Buying a Boat

[mikehiler]

The wife and I are looking at buying a boat. We're looking at something in the 19-23 foot range, with a cuddy. Having never owned a boat before, looking for some information. Is there anything in particular to watch out for? For instance, I've noticed that most boats I've looked at that have been kept in the water have corrosion on the outdrive(s). Does that translate into problems internally? I'm pretty good with engines, so I can tell if one is running well. What about bilges, do the normally get oily or greasy? Small cracks in the gelcoat are caused by what? My biggest concern is to get a boat that is structurally sound, so how can I best position myself to achieve that? I guess I'm looking for some telltale signs of problems, if there are any. Also, where should I look from problems?

Also, Brands. For some reason, Crownline, Four Winns, Sea Ray all seem like good brands. Am I up a creek here? What about others (maxum, wellcraft, etc) Any particular brand I should stay away from ?


Some examples of what I'm looking at...

92 Chris-Craft Concept 238
1995 Crownline 210 CCR
1992 Four Winns Sundowner 225

Thanks Again

 

[CaptNCamille]

Re: Buying a Boat

First get whatever boat you are interested in surveyed by a qualified marine surveyor, and make the purchase subject to a sea trial. The surveyor should be able to address your concerns about corrossion, gel coat cracks etc.
There are different causes of corosion including electrical problems, and galvanic corrossion . Need to have that looked at closely to determine the cause and extent.

You should take a boating safety course if you are a new boater. Go to USPS..org for a course near you.

THe brands you are considering are all good, but in buying a used boat, how the boat was maintained and used in just as important. A number one brand which was poorly maintained can cause serious problems.

We have a Maxum and love it.

Hope this is some help, and good luck to you.

 

[mikehiler]

Re: Buying a Boat

Is there any way to estimate how much a survey will cost? I like the idea, but don't want to spend 10% of the purchase price to get it. I'm not new to boating, just haven't had the opportunity and cashflow to own one until now. My parents have had boats off and on through the years, so I know a little about them. Their boats have been small fishing boats and runabouts though, which are less complex than what I'm looking at.

Capt, You mentioned how the boat was used. Specifically what are you referring to? Thanks again.

 

[hostage]

Re: Buying a Boat

I got a surveyor to quote me about $500 for sea trail and boat inspection. I didn't go with it in the end. I got a 2000 Maxum that looked like it was taken care of. I also checked oil etc and did a sea trial before I purchased it.

 

[CaptNCamille]

Re: Buying a Boat

Well, engine maintenance, oil changes etc, proper winterizing, storage, spring commissioning. If you are good with engines. then I assume you should be able to judge how well the engine was maintained. Grease or oil in the bilge could mean an engine problem, or just a sloppy owner who might not have taken care of the boat the way he should have.
As to the hull, a surveyor can check the hull for weakness and other problems. Here is a website with a good rundown of a boat survey.
http://www.boats.com/boat-survey/faq.jsp

As to use, well there's the kid who always runs the boat at wide open throttle or the family that just took it our for an occassional weekend cruise.
Kind of like buying a used car from a private seller. You size him up to try to get a feel as to how the car (or boat) was used and maintained.

 

[mjgates]

Re: Buying a Boat

Is there any way to estimate how much a survey will cost? I like the idea, but don't want to spend 10% of the purchase price to get it. I'm not new to boating, just haven't had the opportunity and cashflow to own one until now. My parents have had boats off and on through the years, so I know a little about them. Their boats have been small fishing boats and runabouts though, which are less complex than what I'm looking at.

Capt, You mentioned how the boat was used. Specifically what are you referring to? Thanks again.

I just paid $450 when buying my new boat from a private owner. I have had a boat for the last 11 years as an adult, and have been around dad's since I was a kid, but I have seen some experienced owners get burnt. One with a transom rotting in an area he couldn't see, and another with a crack issue he missed. All if which would of been avoidable for $450. You just need to decide whether you are willing to take that chance. If you do, look it over real good. Get underneath of it and thoroughly inspect the hull. Take a screwdriver and tab the butt end of it around the transom to see if you hear what sounds like any hollow spots, particularly towards the bottom of the transom. And check all the wood, from floors to the side panels, for any rot. I have known many people who miss wood rot. Although it is not a big deal, it can be pricey or time consuming depending on how handy.

