Advice buying a used boat

Ryanlewis2010 · Apr 22, 2012

Re: Advice buying a used boat

Ya I like #3 the best reliable engine and if that picture wasnt taken long before it was up for sale then MAYBE it should be a good buy but dont trust anything a PO tells you most of the time its a lie. So always do a water test if thats not an option neither is that boat lol

scoutabout · Apr 22, 2012

Re: Advice buying a used boat

I like the last boat's looks so for the best (with the pics in water). At least it looks halfway cared for...

Do take note however how it is sitting in the water with just the two adults and a kid. Not much freeboard left to play with. Now, unless this indicates a lot of waterlogged foam under the decks (a whole other buggaboo) just be aware that this boat will be suitable for light loads and relatively calm, protected waters. Nothing wrong with that - just compare that reality with your intended usage.

The other possibility is that motor is too big. It's a nice unit but it's a good idea to check the capacity plate on the back of the boat. If that boat is rated for, say a fifty horse only, you will forever be looking over your shoulder for a police marine unit to write you up on your first inspection. Not to mention it isn't safe.

Good luck and keep posting!

Ryanlewis2010 · Apr 22, 2012

Re: Advice buying a used boat

Ya that did look pretty big for that size boat. I agree with scout i would be worried about that if your going on a major public lake where Fish and wildlife are at

brewern · Apr 23, 2012

Re: Advice buying a used boat

I'm not sure what happened, but right after I emailed and asked the owner if the boat was rated for a 70HP motor, and specifically asked about the capacity plate, I've not received a return email. Makes you go hmmmmmmmm....

I'm now looking at this one:

http://lexington.craigslist.org/boa/2973913652.html

The owner will be sending me some pictures tomorrow. I'll be sure to post them here. Thanks for all your advice, it's obviously paying off.

Mikeyboy · Apr 23, 2012

Re: Advice buying a used boat

Not a whole lot of info to go on with that one. Look forward to see the pics you get.

NYBo · Apr 23, 2012

Re: Advice buying a used boat

brewern said:
I'm not sure what happened, but right after I emailed and asked the owner if the boat was rated for a 70HP motor, and specifically asked about the capacity plate, I've not received a return email. Makes you go hmmmmmmmm....

I'm now looking at this one:

http://lexington.craigslist.org/boa/2973913652.html

The owner will be sending me some pictures tomorrow. I'll be sure to post them here. Thanks for all your advice, it's obviously paying off.

That would be the same boat as mine. Be very, very careful. Rot is a big problem with these (ask me how I know).

ezmobee · Apr 24, 2012

Re: Advice buying a used boat

NYBo said:
That would be the same boat as mine. Be very, very careful. Rot is a big problem with these (ask me how I know).

That 85 is also most likely a Force which you probably don't want.

brewern · Apr 24, 2012

Re: Advice buying a used boat

ezmobee said:
That 85 is also most likely a Force which you probably don't want.

Thanks! That owner is hard to get ahold of anyway.

Is it normal to have a hard time contacting owners and getting responses from them? I'm having a really difficult time with my communications. I'm prompt to reply, but their responses are taking 1-2 days.

Anyway, I've set my sites on this boat:
http://cincinnati.craigslist.org/boa/2974359291.html

Your thoughts and advice?
Many thanks,
Neil

brewern · Apr 24, 2012

Re: Advice buying a used boat

Also, something I've yet to ask... can my truck tow that boat? I have a '94 Ford Ranger extended cab like this:

http://www.autoseekandsell.com/userimages/ranger_0001.JPG

It's a 6 cylinder, 4.0 (I think), rear wheel drive. Still runs like a champ, I've maintained it nicely over the years.

Mason78 · Apr 24, 2012

Re: Advice buying a used boat

I am not a mechanic, but everyone I know who has bought an older boat has had to spend a lot of money to keep it running (including myself). Just my 2 cents.

brewern · Apr 24, 2012

Re: Advice buying a used boat

Well, it seems it was just now sold, within the last half hour.
Let's see what else I can find. Patience is certainly required when boat hunting...

brewern · Apr 24, 2012

brewern · Apr 24, 2012

Re: Advice buying a used boat

ezmobee said:
That 85 is also most likely a Force which you probably don't want.

I found a nice bass boat local, but it has a force motor. Can you tell me more about why I wouldn't want that? The boat is an 86 bay liner bass boat.

