My first boat: New vs Used?

[Ken1956]

Hello I am looking for my first boat and have lots of questions, however I'll only ask one for now so I don't over stay my welcome as I'm a first time poster. I've been researching this for awhile and have decided on a Tracker boat. I really like the layout of the 2009 Pro 16 model. The new one is in the budget and I honestly don't believe I'll ever want a bigger boat, bigger motor, etc. I am buying the boat strictly for fishing and it will be my wife and I. When I first started looking a month or so ago, I was convinced I should try and find a used Tracker with a similar layout as the Pro 16, but once I started reading the ads I was shocked to see 1987 models going for $3,000.00 plus and newer models even higher (obviously). I read several posts and know that there is information on this site that tells you what to look for when buying a used boat, but I have Zero experience with boats and I'm not sure if I'd recognize any or all potential problems. That said, I'm not opposed to printing out some sort of "used boat buyer checklist" and going for a used one, I'm just not sure what approach to take. So my question is, should I be looking for a used boat, or a new one?
Thanks in advance for any replies, I want to learn all I can so I'll feel like I've made a wise decision.

 

[eaglejim]

Re: My first boat: New vs Used?

I like going used myself I do all my own work on the boat and some of the small engine repairs and I don't like boat payments,if you have some friends that are good around boats take them boat shopping with you,check out the boat restoration thread there is a lot of knowledge there this is a very helpful site

 

[1rawdawg007]

Re: My first boat: New vs Used?

For me, used... and since its your 1st boat for sure.
I wouldnt want a new car to drive when I first got my license. Cause of the learning curve and massive depreciation...
Get something comparable in size, power, hull design, layout. That way you will not be questioning your purchase in the future.. There are plenty of boats out there that "the other guy" found that he didnt like, or didnt have enough power, or could afford an upgrade after a few years, that you and your partner will be able to buy at a price waaay below what you will spend on your "dream boat".
Take that old boat out and fish everywhere you like to go and find those shallow spots, rocks, submerged obstacles and other places that you dont want to take the "new baby" to. So when you do get a newer one, you dont cringe as often..
Cause no matter what you buy or how old it is, its gonna be "new" to you anyway... and summer is the worst time to buy new anyway..

 

[NoKlu]

Re: My first boat: New vs Used?

Do you want to work on your boat in the driveway or do you want to go fishing? If a new boat is within your budget get one. It doesn't sound like you are going to go out and buy a 35' cruiser your just going to crush a dock with, but a smaller boat that won't be that hard to handle. You can always look around and find one a couple of years old and save some money but the newer boats are woodless and have a lifetime warranty on the hull. Learn about them. No stringers to rot. No engine problems. No leaks,torn seats, worn musty carpet and on and on. If you hang out here and ask questions about the care and handling of your boat you'll be way ahead of the guys that get them and learn by trial and error. There is a lot of great deals out there now and if you take your time and shop smart you'll get a good one with a warranty. Show us [pics] what you are looking at and you'll get help and suggestions before you buy. If you don't think you will want a bigger boat you are probably dead wrong on that hahaha. The engine? a couple more mph wont hurt either,lol, but thats the way it goes. Welcome to boating and iboats

 

[NoKlu]

Re: My first boat: New vs Used?

I just looked at the Tracker boat your looking at and if you check out the completed boats forum I think you'll find a few guys turned their boats into a similar design boat. $8 grand,turnkey aluminum four stroke fishkiller with a trailer,fishfinder, livewell, and trolling motor all ready to get wet! Nice Boat.

 

[crispins]

Re: My first boat: New vs Used?

used..buy a cheap boat first...ding it up...make mistakes...then if you still want a new boat go for it


Im on my first boat... its a POS junker but out of the 4 times Ive used it

lets see.....

once - left plug in boat (as in hanging from ignition key not "in boat")
once - forget to raise drive b4 driving trailer up ramp
once forgot to turn off fishfinder (for 9 days)
once - I forgot.....

anyway point is I have learned that owning a boat is much different than anything I have owned previously. I promise you I can afford a much more expensive boat than the $1,000 one I have right now - but the lessons I am learning are invaluable.

 

[BumbleBeeTuna]

Re: My first boat: New vs Used?

I bought new because it was within my budget and I did not want to worry about what could be wrong with something I spent so much money on.

I think the number of mistakes you make in the beginning is relative to how clumsy you let yourself be knowing you have something you do not care much about. You are going to be extremely careful with a new boat, which will limit your mistakes.

Educate yourself as much as possible and take your time. Take things as slow as you need. Do not let anyone or anything rush you. All the reading in the world goes over the side that first day, but gradually it comes back to you.

Now with many more hours on my boat, I am extremely satisfied with buying new.

 

[Home Cookin']

Re: My first boat: New vs Used?

