1st time boat owner

smokeonthewater

smokeonthewater

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Re: 1st time boat owner

oooooooooh 18' now that's a horse of a different color.... missed that.... yeah that boat could be a great start... I wouldn't put more than about $100 into that force motor ... Prolly wouldn't find a lower for that but MIGHT find a whole parts motor... certainly nothing to bank on but just a thought to keep in the back of ur mind..... soooo I'll say it would do good w 70-90 hp but 125 would be great

When I was in high school dad had an 18' starcraft CC with IIRC a 85 hp evinrude.... worked great

I'm not saying there aren't plenty of good trihulls out there I'm saying that the one in question had enough warning signs to pretty much guarantee it to be rotten.

EDIT I just noticed the bows across the boat and the full mooring cover rolled up against the windshield... MAJOR BONUS and another indication that is likely isn't rotten!

O/P If you, ur boyfriend, a close friend, or a family member is even a little handy with a wrench, you should STRONGLY consider this boat
 
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smokeonthewater

smokeonthewater

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Re: 1st time boat owner

southkogs said:
our saving up.

A little day sailer ...........won't be good for fishing,
Click to expand...

Not so...... I bought a 14' sunfish a few years ago when I was working out of state and if you leave the mast n sail at home it actually paddles fairly easily and I did quite a bit of fishing from mine.....

Also it WAS INDEED fun as heck to sail........ unsinkable too
 
SigSaurP229

SigSaurP229

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Re: 1st time boat owner

if it were my money to spend that Holiday is where I would spend it. The upholstery loooks well cared for and maintained has the original top. Op i know its a lite farther than u wanted but that is your best value for the dollar. I urge u come join the dark side of iboats the starmada.
 
bonz_d

bonz_d

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Re: 1st time boat owner

Also remember that right now you are in the middle of the "off season". Many have been put away for the winter and are forgotten about. As we get closer to March there will start to be many more come available so be patient.
In the mean time try to get a better idea of what you want in a boat and how you are going to use it. How big of a boat? Consider what size and types of waterways it will be primarily used on. Is it going to be kept on a trailer or is it going to be wet moored? If it will be kept on a trailer a smaller boat may be easier to manage when launching and retrieving.

As a 1st time buyer I would highly suggest looking at Starcraft, Smokercraft and Sylvan in the 16' range as they are large enough for 4 persons yet light weight enough that they are easy to manage. And they are all solidly built and hold their value pretty well.
 
smokeonthewater

smokeonthewater

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Re: 1st time boat owner

Livelaughpens said:
I was looking around a little more and found this one. I could make payments, but what do you guys think of something like this?

Boatsville - 1986 Thompson 180 BR - Pittsburgh, PA
Click to expand...

overpriced... why are the seat bottoms the wrong color? back seats replaced ..don't match, 170 ... isn't that a 3.7? not the most desirable motor

This is why I asked your price range..... HUGE difference between $500 and $4000

$4000 will buy a lot better boat than this one
 
SigSaurP229

SigSaurP229

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Re: 1st time boat owner

dont make payments on a boat especially a 20-30 yeat old fiberglass boat. Committing to a payment is committing long term to a boat that may or may not suit your needs, and no offense but as a first time boat owner you arent entirely sure what your needs are. I am thinking yiu are looking for a bow rider. Take a look at my restoration link in my signature. My boat is the exact same size as the one you posted is alot more durable and alot lower maintenance it will do everything that last one you posted will do and alot more. Even after full restoration cost is still 1k cheaper.Listen to these guys look for a Starcraft supersport Sea nymph ss180 Smoker craft or Lund Tyee. For your first boat the more versatile the better.
 
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S

Starcraft5834

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Re: 1st time boat owner

my first boat was a 15ft Glastron V156 w/ 50hp merc... Had it one year, got rid of it,, why? unless you plan on floating on small lakes and rivers,, use extra "fixodent" to keep your teeth in place while bashing through waves... Trihull not first choice for it's ability to cut through waves.. if it runs well and not waterlogged,, then again $500 price tells much...........
 
smokeonthewater

smokeonthewater

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Re: 1st time boat owner

Start making your payments now... As much as you can possibly afford... Pack it away and keep shopping
By spring the right deal will come along and you can save a LOT by having cash available to snap up the right deal.
Example... While I have LOTS of labor so it doesn't really apply to your situation I have less than $4000 in the boat pictured in my signature.
LOTS of diligent shopping and being ready to snap up the deal when I found it.
 
tazrig

tazrig

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redneck joe

redneck joe

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Re: 1st time boat owner

seriously I would check out that StarCraft if it meets your needs.
 
L

Livelaughpens

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Re: 1st time boat owner

My worry about Craigslist is if something ends up not working. With no experience or idea what I'm looking for, do I have any rights protecting me from a dud?
 
Bondo

Bondo

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Re: 1st time boat owner

Livelaughpens said:
My worry about Craigslist is if something ends up not working. With no experience or idea what I'm looking for, do I have any rights protecting me from a dud?
Click to expand...

Nope,... Buyer beware applies,... but suin' sometimes wins,...
 
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