Pics:

Boat has tilt and trim, 125 force motor, live well. Says the 'speedtor' doesn't work.

Ryanlewis2010 · Apr 24, 2012

Re: Advice buying a used boat

Well ill list them in order as you have them an my thoughts
1. looks like floor is possibly rotting, and has a force (hear there bad idk y im an I/o guy)
2. Looks good depending on if the engine is really in good shape
3. no details on anything so that leaves something to be desierd
4. if its the 270 RUN For your life a boat that needs A lot of work Plus a 270 that might need some work if not now then later floor is almost def rotted.
5. Can you really call that a boat?
6.Looks like the boat to me hop on it quick cause it will be gone soon IDC what the motor is i.e force or merc i can all but garuntee its been cared for, for most of those 24 year if not all.
7. this is #3 but if all is good looks under powerd to me.
8.looks good and i never have heard about a motor needing a title? depends on if you want bow rider or fishing i think it looks good but i would be concerned about that newish looking carpet covering something up.
9. looks good depending on if the transom was the only place there was rot. maybe stringers too?
10. Defiantly needs cleaning which shows how well it was cared for or not cared for at all.
11. something about that screams stay away idk what but it does.
12. wireing to an OB should be fairly easy because ill bet the wire are still under the cowel (if thats what its called).
13. I think i will be going up to ohio here to pick that up who cars about the color of the interoir that can all be re done but it looks great if all that has been done and taken care of since it was done.
14.RUNNNNN 270 AGAIN runnnnnn a 270 can be good if well taken care of but a 270 is notorious for problems and 270 sitting for 2+ years is even worse.

Thats all my in put i really like 13 enough i would buy it

brewern · Apr 24, 2012

Re: Advice buying a used boat

Ryanlewis2010 said:
Well ill list them in order as you have them an my thoughts
1. looks like floor is possibly rotting, and has a force (hear there bad idk y im an I/o guy)
2. Looks good depending on if the engine is really in good shape
3. no details on anything so that leaves something to be desierd
4. if its the 270 RUN For your life a boat that needs A lot of work Plus a 270 that might need some work if not now then later floor is almost def rotted.
5. Can you really call that a boat?
6.Looks like the boat to me hop on it quick cause it will be gone soon IDC what the motor is i.e force or merc i can all but garuntee its been cared for, for most of those 24 year if not all.
7. this is #3 but if all is good looks under powerd to me.
8.looks good and i never have heard about a motor needing a title? depends on if you want bow rider or fishing i think it looks good but i would be concerned about that newish looking carpet covering something up.
9. looks good depending on if the transom was the only place there was rot. maybe stringers too?
10. Defiantly needs cleaning which shows how well it was cared for or not cared for at all.
11. something about that screams stay away idk what but it does.
12. wireing to an OB should be fairly easy because ill bet the wire are still under the cowel (if thats what its called).
13. I think i will be going up to ohio here to pick that up who cars about the color of the interoir that can all be re done but it looks great if all that has been done and taken care of since it was done.
14.RUNNNNN 270 AGAIN runnnnnn a 270 can be good if well taken care of but a 270 is notorious for problems and 270 sitting for 2+ years is even worse.

Thats all my in put i really like 13 enough i would buy it

That helps a ton Ryan! So far, #2, #6, #8, #12, #13, and possibly my lastest post. And lean towards #6 and #13.

How about that last post?

Ryanlewis2010 · Apr 24, 2012

Re: Advice buying a used boat

ya after re reading 6 and 13 i would go with 13 its cheaper and has more power to size ratio just seems like its the. one man i sure wish i was buying another boat lol

edit: the last post looks good once again idk know why people hate on force so much cause like i said im i.o guy but if the old guy in the pix is the owner i would bet it was well taken care of. boating and fishing are usualy what older guys resort to when they retire and they take good care of them

Ryanlewis2010 · Apr 24, 2012

Re: Advice buying a used boat

OO and whats the price on the last bayliner that will make the differnce also

brewern · Apr 24, 2012

Re: Advice buying a used boat

Ryanlewis2010 said:
OO and whats the price on the last bayliner that will make the differnce also

He listed it at $2000, and I told him I was concerned about the Force engine. I asked what the rock bottom price was, and he said "$1500".

