What to look for in a low cost used boat?

[djmeaney]

I apologize in advance if this has been asked before (and I'm sure it has, but I didn't know what search terms to use).

I am in the market, although my wife doesn't know it yet, for an inexpensive bowrider type boat that will last 5 or 6 years. I have 3 kids ages 11 to 13 and think they would get a blast from tubing, may be skiing and fishing. I already have a sailboat, but that's my passion not theirs.

Cost is huge factor. Don't think we can really spend more than $1,000 - $1,200. (I know from past experience with the sailboat when buy a cheap boat you usually end putting more money and time into it). The time I can afford -- the money I can't. I'm reasonably handy (mechnical, epoxy-fiberglass-wood working) and don't mind putting the time into a fixer upper, but don't want spend lots of cash.

I have never purchased a powerboat before and was looking for the 'experts' take on my best bets for a reasonable fixer upper while avoiding potential costly big ticket issues. Thinking of something in the 16' to 18' foot range that would be used on local lakes or the protected waters of Long Island Sound -- will need to be trailerable.

• Besides the hull, motor and i/o are there any other high cost items to pay special attention to?
• Is deck rot fatal?
• Is an i/o or outboard best?
• what it the minumum hp for tubing or waterskiing?
• Assuming I'll be looking at a boat from the 80's or early 90's, what brands have a reputation for being well built?
• Would you have a survey done on a $1,200 boat?
• What do you look for in a test drive?
• Any other resources I should check for info on buying a used (cheap) boat

Am I completely crazy thinking this can be done? If I'm crazy what is a reasonable range for a solid, may be not pretty, boat?

Thanks,

Dan

 

[ezmobee]

Re: What to look for in a low cost used boat?

In that price range, there is really only one sensible route to take. Aluminum hull with an outboard. Even then, at that low price, some deck and/or transom repair will probably be needed. Not a bad job on an aluminum.

You're looking for something like this: http://img651.imageshack.us/img651/5320/imag0446.jpg

 

[ezmobee]

Re: What to look for in a low cost used boat?

[*]Besides the hull, motor and i/o are there any other high cost items to pay special attention to?

Trailers can easily cost some bucks too but not too bad. You'll need good tires, bearings and lights. These things need to be up to snuff before you can even tow the thing home.

[*]Is deck rot fatal?

It is not fatal to the boat but it must be repaired and on a fiberglass boat the necessary materials will be expensive. On an aluminum it's not bad.

[*]Is an i/o or outboard best?

Outboard in that price range. Getting an I/O caught up on maintenance (if you don't do the work yourself) can easily hit $1000

[*]what it the minimum hp for tubing or waterskiing?

You can tube behind anything. 50HP to make it fun. A 50 will get an adult up on two skis with a light passenger load. You'd prefer a 70-90HP.

[*]Assuming I'll be looking at a boat from the 80's or early 90's, what brands have a reputation for being well built?

You'll be going back to the 70's.

[*]Would you have a survey done on a $1,200 boat?

No.

[*]What do you look for in a test drive?

In that price range, you want it to run and not sink and be thrilled with anything above that

 

[sutor623]

Re: What to look for in a low cost used boat?

I apologize in advance if this has been asked before (and I'm sure it has, but I didn't what search terms to use).

I am in the market, although my wife doesn't know it yet, for an inexpensive bowrider type boat that will last 5 or 6 years. I have 3 kids ages 11 to 13 and think they would get a blast from tubing, may be skiing and fishing. I already have a sailboat, but that's my passion not theirs.

Cost is huge factor. Don't think we can really spend more than $1,000 - $1,200. (I know from past experience with the sailboat when buy a cheap boat you usually end putting more money and time into it). The time I can afford -- the money I can't. I'm reasonably handy (mechnical, epoxy-fiberglass-wood working) and don't mind putting the time into a fixer upper, but don't want spend lots of cash.

I have never purchased a powerboat before and was looking for the 'experts' take on my best bets for a reasonable fixer upper while avoiding potential costly big ticket issues. Thinking of something in the 16' to 18' foot range that would be used on local lakes or the protected waters of Long Island Sound -- will need to be trailerable.

