Finding a cheap boat..

[robpoe]

Where do I look to find a cheap / free boat. I hear about them .. but they seem like the mystical snipe hunt. I hear they're out there .. but how to find?<br /><br />I'm sure the city won't like me though. They got pissy with a boat on the grass in my back yard. Guess that knocks out restoring one except in the driveway....<br /><br />Since it's getting into Autumn, I thought I'd ask..

 

[sergioy]

Re: Finding a cheap boat..

The KC star is your best bet. Just the other day someone was giving away a 14' sail boat out here in Dallas. But I used to live in the KC area and that how I found all my best deals out there.

 

[tomatolord]

Re: Finding a cheap boat..

try www.craigslist.com - it is a free site to list things.<br /><br />However there is no such thing as a free boat, be prepared to do major restoration to it...

 

[AaronG]

Re: Finding a cheap boat..

its craigslist.org

 

[AJ168]

Re: Finding a cheap boat..

You get what you pay for with boats. I think that you end up paying the same amount that you would buying a good condition boat than you wood if you bought something that needed work. And then you wouldn't have all of the aggravation, unless of course you want to restore the boat.

 

[Booner]

Re: Finding a cheap boat..

What AJ168 said:<br />There is a good reason for something that it’s free its probably JUNK. But one mans junk is another mans treasure or head ach.

 

[pine island fred]

Re: Finding a cheap boat..

If you were here in FL. you could be towing them home all day. After fixing the trailers. Suggest you slowly drive thru older neighborhoods and look for distressed, neglected boats in peoples back yards. Make an enquiry on what looks interesting and you may be surprised that the people will be happy to get ride of it. As others have said, expect to put something into it, steering,controls,wiring,OUTBOARD. After all, you are looking for a project boat. happy hunting, fred

 

[CF 5491 PF]

Re: Finding a cheap boat..

We sold a 1971 Sea Ray 20' we got in on trade for a Cobalt for $700 a few years ago, the guy has been using it every summer week for 2 years now, he absolutely loves it and he has not had a single problem.

 

[Mike Robinson]

Re: Finding a cheap boat..

I bet alot of the stories you hear about cheap/free boats are exaggerated. Kinda like stories about the big fish that got away.

 

[Solittle]

Re: Finding a cheap boat..

The deals are there & I've had a few. You have to be a bit hungry, willing to overlook the cosmetics (which you take care of) and have cash in hand. Don't buy on impulse but look prospects over carefully and be ready to move.

 

[robpoe]

Re: Finding a cheap boat..

I realize that there isn't a free boat, and that it will need repair .. but I'm looking for a good project. I really would like to find a somekind of cuddy - and maybe an inboard .. the bowrider is nice .. but .. oh well

 

[JAL51974]

Re: Finding a cheap boat..

Tell people you know who own boats to keep their eyes open for you. I did and the guy sold me his boat several months later. its old and I am learning how to repair it but its been great fun for me. I bought it for $1500 and have put about another $500 into it, and its still a deal.

 

[Scaaty]

Re: Finding a cheap boat..

Every other yard has a boat here in Washington, and 2 more in the bushes.....

 

[Mahoney]

Re: Finding a cheap boat..

Friend bought a 30 foot Owens Cruiser, turn key for $4000 here in Washington from Craigslist<br /><br />Kansas probably has more seasonal times to look for cheap boats. Here in the Seattle area you can technically go boating year round. We had an 80 degree day here in early March last year!

 

[murphini]

Re: Finding a cheap boat..

Rob: From my perch here in Overland Park--(aka "**** and Jane Land" for you non-Kansans) remember the following saying:<br /><br />"There is always free cheese in a mousetrap"<br /><br />You'd be amazed how bad something "free" could be. My thought is you're much better off watching the KC Star for someone that wants to sell their boat CHEAP at the end of the year. <br /><br />IMHO you'll be on the water faster and for less money buying a boat that is working rather than hauling off someone's trash.<br /><br />On second thought, when my outdrive dies, my engine freezes, my floor and transom rot, and my homeowner's association and wife wants it out of my driveway, I'll give you a call.

 

[AJ168]

Re: Finding a cheap boat..

I take what I said back upon remembering what my uncle gave away a few years ago. It was an OLD bowrider with an even older Mercury OB that was somewhere in the 60 hp range. He gave it to some guy and it's still sitting in the guy's yard in Trenton, rotting away. Everything worked, although the floor was a little soft. I wish I was into boating at that time. I could've gotten a free boat!<br />I guess that if you're REALLY lucky you can find somehting that doesn't need too much work. But if you ever do, do yourself a favor and play the lotery on the same day.

 

[pine island fred]

Re: Finding a cheap boat..

They are out there, thought i would forward this ad under boats in the PINE ISLAND EAGLE ( weekly paper) Free for the taking-Worthy Cabin Cruiser. 38ft. fiberglass hull. In the water. 2 Ford diesels 239-549-5010. <br /> People went so far as to place an ad(not cheap) and probably want it to go to a good home. Now that would be a project boat. About 20 ft. to long for me. regards fred

 

[pine island fred]

Re: Finding a cheap boat..

Thought i would add this for what it is worth. Grew up around RARITAN BAY in N.J. in the 50s. Lots of marinas had boats layed up that the owners walked away from for various reasons. After a period of time the operators would bulldose them in a big pile and set them on fire.<br /> Yea, they were wood. Any one could have one of them if they just stepped forward before they were toarched. No titles back then, it was just your boat. Perhaps some system works like that today. regards fred

 

[Straightup]

Re: Finding a cheap boat..

Good condition boats are out there for great prices if you are a savvy hunter. We got our like new condition '84 Rinker from my brother in law. He was saving it for his retirement, but circumstances came up that he wanted to unload it. He was happy it stayed in the family tho'.<br /><br />1. You're smart to look in the fall.<br /><br />2. There's tons of fixer up-er's on ebay that go for real cheap. Check out the boats on there and add them to your watch list to find out what they sell for.<br /><br />3. Check papers.<br /><br />4. Good advise given to let people know you are in the market.<br /><br />5. Drive around and look in yards. You would be surprised at what you find that way. I got my 3/4 ton Chevy that way. It was just in a guys yard for sale. He was a contractor and his guys wanted a crew cab not an extended cab. I got it for almost $5000 under book so I saved about $7000 over buying from a dealership.<br /><br />6. Be patient. <br /><br />7. Don't be afraid to make low-ball offers. If people need the cash bad they may take anything. Some people get offended, but it doesn't hurt to try.

 

[Straightup]

Re: Finding a cheap boat..

Sorry to double post, but I just thought of another example. I have a bud up north who got a 10 year old 17' lund with a great condition 120 Johnson and trailer for $3,000. It was parked a few places down from his lake house and he watched it sit there for 3 months. It had a small crack in the windshield and an inch tear in one of the jump seats, other than that it was en exc. condition (solid floor and transom - great carpet). He offered the guy $3,000 and the guy paused a bit, but finally took it. He paid for it and hooked it up to his truck and the guy said Wait!, you need to get all the extras. The guy proceeded to bring out easily $1000 worth of trolling motor, graphs, skis and other tow-ables ect. So deals are out there.