Put a value on this boat for me?

[erikpn]

Looking to buy a reliable, turn key fishing boat for the Puget Sound and lakes. It's literally been something like 4 or 5 months since I started searching, everything under $3500 or so seems to have issues or need repairs.
What do you guys think of this?

Copied from craigslist

16ft alluminum starcraft and trailer has
new canvas. carpet, seats, paint, lights and battery,
gas tank
30 hp honda four stroke
electric tilt
etc etc its a steal i need money

Everything looks good except the painted trailer, I'd prefer galvanized since I'd take it into the salt. What should I look out for if I go and check it out?

 

[thedukeryan]

Re: Put a value on this boat for me?

what year? What is the guy asking? You will find MANY starcraft fans on this site. 30 hp seems pretty small to me but all the 16' boats I've owned are and where glass. Any idea what the max hp is for the hull? Remember reading something about 70% of the max for the min? Maybe someone else can chime in. Just make sure the transom, stringers, floor etc aren't rotted out... Oh wait nevermind I forgot its a starcraft

 

[erikpn]

Re: Put a value on this boat for me?

yeah, it's aluminum so even if there's rot on the floor it wouldn't take more than a week or two to fix. Not sure of the year of the boat or motor.. I'd guess boat is late 90's or early 00's, and motor is '06 or up.

 

[ezmobee]

Re: Put a value on this boat for me?

I don't think Starcraft has made a closed bow in years. That boat is probably from the 70's. Most likely a Jupiter. I just got $2100 for my totally redone Jupiter two months ago with an 85HP motor. The max horespower rating on the hull was 85. That 30 will plane it with a light load but it certainly won't be very quick. I'd want at least a 50. I'd value the package at about $1500.

 

[Steve Mahler]

Re: Put a value on this boat for me?

That boat and trailer (here in the northeast anyway) would be worth less than $1,000 ready to fish. The issue is the motor - that is a very nice, small, motor.

I agree it will be slow, but what a nice motor - i love hondas. If it were me, I would not buy the boat because the power is too low. Check online sites for used honda prices, to give a better fix on the total package. If you are not a speed demon might be great.

I rented a pontoon boat with a honda 50 - so quiet and smooth you had to remember to shut it off. Really amazing engines.

 

[Rudi2]

Re: Put a value on this boat for me?

I don't think Starcraft has made a closed bow in years. That boat is probably from the 70's. Most likely a Jupiter. I just got $2100 for my totally redone Jupiter two months ago with an 85HP motor. The max horespower rating on the hull was 85. That 30 will plane it with a light load but it certainly won't be very quick. I'd want at least a 50. I'd value the package at about $1500.

Gotta agree, if it's a closed bow Starcraft, more likely '70's than a '90's. Does he have titles on boat and trailer? A closed bow isn't great for fishing, and a 30 is rather small. But then it's all in what the buyer wants, if it works for you, and at the right price -- well...

 

[jonesg]

Re: Put a value on this boat for me?

I would want a bigger hull for going out on a sound or decent size lakes.

A lot of peoplke buy a new boat and think at least it won't need any work, wrong. They all need work. Some more and some less.

 

[erikpn]

Re: Put a value on this boat for me?

well, I don't want to do any structural glass work or engine work besides routine maintenance. No more than 1 hour to get it running. Does anyone know anything about Truline fisherman boats? Looking at this one too. A 1994 17' Truline Sportlap Fisherman, center console.

Early 80's 50 HP Mercury O/B w/new water pump, rebuilt carb & all new electrical - cost $1000, 8 HP Evinrude, fish finder, EZ steer, very stable, off centered console, Galv Trailer

 

[mickjetblue]

Re: Put a value on this boat for me?

I've been looking around on the 'net, too, and it is actually a fun pastime.

There are ads on this site, as well as others, and when you check into ebay and
craigslist, there is no end to the number of boats for sale.

Only suggestion I have it to think about your projecting costs after the purchase.
For example, you will get tired of an under-sized motor meandering you around on
the water, so an upgrade could cost more than the initial boat/motor/trailer package.

Better to get what will suit your needs in the package overall, unless you are willing
to add-on afterwards.

Keep Looking! It's Fun! Good luck!

 

[ezmobee]

Re: Put a value on this boat for me?

Looking at this one too. A 1994 17' Truline Sportlap Fisherman, center console. Early 80's 50 HP Mercury O/B w/new water pump, rebuilt carb & all new electrical - cost $1000, 8 HP Evinrude, fish finder, EZ steer, very stable, off centered console, Galv Trailer

Just the 8HP Evinrude and the galv trailer are worth more than the $1000.