take a look at this. Nice!

Maybe the guy edited it, but it now says Mercruiser 140.

 

[RSVRMAN]

Re: New to forum, buying a used boat.

Craigslist: Forester Phantom 164 Sport Forester Phantom 164 Sport.
Doesn't say what motor / drive, but you gotta take a look at this. Nice!

Maybe the guy edited it, but it now says Mercruiser 140.

I thought old 3.0 Mercs were always 125hps. Newer got to 130? Mind me asking how they got the 140 or would that have been the 3.7?

I'm still holding out for the 4.3 I do appreciate the find though. If it comes down to it I know I could find an 18' and possibly store it outside or heaven forbid the double doors and say I measured it wrong. I've already spotted a few in my price range that are 18'ers.

 

[ezmobee]

Re: New to forum, buying a used boat.

I thought old 3.0 Mercs were always 125hps. Newer got to 130? Mind me asking how they got the 140 or would that have been the 3.7?

The 3.7 was usually 170HP or more. I think the 2.5/3.0 was 110-140.

 

[Jonnybbad]

Re: New to forum, buying a used boat.

I thought old 3.0 Mercs were always 125hps. Newer got to 130? Mind me asking how they got the 140 or would that have been the 3.7?

I'm still holding out for the 4.3 I do appreciate the find though. If it comes down to it I know I could find an 18' and possibly store it outside or heaven forbid the double doors and say I measured it wrong. I've already spotted a few in my price range that are 18'ers.

My '86 18' 3.0L is rated at 140HP. I don't know the history exactly, but this number has changed over the years. I'm sure specs on the motor have changed, but it could just be how optimistic they are about the number. I've done both in the garage and outdoors with my 18' and its much nicer to just throw it in the garage, especially when winter descends. You'll have to be the judge of that though.

 

[RSVRMAN]

Re: New to forum, buying a used boat.

My '86 18' 3.0L is rated at 140HP. I don't know the history exactly, but this number hassle changed over the years. I'm sure specs on the motor have changed, but it could just be how optimistic they are about the number. I've done both in the garage and outdoors with my 18' and its much nicer to just throw it in the garage, especially when winter descends. You'll have to be the judge of that though.

Hope for the best pray for me if I bring one home too big. Hoping it starts getting warmer and will start seeing some more boats for sale. I wish craigslist had a state search function as well. Been hitting about every classified add and even looked at texas for fun.

 

[eavega]

Re: New to forum, buying a used boat.

I wish craigslist had a state search function as well. Been hitting about every classified add and even looked at texas for fun.

There are tools out there that will let you search multiple CL sites at once. I've used some on PC a while ago, and I know the CL App I have on my mobile phone definitely lets me search multiple CL cities simultaneously.

Rgds