Also, he said he's had no problems out of it in the 6 years he's owned it. And, he's willing to take me out on the water on Friday, but he has to tag it and fill the lower with oil. To me, that sounds like he's taken care of it and knows what he's doing.

So, both the bayliner and #13 are perfectly at my budget.

I guess, maybe the deciding factor is my truck. As posted above, I have a 94 Ford Ranger, 6 cylinder (4.0 or 3.0), rear wheel of course.
Would my truck have any trouble pulling either of those?

81 Checkmate · Apr 24, 2012

Re: Advice buying a used boat

Hello brewern!

I live just north of cincinnati, thers not a day that goes buy that i dont look at boats on CL. If i come across something i will PM ya and if its close id be glade to take alook at it for ya.

What are your plans with the boat?
1. Mostly fishing
2. Fish and ski/tube
3. Just hang out and cruise with the family.........little fishen,tuben Ect.

Just from my actual boating experience and here on iboats experience all the ones you are looking at are going to need work and some alot more than others. With that in mind if you are going to spend $1200 to $1800 its going to need atleast another $500 to get it on the water safely. Not saying that you couldnt find the cream of the crop in that price range.

My son bought his 81 checkmate for $1200 and we had it on the water within 2 weeks for around $300, oil change,drive lube ,impeler change ect. After that we had to change the lower shift cable another $100 bucks..... But we had a blast with the boat for the rest of the summer. Now im in the process of deck replacement and total restore, but thats just me i love the boat and want to make it like new again.

Now we/I do not know if you can handle this or not? that would make ya or break ya and you can do alot of the work your self from the help here on iboats.

If i were going to look at any of the ones you posted i would look at number 13, go figure......I like the lines of the boat and if the pictures are recent thats not a bad look rig. The out drive does look newish maybe paint but the po said it was new. All the others are going to need new decks and seats...ect who knows they will tell ya anything to get rid of it.

Do your self a favor and do alot of research on iboats these guys have done everything to a boat.

Hope ive helped and good luck on your search!!!!!!!!

brewern · Apr 24, 2012

Re: Advice buying a used boat

81 Checkmate said:
Hello brewern!

I live just north of cincinnati, thers not a day that goes buy that i dont look at boats on CL. If i come across something i will PM ya and if its close id be glade to take alook at it for ya.

What are your plans with the boat?
1. Mostly fishing
2. Fish and ski/tube
3. Just hang out and cruise with the family.........little fishen,tuben Ect.

Just from ... search!!!!!!!!

Thanks Checkmate, I've certainly come to appreciate all the advice I've gotten here. It's a huge benefit to us newbies, and I'm really enjoying building some new friendships.

As for your question about usage, #3 best describes it. We're bigger campers than fishers. I want to hit boat in camp grounds, do some tubing and skiing, and just have fun with the family.

What did you think about the Bayliner?

I've talked to him and can take it out on the water on Friday. Also, I just got a response from #13. After making a comment about not wanting to buy a money pit, he said:

"...But, as far as money pits go, this one is pretty tame. It doesn't really NEED anything (other than more use), but it could use:

1) an exhaust bellows to quiet it down when on plane
2) A couple of wheel studs replaced on one hub
3) A lug nut replaced on the other hub
4) A really thorough cleaning
5) Plan to replace a little plywood in the interior trim (mostly the cover for the convertible top the floor and transom are solid and clean)

Honestly, I wish I could buy a boat from myself someday - seems I get them all fixed up and then end up selling them. I really don't WANT to sell this one, but it's not getting a lot of use and current personal circumstances indicate that condition won't change anytime soon. And, the worst thing you can do to a boat (other than let it sit outside, AT ALL), is not use it."

He also linked me to more photos. You can tell this guy takes care of his toys:

http://s1222.photobucket.com/albums/dd500/tautog2/Rinkerbuilt/

So, now I'm torn.
Checkmate, would you be able to visit Clarksville before Friday morning (I can send you some gas money)? I'm just not sure which boat I should go for, and time is limited.

Please keep sharing your thoughts everyone.

Advice buying a used boat

Petty Officer 1st Class

Lieutenant Commander

Petty Officer 1st Class

Cadet

Chief Petty Officer

Admiral

Supreme Mariner

Cadet

Cadet

Petty Officer 1st Class

Cadet

Cadet

Cadet

Petty Officer 1st Class

Cadet

Petty Officer 1st Class

Petty Officer 1st Class

Cadet

Lieutenant

Cadet