• Besides the hull, motor and i/o are there any other high cost items to pay special attention to?
• Is deck rot fatal?
• Is an i/o or outboard best?
• what it the minumum hp for tubing or waterskiing?
• Assuming I'll be looking at a boat from the 80's or early 90's, what brands have a reputation for being well built?
• Would you have a survey done on a $1,200 boat?
• What do you look for in a test drive?
• Any other resources I should check for info on buying a used (cheap) boat

Am I completely crazy thinking this can be done? If I'm crazy what is a reasonable range for a solid, may be not pretty, boat?

Thanks,

Dan

Obviously the first thing that I would do is add up your weight, plus the wife and kids (and add how much bigger they will grow in 5 years) and make sure that the boat you are looking at has a capacity that will work. There are a TON of old boats out there that people are dying to get rid of, especially in that price range. As far as the boat goes, I would first check the transom (back end of the boat) for rot, as that is one of the most important factors in a boat. If you are looking into fiberglass, make sure to check the fiberglass itself because it gets lot weaker over the years. Are you looking to only do watersports, or do you want too have the motherinlaw aboard and have a barbeque. My question is V-hull or pontoon?

I am a huge fan of fixing up older boat motors. When you get to the site, run the motor in a bucket (or less preferably bring a hose and muffs) and check out the motor. I like to run it in a bucket IN GEAR, that way you can simulate a load, and make sure that the dog gears are not going to constantly slip out or gear. ALWAYS ALWAYS bring a compression tester and check the compression in the cylinder. This will determine if you have an exceptionally good motor, a good project, or a big waste of money. The cylinder head and exhaust ports should not have paint chipping off of them. If they do, that is a good sign that the motor got hot, pistons expanded, and scored the cylinders. Big no-no. Obviously, make sure the motor is pumping water when it is running. (and if the idiot tries to start up the motor without water at all, walk away) If he/she is unwilling to let you do a compression test, or start up the motor, bye-bye. Remember, getting an older trashed outboard motor running could very well cost you more than what you want to spend on the entire project. And I won't even bring up the prices of the newer 4 stroke motors. :facepalm:

 

[haley]

Re: What to look for in a low cost used boat?

Not sure what you will find in your price range, but you asked very specific questions so here goes:

Besides the hull, motor and i/o are there any other high cost items to pay special attention to?

Transom. I know, it is part of the hull, but warrants special attention.

Is deck rot fatal?

For me, yes. The time and money spent to fix it might purchase a better boat.

Is an i/o or outboard best?

I went with an OB, more reliable, simpler engine, etc. In your price range there just seem to be less possible issues with an OB - less systems to fail.

what it the minumum hp for tubing or waterskiing?

The is dependent on weight of boat. Tubing, wake-boarding and knee-boarding seem to require less HP than water skiing. And slalom (one ski) water skiing requires more. My boat is 1100lbs, my motor is a 60HP outboard. So far just fine for tubing. I expect to get the kids knee-boarding and even water skiing. I do not expect to be able to slalom off it myself f(220lbs), and would not be surprised if water skiing is out for me too. Although I may try a 4 bladed prop. Please note: my boat certainly is not optimal for any of these tow sports - but I had to consider towing weight and purchase price.

Assuming I'll be looking at a boat from the 80's or early 90's, what brands have a reputation for being well built?

I went with Four Winns and am pleased with the fit and finish.

Would you have a survey done on a $1,200 boat?

I did not. Although not an expert I spent considerable time going over my boat to see if the hull / stringers were sound. I also had a compression test on the motor. I tried to have an OB Mech inspect it bu for this deal the timing was to tight.

What do you look for in a test drive?

Next time I will be looking for logs - since with the last test drive I dinged the prop:facepalm:
Cold engine start. Like, feel the engine first to make sure he was not warming it up before you get there. Smooth acceleration. Take it up to wide open throttle (WOT) a few times. We turned it off a few times to see how it restarted.

Any other resources I should check for info on buying a used (cheap) boat

TIME. You need a lot of it to find this sweet heart deal. When you find it you have to use as little time as possible to close the deal otherwise the next guy will grab the boat. It is a careful balance between making sure what you are buying is what you expect, and being able to actually by it. I was able to do most of the checks I wanted to but between posting on craigslist and having the title sign over it was just 2 days. Be prepared to act quickly, but still be cautious.

 

[jigngrub]

Re: What to look for in a low cost used boat?

All of the other replies here have told you the truth.

Be very wary of buying an engine that "just needs a tune-up", as a matter of fact run the other way!