 

[90sunbird]

Re: Buying a Boat

before you buy a boat you got to know what you want to do with it are you gonna fish, ski , go on trips. how much are you willing to spend on gas how many people do you plan to take on it, is it gonna be in a slip or on a trailer, if so what do you plan to pull it with? were are you going to use it in a lake or a river or sea. all are necessary to know when choosing brand hull type and engine

 

[90sunbird]

Re: Buying a Boat

and as everyone said you MUST drive it an have it inspected by a boat tech.!!!!

 

[jkust]

Re: Buying a Boat

You are talking about some nearly 20 year old boats as your first boat. I'd have a surveyor ready and gladly pay the price. As for brands, again, those are such old boats the brand quality has gone up and down over the years for many brands. In general some brands have sold to new owners and some are no longer in existance. I think you will really need responses from folks that have experience with boat brands from those vintages as opposed to someone who has a 2007 xyz and says it's fantastic. In general, each of the brands that you mentioned are considered pretty premium brands except Maxum but the folks who own the Maxums will speak up and tell you differently. At those ages, Id really be concerned with what the surveyor and your opinion are over brands anyway. I am sure you will quickly size up who's brand was sold as a premium brand If that is a concern and who's wasn't when you see and test a few.

 

[countvlad]

Re: Buying a Boat

The wife and I are looking at buying a boat. We're looking at something in the 19-23 foot range, with a cuddy. Having never owned a boat before, looking for some information. Is there anything in particular to watch out for? For instance, I've noticed that most boats I've looked at that have been kept in the water have corrosion on the outdrive(s). Does that translate into problems internally? I'm pretty good with engines, so I can tell if one is running well. What about bilges, do the normally get oily or greasy? Small cracks in the gelcoat are caused by what? My biggest concern is to get a boat that is structurally sound, so how can I best position myself to achieve that? I guess I'm looking for some telltale signs of problems, if there are any. Also, where should I look from problems?

Also, Brands. For some reason, Crownline, Four Winns, Sea Ray all seem like good brands. Am I up a creek here? What about others (maxum, wellcraft, etc) Any particular brand I should stay away from ?


Some examples of what I'm looking at...

92 Chris-Craft Concept 238
1995 Crownline 210 CCR
1992 Four Winns Sundowner 225

Thanks Again

i personally would start with a smaller maybe less expensive boat and move my way up.... you always see kids that get fast cars right after they got their license and most of them get in accidents.... same deal.... get more familiar with boating on a less expensive maybe older boat and then move up.... you always hear rookie stories with people forgetting to put the plug in and sinking the boat... or mixing the wrong oil mixture and frying the motor etc....

i'm not saying you cant do it... but sometimes the experience and knowledge isnt there and that can be pretty pricey....

just my advice....

 

[mikehiler]

Re: Buying a Boat

I realize I'm looking for an older boat here. I'm not afraid of hard work, I just don't want to buy a basket. In fact, I prefer to put some "sweat equity" into my things, as I learn my way around them a little better. I want to try and arm myself with the knowledge I need to make a reasonable estimate of the amount of work I'll have to put into the boat, if/when I buy it. I don't want to get into Major repairs (such as pulling the sole and replacing stringers, or refabricating the upholstery, engine replacement).

If I wanted a turn key, I would just go to a dealer, and sign the dotted line. Even that is no guarantee that I will get a "good" boat. An older, inexpensive boat will give my wife and I a chance to get out on the lake, and give me a chance to tinker, which is something I personally love to do. I might post a message over in the restoration area too. I like the idea of talking to people who own the vintage of boat I'm looking for.

 

[ezmobee]

Re: Buying a Boat

If you want to get out on the water cheaply with the least chance of it being a horrendous money pit.....consider an aluminum hull with an outboard motor.

