Where do you compromise on a used boat?

[canuckjgc]

I'm looking for a newer tin boat with windshield, 16-17ft on the private used market.

For my budget, and considering what's available, there are lots of compromises to make. Just curious where you would compromise and where you wouldn't?

For example, I can get a bigger but lighter gauge newer aluminum with newer outboard, or smaller heavy gauge aluminum with slightly older engine. Shallower v's are cheaper than deeper v's. Mercs are cheaper than Yamahas, 2 stroke cheaper than 4 stroke, etc etc.

For example, I can get a 2009 Smokercraft 16.5 ft Tracer with low hour 2 stroke, riveted and lightweight aluminum, vs a 2004 alumaweld 15.5 ft with 4 stroke, welded heavy gauge for about the same price, but deeper V. Just an example, but prices are pretty consistent this way.

Any thoughts? Condition does vary, but the older boats do look older obviously, with some wear and tear starting to show. Shopping for a boat is fun I must admit. So far I'm leaning towards to newest, lowest hour boat for the price, but might not be the best approach.

 

[shrew]

Re: Where do you compromise on a used boat?

IMHO a lot of the compromises will be dictated by how and where you use the boat. A deep V will handle rough water better than a shallow V. If you're on a larger body of water and/or one with a lot of boat traffic you might be happier with a Deep V. If you are on a pond, small lake, and/or one with little boat traffic and typically calmer conditions, then a shallow V would probably be just fine. I suppose the same could be said for the heavier or lighter guage aluminum as well. If there are a lot of unmarked rocks, stumps, bars, and typically rougher water, maybe a sturdier boat with thicker guage might be a better option for you.

2 strokes are lighter, 4 strokes tend to be heavier. older 2 strokes 'can' tend to be a bit smokey. If you are in a area that restricts emissions or prefer a cleaner burning moter, maybe a 4 stroke is a better option for you. If you are looking at a 2 stroke that requires pre-mix, is this going to be inconvenient for you? 4 strokes burn pump gas. oil injected 2 strokes don't require pre-mixing, so maybe that is a better option for you. 2 strokes are easier and cheaper to rebuild than a 4 stroke.

Rivets can leak, welds can fail. Reparing rivets is easier and can be a DIY project as compared to welding It is easier to rivet thinner mil of aluminum than weld it.

I'm not sure this helps, but if you have anymore info. that might help folks help you focus on what best meets your needs.

 

[lncoop]

Re: Where do you compromise on a used boat?

Where you compromise is ultimately up to you, canuck, but based on how you like to use a boat I sense that space for folks and gear is a priority for you. If so, I'm not sure you'd be happy long term with either of those rigs. You're running a sixteen footer now as I recall. Imagine that boat with a console and all the stuff that goes with it; maybe even go so far as to load all your gear in your current boat without using that space, and see what it looks like.

In other words, where you don't compromise is on your top priorities, one of which I think is probably space. That said, if you find that I'm wrong about the space issue I think assuming proper maintenance and no abuse either of those rigs would serve you well.

 

[Home Cookin']

Re: Where do you compromise on a used boat?

sort of what ncoop said, the better approach is to consider where you won't compromise, and build from there. Buying a boat, espcially used, is nothing but a long list of compromises and trade-off's.

A retired submarine captain told me once, "in subs, you do everything in pairs. You dive; you surface."
Look at boat decisions that way: add a feature, subtract open space. Add a big motor, subtract fuel economy. Add great cosmetic condition, subtract boating time to keep it that way.

 

[canuckjgc]

Re: Where do you compromise on a used boat?

Ok good advice. Yes space is key so I guess I start from there, and accept maybe a rougher ride or a Merc or whatever.

I can afford the new boat of my dreams, but I just can't bring myself to spend the money and take the hit on depreciation. Here in canuckystan, a new tin light gauge boat at 16' with a 40hp is over $20k new.

Across the border, I've seen 2-3 year old boats (often with 50 or 60hp) for around $10-$12k. What a difference. Totally worth the compromises for me.

 

[lncoop]

Re: Where do you compromise on a used boat?

Ok good advice. Yes space is key so I guess I start from there, and accept maybe a rougher ride or a Merc or whatever.

I can afford the new boat of my dreams, but I just can't bring myself to spend the money and take the hit on depreciation. Here in canuckystan, a new tin light gauge boat at 16' with a 40hp is over $20k new.

Across the border, I've seen 2-3 year old boats (often with 50 or 60hp) for around $10-$12k. What a difference. Totally worth the compromises for me.

You're all over it. Good luck.

 

[mommicked]

Re: Where do you compromise on a used boat?

Why the steep price? is it an import tax?

 

[canuckjgc]

Re: Where do you compromise on a used boat?

I know it's strange - there is no import duty on US made boats! I think it's just a much smaller market so prices have to be higher to support dealers etc. Also much smaller used boat market so sellers can ask more.

 

[Lowe170]

Re: Where do you compromise on a used boat?

View attachment 120780

I bought my first boat this spring; a used 2000 Lowe tinner, mod v hull, with 70 hp 2000 Johnson. It's been a great starter boat for me and has managed well in tidal rivers and occasional windy conditions. I have gotten beat up a bit at times getting back in, but she's stayed afloat as the bilge pumps away... Just my 2 cents worth... Good luck!

 

[Texasmark]

Re: Where do you compromise on a used boat?

For what your are quoting, you could go to your bank, get a line of credit, come down here and spend a "vacation" of a week or so, have pre-arranged visits with dealers with pre-arranged rigs and go back home with what you want and for a lot less money.
Big water means deep v. Playing around the stumps or rocks means thick bottom (.100" or more). 2 or 4 cycle has benefits to both, depending upon circumstances. More but this will get you started.

Mark

 

[drrpm]

Re: Where do you compromise on a used boat?

Decide what your purpose for the boat is. Set a budget. Find a boat that satisfies conditions 1 and 2. Buy it and enjoy it. When in doubt, more power is better. I'd be willing to overlook cosmetic issues as long has the hull and drive train are good.