Any helpful advice on buying my 1st used boat

[dmirro]

I'm interested in buying 1st used boat, a 1999 Sprint ProMaster 190, deep V hull. Engine is 135 hp Mariner, and boat comes with trailer. Seller is asking $12,000. Boat has only been used in fresh water, and price looks to be in line with NADA. Has anyone had experience with this make of boat in Salt Water? Does price sound right to you? Anything specific to look for prior to purchasing? Appreciate any help I can get before plunging ahead. Thanks.

 

[ChampionHead]

Re: Any helpful advice on buying my 1st used boat

Since I don't know if this is your first boat, or just your first used boat, I'll assume it's your first boat and I applogize in advance if this information is too elementary.<br /><br />Most important question. Does the boat fit your intended use? Are you just going to ride around, or go fishing?<br /><br />I would try to take the boat for a test drive if you can. If you don't have any experience with a boat, take a friend who does. <br /><br />I only use my boat on fresh water, so I can't help you out on the salty side.<br /><br />There are many things to check out - how does the engine start and run at different speeds (off and on plane - forward and reverse), watch the engine temp and water pressure gauages, check the trim/tilt, do all the accessories and gauges work (bildge, depth, clock, lights, RPM, speedometer, etc.), how easy is the trailer to unload and load (I drive my boat off and on so there's no cranking), check the integrity of the boat hull and internals.<br /><br />Does the boat have all the accesories you will need on the ocean? Or do you plan to add them later? Radio, navigation, etc.<br /><br />Do you have the right vehicle and hitch to tow the boat? Front wheel drive won't cut it.<br /><br />And finally, you might want to have a qualified boat mechanic check it out.

 

[dmirro]

Re: Any helpful advice on buying my 1st used boat

ChampionHead, I'm sorry to leave out information as to my experience, and you were correct that this is my first boat. Thanks for your inputs, they confirm info found on the web. Appreciate your help.

 

[BillT111]

Re: Any helpful advice on buying my 1st used boat

Championhead is right...consider how you will use the boat,,first and foremost,,if you get the buying bug and dislike the boat,,it can be a headache. Think about your needs,,,will you be fishing?,,,cruising? skiing and tubing??<br />Who will be on board with you and what will the boat offer in creature comforts. Once you narrow down your specific needs,,then go out and look at boats that fill your needs with the benefits of thae boats features.<br />As for deciding if a boat is in good shape,,,find a friend or mechanic you can trust who has lots of experience. Most boater who have spent any time at all around more than one boat will have some sort of story to tell you.Learn from their experiences and their expenses too!!<br />A good mechanic will usually check out your perspective purchase for a reasonable charge. Money well spent if you ask me!!<br />I live in Oklahoma so salt water and me have never met, but I'm sure the Ol salt water brings even more things to look at on a used boat. So hit the boat shows, dealers lots and just look and look till you figure oout what features you need and want. then zero in on one or several that fill the bill. Good luck..

 

[oldboat1]

Re: Any helpful advice on buying my 1st used boat

I'm not a big believe in NADA or BUC pricing for either cars or boats. It gives you a starting point, of course, if you are unfamiliar with the market. But your best benchmark is the price of similar boats in the same or similar market. Check the ads, and even ask about boats that have been sold. Tell the seller you are looking for comparisons, and they will usually cooperate and tell you what theirs sold for. When I'm selling something, I'm never insulted by offers (or at least I try not to be), and when I'm buying I'm not afraid to make a lower offer if that is what I think is appropriate. <br /><br />A '99 model is pretty new, and it should be fairly easy to find out what similar models are going for. And by the way, it's not a bad idea to assume that boats are always for sale. If you find one you like, make an offer and leave a number where you can be reached.

 

[rwjacobs]

Re: Any helpful advice on buying my 1st used boat

Survey, Survey, Survey.<br />I have heard horror stories from boat buyers that found out that major structural issues were covered up!. Get a professional surveyor to look at it. I think the cost is (about $200 for that size boat)well worth it. Also, take a person with you when you test the boat. Someone that is not excited about a buy. They will look at things with different eyes.<br /><br />Hope this helps!<br />Hans007

 

[dmirro]

Re: Any helpful advice on buying my 1st used boat

Thanks for the help guys, I'm a newbi, but I have learned a great deal in the last few days. Appreciate your responses. It turns out the seller has already sold boat. The quest for my first boat continues...I'll be back.