If you'll wait until the boating season is over prices will drop and you'll more than likely get a better deal, especially around the middle of November thru the end of December. Look for a boat that you like until then and then make them an offer during that time. It'll be close to Christmas and they'll want the money.

 

[djmeaney]

Re: What to look for in a low cost used boat?

"Are you looking to only do watersports, or do you want too have the motherinlaw aboard and have a barbeque. My question is V-hull or pontoon?"

Mostly water sports or a cruise with the family. Don't see any barbeques or floating parties!

 

[southkogs]

Re: What to look for in a low cost used boat?

Dan:

If you can bump your budget up to the $2,500 or $3,000 range by winter, you'll find you have MANY more options. You can find an okay boat in the $1,200 range but you'll be looking at mostly 30 year old 15' outboards that will likely qualify as a "project boat." You can still do okay with a project (I have - and I'm not that mechanical), but it will take some time to make it happen well. Up around $3,000 you'll be able to open up a range of rigs that are practically water ready and rather comfortable. Inside your first 3 years, the cost will probably even out (my opinion, no fact to support it).

Otherwise, the advice given already is good stuff for the immediate "hunt." Best wishes in finding a good one!

 

[americaneagler77]

Re: What to look for in a low cost used boat?

2k or higher. MOST else is junk that needs too much. as stated 2500 to 3k much better. 1200 is a scary price range

 

[scooper77515]

Re: What to look for in a low cost used boat?

Cost is huge factor. Don't think we can really spend more than $1,000 - $1,200.

Hate to be rude (blunt, maybe?), but you aren't ready for a boat.

Anything you buy for that price will need triple that cost to get it seaworthy and stay that way. Boats and boat maintenance are expensive, and ongoing expenses never stop.

 

[kfa4303]

Re: What to look for in a low cost used boat?

While boats are expensive (B.O.A.T.=Break Out Another Thousand) I have a decent little set up that I haven't spent more than $1500 on. She's no looker, but she works. The trick is to get the boat and motor as cheap as possible, because all of the parts and materials have fixed prices. If you're patient, diligent and lucky you can get a decent 12'-14' aluminum v-hull boat, motor, trailer for between $500-$100. The trick is checking craigslist and other sites diligently and being ready to pull the trigger when the time comes. Good deals don't last long, so you need to be ready to pounce when the time comes. There are lots of brands of boats, but some popular ones are Starcraft, Alumacrat, Arkansas Traveler, Sea Nymph, etc....What is more important is the condition. Expect to have to repair/replace the floor and transom, but that's not really that bad as long as the seams and rivets are in good shape. Look closely at the seams of the boat, if there are no obvious signs of damage, it's probably ok. Minor leaks can be fixed relatively easily. Check out the trailer and make sure the bunks (the wooden beams the boat rests on) are in good shape and that the hardware isn't too rusted out. If the tires and axle are ok, then everything else can be fixed. As for the motor, I would recommend an OMC (Johnson, Evinrude, Gale) outboard between 25 hp-50 hp built between the mid 50's-mid 70's. Why older motors you may ask? Well, they're very reliable, plentiful, usually pretty cheap, have readily available parts and, most importantly, you can fix virtually everything on them yourself which will save you LOTS of money. If you could find a 14' v-hull Starcraft-type runabout with a mid 60's Johnson +/- 35 hp on a trailer for under a $1000 go for it!!! You could replace the floor and transom and overhaul the motor for the remaining $500 + LOTS of elbow grease. Keep us posted.

 

[kfa4303]

Re: What to look for in a low cost used boat?

a bit of inspiration perhaps (you'd rather have an outboard, but it shows you there are great deals are out there) ..........


http://forums.iboats.com/showthread.php?t=505284

 

[jigngrub]

Re: What to look for in a low cost used boat?

Hate to be rude (blunt, maybe?), but you aren't ready for a boat.

Anything you buy for that price will need triple that cost to get it seaworthy and stay that way. Boats and boat maintenance are expensive, and ongoing expenses never stop.

Yeah, a boat is a big hole in the water that you throw money into!

 

[Home Cookin']

Re: What to look for in a low cost used boat?