Otherwise, in the age boats you're considering brand means little. It's all about how it was maintained. I think we'd all much rather have a cared for Bayliner than a neglected Cobalt. The motor and drive systems are all the same anyway. Stick with Mercrusier or Volvo for I/O's and anything but Chrysler/Force for outboards.

 

[KETELS]

Re: Buying a Boat

How about buying the boat from a reputable dealer who will give some
kind of warranty. I have done this with great results, but my boat was only 10years old.

 

[90sunbird]

Re: Buying a Boat

if you are going used look for a boat not in salt water, i just got a 98 chapparla cuddy 205 with a v8 with new risors and manfolds turn key in excellent shape turn key good to go with easyloadtrailer with all the extras for 7000 from a dealer!! with a testdrive i felt it was a good deal but i could of probally went for 6500 and got it but i liked it so much i didnt care, the deals are out there, alot of people have no cash and thay will deal

 

[mikehiler]

Re: Buying a Boat

How about buying the boat from a reputable dealer who will give some
kind of warranty. I have done this with great results, but my boat was only 10years old.

That's not out of the question, though I don't know many dealers in anything that will honor a warranty on used merchandise. Especially toys. I used to be into motorcycles, and have had a few of them. A couple were bought from dealers, and they would almost walk away from you if you mentioned any type of return policy. Cool that your experience has been different.

Its funny really. I live 30 miles from Lake Michigan, and can only come up with one or two boat dealers that I know of. With that little competition, I'm afraid of getting HOSED at a dealer. I know I can walk away, and do, but I hate it when salesmen try to take advantage of me...

 

[Steve Mahler]

Re: Buying a Boat

buy private, but at least bring a mechanical friend or take the boat to a shop for inspection of engine/drive. one hour of paid labor will tell you quite a bit.

 

[mikehiler]

Re: Buying a Boat

Anyone heard of SunRay Boats? Good, Bad, indifferent? NADA only lists about 7 production years, so that does not bode well.

 

[ezmobee]

Re: Buying a Boat

Heard of 'em. Seriously, brand doesn't matter much on cheap boats. Really.

 

[H20Rat]

Re: Buying a Boat

Anyone heard of SunRay Boats? Good, Bad, indifferent? NADA only lists about 7 production years, so that does not bode well.

boats aren't like cars, not at all... (don't even bother looking at KBB/NADA for boats either, nearly worthless)

Anyway, in the cheaper used boat market you are buying the type of engine/drive, and the maintenance. Brand makes ZERO difference. In fact, don't even look at the brand of the boat when shopping. Type of drive (not OMC), and how well it was maintained are everything that you should be looking at.

Think of it this way, imagine you are buying a fiberglass kit car. Pretty much every kit car is going to look the same, like a big chunk of molded fiberglass. The manufacturer of the kit car body really doesn't matter. The drivetrain and how well it was maintained is what you are buying.

 

[Andy'sDelight]

Re: Buying a Boat

Brand does not matter. It's not like Ford vs Kia vs BMW, etc...

Also, don't let people scare you to death about the age of the boat. A well maintained boat will last a very long time. Even a properly overhauled boat can be just as good as a new one. I have a 1976 Wellcraft V20 and the boat is in magnificent shape structurally and functionally. 90% of your problems will reside in the engine in terms of age, maintenance, and even brand. I am not well informed about I/O's, but there's a lot of outboards that you want to stay away from. And it goes year to year. Johnson is a solid outboard motor, but their short lived Fitch motors were renowned for being nothing but a headache. I'm sure the same translates to I/O's. While the brand overall might be solid, you could be buying a model that is notorious for having issues. Bottom line is you need to hire a surveyor if you are looking for any kind of piece of mind. If you don't use a surveyor, you're subject to your own knowledge or lack there of, the sincerity of the seller (I always assume they are lying), cost, and luck.

Lastly, I didn't see where you intend on boating, be it a lake or the ocean. 19-23' is a very decent sized boat. If you're in the ocean then you're likely going to really need something with some size to handle larger sees, so 19-23' is a good range. If you are going out on lakes, especially crowded lakes, you might want to scale back. Best of luck!