Used, especially for a relatively basic boat. But not too used: see if you can get something 5-6 years old. If you're on fresh water, that's new.
Because the hull is basic, focus on the motor, and the care the previous owner took, especially as to fuel management. Find out why he's selling. If it's new enough you might be able to get a service agreement on the motor.
Look for dents on the hull and prop, but don't worry about scrapes and lost paint. A boat can handle sand bars but not rocks.
I wouldn't buy a banged-up clunker just to save money unless its engine was new.
Stick to outboards!
See if you can take it to a boat mechanic for a check-up; if the seller will let you get it lined up in advance b/c the good ones are busy.
Chances are you will find a good used one, and the difference in price between a new and used would be the cost to buy a new motor tomorrow.

 

[Navy Jr.]

Re: My first boat: New vs Used?

Ken1956:

First, welcome to iBoats. I think you'll find this is one of the best boating forums in the world.

Regarding new or used, all of the comments posted so far have their merits. I bought new last year after having difficulty finding a used copy of the boat I was interested in. Oh, they were out there, but of the couple that looked like they were in decent shape, neither had verifiable service records, and both were out of warranty.

To be honest, there were moments where I wondered if I had done the right thing. The model I bought wasn't cheap (but it was hardly the most expensive either), and there were times I thought I could have done better things with the money.

That was last year. I was new to boating, so always had the jitters every time I launched and recovered at the ramp.

This year it's entirely different. Lots more fun. Have launching thing down to a set routine, so now can enjoy the boat for the reasons I bought it. Last week my son and I caught over 8 pounds of bass in two hours.

As far as making lots of mistakes on a first boat, that's a valid concern that worried me, as well. I took the safe boating course through the U.S. Power Squadron, and another from the MN DNR. When the boat arrived (factory order), my brother-in-law the tournament fisherman offered to take me out in the new boat to show me a few tips and tricks, and things to look out for. That was a tremendous help.

Also, the new boat came with some good warranties. Mercury extended their 3-year warranty to 5 years at no extra charge, and our boat has a lifetime warranty on the hull and decking to the original owner (I put my son down as co-owner so when I give him the boat a few years from now he will still be considered an "original owner.").

Finally, I have a 3-ring binder where I keep all records for the boat. I had it winterized at the dealer last fall and have the records to prove it. If for some reason we decide to sell the boat, I will be able to prove all maintenance that was done.

So yeah, buying used makes more financial sense, just like buying a used car makes more sense than buying a new car. Thing is, like with cars, you just don't know what problems you're buying into. If you're handy with boats and boat motors, or have a good friend who is and is willing to help, then maybe it's something you can easily handle. If you're not, then there's nothing wrong with buying new if it's within your budget. -Ken

 

[mphy98]

Re: My first boat: New vs Used?

If you are looking at tracker I would do as a previous post said and check out Bass Pro. Do a website check and you may get last years model even cheaper.
8k is cheap for a new boat with those features.

 

[cwhite6]

Re: My first boat: New vs Used?

Ken,
If you like the Tracker Pro 16, do yourself a favor and look at the boats made by Xpress also. Similiar, but made better IMHO. Around the same price also. Plus, the Pro 16 comes standard with a 25hp motor I believe. Do yourself a favor and get the 30 or 40. I have a boat very similiar in weight to a Pro 16 with a 25 on it and you not be very satisfied with the get up and go on it. Also, make sure you get power tilt and trim on it. I see that is an option with the 25hp. You will much prefer the tilt and trim to manually moving the motor up and down.

 

[SeanT]

Re: My first boat: New vs Used?

I'm not a fisherman, but I thought I'd chime in on the new vs. used. I'm in the camp of "first boat - used" for a number of reasons:

1. Make all your mistakes on the first boat (dings, scratches, banging into the dock by mistake, getting caught in the forward backward see-saw trying to parellel park between two picky old fisherman at the dock....you get the idea).

2. You are FORCED to learn stuff. No matter how fancy your next boat, the fact that you had to troubleshoot leaks, engine starts, ignition problems, and underway performance never hurts. I thank the heavens I found iBoats - lately my past time has been reading old forum posts, mouth agape at things I have yet to experience.

3. Running out of steam - but just to reinforce #2 - I'd rather not use a $75000 Malibu as my training grounds, no matter how doable the monthly payment is. (Using this example because I see it a lot in my area.)

Having said all that, buying used and always having "boat homework" sure does suck sometimes, at least until every issue is handled. For example, last weekend we (not just me, but the wife and kids as well) spent all morning Saturday cleaning the house and yard and getting work done so we could go to the lake in the afternoon. So everything is done and I pull the boat out, start doing checks and making sure everything we need is loaded. Hooked up the muffs and started her up, idled a bit, turned it off. Got out, noticed a sheen in the water draining out of the leg. Lowered the leg and checked the leg oil - milkshake. Leg rebuild didn't go quite according to plan. Took boat back to mechanic (and told him I want it done right this time) on Saturday and ruined the entire weekend wrt. boating. If he screws it up again, I'm either doing it myself (yikes) or finding another mechanic.

Anyway, getting off topic. I'm looking forward to not being a newb, there's a few slightly newer Moombas in the area that I've got my eye on...

 

[Ken1956]

Re: My first boat: New vs Used?

