Older used boats

[jyach4235]

Hello Guys!

I am new to the forum and wanted to say hello! I am also in the market to buy a used boat. I primarily will be looking for a deep v type fishing boat 16-17ft. I have a question for you gentlemen. I have literally no boat owning experience, and i am not good with motors or any other type of mechanical work. I am what you would say, not mechanically inclined lol. Anyways, I have been looking for boats on craigslist. I am trying to stay in the 3500-4500 range for cost. I have seen so many boats online, some that are 2000 with newer motors, and some that are early 90s even late 80s boats. I found a boat that is an 87 that looks extremely clean. I like the way it looks, and it looks like it has all the features i would want. The owners says he thinks it has less than 150 hours on the boat an engine he thinks. Is it wiser to get a boat like an 87 with lower hours that looks clean or a 2000 boat that might have more hours and not be as clean? I plan on doing a used boat inspection on whatever boat i end up choosing. Here is the craigslist article i was looking at for the 87 let me know what you guys think? Any help would be appreciated guys. [FONT=&quot]http://milwaukee.craigslist.org/boa/5053390746.html[/FONT]

 

[jbcurt00]

Used boats are all about condition, check out the New Member Buyers Check list topic at the top of this forum section.

A basically $5K boat should be throughly tested IN the water and under way.

 

[jyach4235]

thanks JB, my main concern is that an 87 is just too old. I mean, if it is an 87 and well maintained or maybe its old and just havent been used much should i be concerned buying such an old boat? Or should i be looking for a 2000s boat that may have more use on it?

 

[smokeonthewater]

The newest boat I've ever owned is my '89 Montecarlo....

 

[jbcurt00]

Style, color and layout have changed as public tastes have changed, but i'd buy a dirt brown 1977 well maintained and imacculate boat of an unknown maker before a 2005 slightly neglected Chris Craft.

If the interior shows excessive wear, is it from use, neglect or abuse?

If the interior hasnt been taken care of what about the motor and everything else?

 

[cptrick3]

As everyone has said, condition and maintenance is what counts in boats. Also make sure the photos weren't taken in 1987. The fish finder and GPS look like in new condition.

 

[bonz_d]

Looks like a fairly well kept boat. Boats of that age the engine cover is usually faded and scratched up, especially on bass boats. I'd be inclined to mostly believe the seller on this one. Also by the condition it's in from being in the Milwaukee area.

 

[airdvr1227]

I'll add to reinforce the idea that you must take it out for a ride and have the seller show you how everything works.

 

[airshot]

As a person that knows little about boats I would highly recommend considering an aluminum hull rather than a glass hull. Older glass hulls are prone to rot inside and can be very hard to detect without skilled knowledge. Alum hull boats have only the transom to worry about and it can easily be viewed for its condition and not that hard to replace if needed. Restoring a glasser will cost much more than your price range. In the size you are looking at and for simplicity I would stay with an OB, you need to be in the 19' and up to make an I/O feasible. Last but not least.....when you find a boat that really interests you get a professional "marine survey",
yea it will cost you a couple hundred but......you could easily spend thousands on something you miss. There are more boats sitting in fields than I can count just because they are to expensive to fix so....they just sit and rot away. Aluminum doesn't rot so your primary concern needs to be motor and trailer, but if looking at glassers, then the entire outfit needs serious consideration!!

 

[bonz_d]

airshot I would generally agree with your view but in this case this one wouldn't scare me away. Being from the area this boat is from I would say it looks to be in excellent condition for it's age. Yes boats of this age are generally waterlogged and falling apart but this one looks to be one of the exceptions.
I think it's worth looking at and taking for a ride.

 

[airshot]

I made that recommendation based on his lack of knowledge and experience.....that said...if he were to have an experienced person or willing to hire the use of a professional surveyor then I would not think anything of it. I know far to many people that have been burned by buying an older glasser then finding the insides are junk. Not having saw the boat myself I always use a safer response to new boaters.

 

[bonz_d]

Not going to get a quarrel with me. I normally recommend the same way. Though he is asking for advice which is a good thing from the pictures posted I still believe this one is worth a close look. It just doesn't show the signs of a used 'n abused boat. Again no tell-tale signs of scratches on the engine cowl, no waterline stains, and still looks original.

 

[jyach4235]

Hey Guys,

I just wanted to say thank you for all of your help. You guys are truly a great resource!!! This guy didnt come down on price to the level i wanted but it could happen. all this talk about fiber glass boats being potential trouble definelty is scaring me a bit!!!

 

[bonz_d]

Not a problem from here and you're welcome. Glass boats can be a scary proposition even for the more experienced boater. Glass can hide a lot of flaws. Which is why I stay away from them aside from the fact that I boat from a trailer and the community ramp I use doesn't have piers..

There are still many worthwhile glass boats out there you just need to understand the risks and how to avoid those risks. Best of luck with your search!