There are thousands of boat manufacturers that have bit the dust in the past and there are used boats that are perfectly capable of giving many more years of service out there. A complete and through inspection of the boat prior to purchase to note the areas you may have to give special attention to saves grief later. A $300 boat with rotten stringers may not be such a good deal if you don't have the skills to repair it. On the other hand, if you have the skills, you will save many $$ over another boat without damage. Some can argue that a $thousands new boat is the only way to go...others can spend around a thousand and enjoy the water just as much. I wanted a small v-hull to zip around the lake in and I found a 1973, 15' Silverline with a great hull and a good motor for $1,100. I have had to replace carpet, seats wiring, battery, added a tach and an elec panel to make it as dependable as I wanted it to be. It's mine, it serves it's purpose and it's paid for. Liability insurance is cheap and if it sinks, I will buy another.<br /><br />Don't worry about whether a brand is a good boat...inspect the boat, test the boat and if you don't feel qualified...hire a surveyer. Calculate the cost to make repairs so that the boat is safe and dependable and see if it fits into your budget.<br /><br />Many folks get excited and buy a boat in the spring and for the first year or two they have a great time...then it sits in the driveway for years to deteriorate while the payments go on and on. If you can't or don't want to spend the big bucks....you don't have to. Have fun and search for the deal of a lifetime in enjoyment with a boat that is debt and guilt free and don't worry about who manufactured it years ago.