I want to Thank each of you that posted a reply - I really appreciate each of you taking the time to help me out. For all that recommended the Used boat, I am going to try and add a link here to an example of the used boats I am seeing advertised in my area. If the link works please take a look and let me know if I'm way off base or if this (or similar boat) is something that I should be seriously considering.

http://dallas.craigslist.org/dal/boa/1268312558.html

Thanks again for the help and the welcome that I received.

 

[ezmobee]

Re: My first boat: New vs Used?

The boat you posted is fairly priced. Decent condition and decently equipped aluminum fishing boats with running motors do seem to bottom out price-wise around $3000. However I agree with NoKlu above, the new rig you posted with an injected outboard for $8k seems like a pretty good deal. I am definitely in the "buy used" camp but that new deal is pretty good. I hope you're considering brands other than Tracker though because it's not like they are the tops for quality or features. Not saying they are a bad boat or anything just they aren't exactly unique.

 

[Ken1956]

Re: My first boat: New vs Used?

Thanks ezmobee, I appreciate your comments. I actually have only been considering the Tracker brand as I thought it WAS "unique". I guess I better do a search to see what other brands (cwhite6 recommended Xpress, so I'll check that first) I can find that offer similar features. Thanks very much for the info about the $3,000 being a fair price for the boat ad I posted - that really helps a lot

 

[Lion hunter]

Re: My first boat: New vs Used?

In this economy, I would go used. Alot of people around here are dumping their toys that are fairly new. Let someone else take the depreiciation.

 

[jonesg]

Re: My first boat: New vs Used?

Took a ride with my freind to his boat (28footer) its moored and the water taxi is manned by an old salt at the yacht club. We mentioned we were going to check out the transmission on the port engine ( twin v8's)

He got talking, saying how the learning curve can be very tough for the newcomer, if you have all the service work done by marinas you aren't destined to be a long term boater unless you have rather deep pockets.
He said " I do all my own work, its the only way to afford it".

If you can afford new, theres nothing wrong with that because you can afford the loss or depreciation.

If you go used theres nothing wrong with that either, especially if you actually LIKE working on boats and engines.

Back to my freind, he has all the work done by the marina, its costing him an arm and a leg for simple stuff such as winterising, storage, and tuneup cost him $3K. ! He obviously got more boat than he can handle.

I will say, you can't imagine wanting more than a 16 footer, you will when you encounter a 2 foot chop, thats nothing for a 20 footer.

So for the same money you can get a 16' new or a 20' good used.
I got a 20' center console for $700 and a good used johnson 150 for $1500, they did need some work and I learned how to do it by reading here. My boat is better than a new boat because I did the work much better than the factory does. Total cost now is around $3500 and I have a heck of a boat capable of handling 4 foot seas and more. Unless you only boat on rivers or small lakes you will see conditions less than ideal some day.

You're in TX, find a local experienced boater to help you learn how to discover defects if you decide to go used.

 

[JoLin]

Re: My first boat: New vs Used?

Hello The new one is in the budget and I honestly don't believe I'll ever want a bigger boat, bigger motor, etc.

BWaahhhaahhhhaaaaa!

(sorry, couldn't resist )

If you decide you like boating, you'll trade up- maybe not today, or tomorrow, but soon, and for the rest of your life (my apologies to Bogart ).

Admittedly an extreme example, but it took me all of 18 months to move from my first boat to something larger. If you enjoy boating, you'll want to do more of it. That usually translates to more size and amenities. If you decide you don't like boating, you'll just sell off what you already own.

Both good reasons (IMO) to buy used the first time out, along with the inevitable abuse your first boat will suffer at your hands.

Good luck- have fun shopping!

 

[south texas]

Re: My first boat: New vs Used?

My two cents worth.. I had always enjoyed boating, but hadn't owned a boat. When we made the decision to buy one, I was concerned that maybe it wouldn't be as much fun "owning" as using. I decided to buy a cheap old dog, just to get my sea legs. 14' tri hull, groovy green with equally groovy interior! I paid 1,000.00 for it and that's about all it was worth! Ugly as hell, but ran well. We used it as the training vessel for a season, then upgraded to a much larger, but still used Maxum 1900. I was able to sell the tri hull for what I paid, so it worked out for me.

As has been mentioned in many previous posts, new is nice, but tearing up a shiny new boat doesn't sound like a good plan to me.

The economy sucks and there are tons of deals out there. Good luck!

 

[southtexas]

Re: My first boat: New vs Used?

Hello ... The new one is in the budget and I honestly don't believe I'll ever want a bigger boat, bigger motor, etc.

HA! That's hilarious. You're a liar but you might not even know it yet!

Yes you will want a bigger boat and engine; and you'll want it as soon as you start to get comfortable with the nice USED boat you're about to buy. There is no reason for you to buy a new boat as your first boat, whether you could afford a fleet of them or not. Buy a nice used one; you can pick up on with years of warranty still left on the hull/engine; you'll pay a fraction of what the new one would cost. You'll also get a boat which (usually) has all of the loose screws, problems identified/fixed.

Welcome to iboats...

(and you up there, south texas, give me my name back)