I suggest you sharpen the pencil and take a look at the budget. before you start shopping, price these things:

Cost to register a boat in your state, including taxes
Cost to licence trailer (state)
Cost to register boat and trailer in your city/county, including taxes
Insurance (boat and trailer)
Cost to add trailer hitch and lights to vehicle.
Cost of tube, tow rope and harness
Storage (be sure you can keep it at your home if that's your plan)
Ramp fees--do you have to pay each time you use it?
Look at the list of required safety items, add an anchor set-up and two dock lines, paddle. VHF if needed.
Cost for one-time shop "tune up" including water pump if OB--best to let the pros do it the first time and they can find otehr issues.
Contingency fund 20% but not less than $800.

I don't want to discourage you; there is nothing better than boating with the family and teaching the children the responsibility and skills. But even though you are handy and have time, the boating season is short and your family's patience will wear thin if the boat is seldom usable. If they are not already boaters, they won't "get" the frequent problems including those on the water. Which is usually the case with a $1,200 18' boat.

 

[djmeaney]

Re: What to look for in a low cost used boat?

I do have a pretty good handle on the other costs thanks to 19' sailboat. I have the trailer hitch/lights, safety equipment, vhf, know the fees, etc. What I don't know much about is motor boats, but I'm getting an education!

 

[Sharp Shooter]

Re: What to look for in a low cost used boat?

Here you go! And only $800!!!

CLICK HERE FOR LINK

 

[scooper77515]

Re: What to look for in a low cost used boat?

I paid $15,000 for my boat, and I have two buddies who paid $750 and $1500 for theirs. They have both had theirs on the water ONCE this season, and are now in the garage STILL getting repairs.

Mine has run flawlessly (if only the lake hadn't dropped 7 feet rendering launching a futile endeavor!). My wife and I have had countless trips out with no worries and no issues.

My last boat was $5000 and was one of those One-trip-out, one weekend waiting for parts, one weekend fixing, then another weekend out on the water, repeat on every trip. I vowed to get something a little more reliable this time around, but I saved up, and paid a bit more for a decent and reliable boat.

The wife and I had gotten to where we were not enjoying the trips because we were waiting for the next thing to go wrong, and having to paddle back to the trailer. It wasn't worth it. Gotta have something reliable or nothing at all.

 

[SDSeville]

Re: What to look for in a low cost used boat?

I almost scored on my $1200 boat. Motor ran great and only had one little soft spot on the floor. Turned out it needed deck, stringers, transom. Did the work myself, but cost another$1700. If you truly don't have a reStore budget, get an aluminum hull.

 

[Octopus]

Re: What to look for in a low cost used boat?

As someone said, you just have become familiar with the listings and be able to get over to the seller ASAP. I got an old 60's Glastron that had been redecked recently for $700 with a '70's 50 hp Mercury last year. Not the shiniest thing, but my family has a blast in it running around the rivers and beaching on islands where the kids play for hours. It moves pretty fast.

After becoming a Craigslist scientist and checking out a few, I started to get the hang of which listings were worth calling on. If I see the boat parked in weeds in the picture, No. If it's only one far away photo, No. If they say "needs a starter", No! That seems to be the universal mystery diagnosis- doesn't start, guess it needs a starter. What you want to hear them say is "I just had this out this weekend." And that it is titled. When I met the guy selling mine, he spent a lot of time showing me everything about the boat, and that's when I realized he was a responsible honest fellow and really, I've spent 700 bucks worse ways. As I hitched the trailer, two guys came roaring up in their truck so I got to see how close I was to literally Missing The Boat!

I see openbows for around your price, but yes, usually made in the 70's.

Good luck hunting!
Jeff

 

[djmeaney]

Re: What to look for in a low cost used boat?

I'm just trying to learn as much as I can before I buy a powerboat. I got a little scorched on the sailboat. I bought cheap (my usual style and I haven't learned yet) and later found a couple of serious cracks in the hull around the centerboard truck that needed be glassed. Fortunately, I was able to do the repairs myself, but 3 small kids and all their activities it took me about 2 to 3 years to get my O'Day Mariner sea worthy.

I don't want to make the same mistakes, if possible, with a powerboat. Obviously, the potential out of pocket costs for buying 'wrong' are much higher than with a 19' foot sailboat.

If the poster was implying that I was trying rouse some sympathy by crying poor in the hopes that someone would offer me a boat -- that was not my intention, and I hope it didn't come across that way.

Again, thanks for all of the useful information. It is a real help when I look at those end of the boating season Craiglist posts.

Dan