ADVICE NEEDED FOR BUYING MY FIRST BOAT UNDER 21’

[felixgabi]

I’d like to buy a small family boat under 21’, to be used mainly for pleasure and nautical sports on the lake, and not in sea water. My budget is around 5K$ for a boat in good shape, with proof of maintenance, included the trailer. My priorities are: It has to be cheap to run and a reliable boat. I was recommended a 2000 or after 4cyl Bayliner Capri or something equivalent.

Is a JetSki or a JetBoat (Yamaha or Sea Doo) more reliable for the money?
Please advise me in order to buy one who fulfils my needs.

Thanks in advance for your recommendations.

 

[tpenfield]

Boat, reliable and $5K do not really go together. Boat and reliable often do not go together.

Bayliners are economy boats, so they can fit into a budget, but as they age they seem to be more prone to moisture and structural issues.

I would check a bunch of listings in your size & price range and post some for comments.

 

[Scott Danforth]

read the sticky at the top of the sub forum

http://forums.iboats.com/forum/gene...eeding-help-buying-a-boat-a-buyer-s-checklist

 

[thumpar]

I think will have a hard time meeting your goal. The $5k range is tough to find a good boat. They are usually 2000 or new but in bad shape or an older one that someone wants to much for. Don't be afraid to go older. My last boat was a 1983 and had original everything in great shape. I paid $2600 for it and had it for 7 years with just normal maintenance. I sold it for $100 more than I bought it for because of the good shape. It is all about condition. Also look at as many boats as you can.

 

[smokeonthewater]

With your budget and experience level you need to be looking for an outboard or mercruiser powered aluminum boat

 

[muskyfins]

I would say around here (Chicago/Chain O Lakes area) for $5000, you'd be looking for a mid 1990's vintage boat. You might have to look at a handful to several dozen to find one that needs minimum work, but it can be done.

 

[southkogs]

Welcome aboard:

Here in my area, under 20' for $5k would be doable. You'd probably be looking at something older than 2000, and you'd have to be careful what you were looking at. I like Smoke's recommendation of an outboard or Mercruiser. Depending on how many people you'd be fitting on it when you went out, I'd suggest looking at 16' to 18'.

Condition is the key. Look at that link Scott posted and see all of the things you really do need to look at.

Found anything locally that you like the looks of?

 

[airshot]

I would definitely be looking at an aluminum boat, with the price range you are looking in the chances of getting a glasser with rot is pretty strong. Worst case in alum is having to replace a transom and that is a weekend job only. Alum boats also need less HP which means less fuel. Be prepared to drop enough money for 10-20 gallons of fuel for a whole days boating, along with snacks, beverages, food etc. I figure about 100 for a full day on the water for everything. Listen to the folks on here....they are giving you good solid information....no such thing as a cheap boat!! Might as well learn that first......

 

[felixgabi]

I can go up until 8k if it's worth. As i understand, you advice me that I'll not need to be affraid to go older than 2000 year if the boat is in good shape?

 

[smokeonthewater]

With aluminum don't be afraid to go into the 80's or even older.

 

[Scott Danforth]

with Aluminum, I would have no problem looking at a 50's vintage if it was in good shape. like a particular estate sale barn-find 1956 Larson with twin Merc Mark 25e's that a buddy of mine just scored for $400. even has a working flash-light nav light setup.

your other thread has you looking for a jetski.

http://forums.iboats.com/forum/gene...9003-advice-needed-for-buying-my-first-jetski

I would first determine, do you want a boat or a jetski. I would also recommend indicating which geographical area you are in, the type of water you are boating in, as well as how you want to use the boat. that would help us make recommendations on a boat.

 

[southkogs]

As i understand, you advice me that I'll not need to be affraid to go older than 2000 year if the boat is in good shape?

A 1990 model year would still be 18 years newer than mine

Condition is key.

 

[felixgabi]

What do you guys think about this one?

http://cnj.craigslist.org/boa/4999541297.html [h=2]2005 Bayliner 175 - $4750[/h]

 

[gddavid]

I would be a little concerned about an inboard outboard without closed (fresh water) cooling that was used in salt water and left in the water. Ideally a boat run in brackish or especially salt water should be flushed with fresh water after each use, otherwise the engine block, manifold and outdrive are constantly exposed to the corrosive effects of salt water. Many modern outboard boats allow the motor to be flushed while the boat is in the water but this is not the case with inboard/outboards. Additionally I am skeptical how well the boat was covered while left in the water. In the picture of the boat in the slip it does not appear to be any means of using a full cover which is really necessary for a boat like this. A center console/dual console/walk/cruiser around with a self bailing deck is better suited for being left in the water as the interiors of these boats are typically make to withstand the elements, most bow riders have a lot of wood and carpet used in constructing the interior that don't hold up so well.
Otherwise this boat seems to fit the bill, I have a similar sized and powered boat that serves as a great low cost way to spend time on protected bodies of water.
I would also be concerned about an owner that thinks his motor is 2.0 liters when it is probably a 3.0, not very knowledgeable.

 

[felixgabi]

Thanks gddavid.

 

[felixgabi]

What should I be aware when buying a boat? I'm talking paper wise, to be safe. The guy told me that he has clean title and will also sign bill of sale.

 

[smokeonthewater]

That's what you need... Clear title in HIS name signed and if requires in your state notarized. Bill of sale again according to the laws of your state.

 

[WIMUSKY]

And make sure the HIN on the title matches the HIN on the boat. Much like VIN numbers on cars...

 

[gddavid]

If a trailer is included in the sale, there should be a title for it too.

 

[smokeonthewater]

That depends on the state.