Buying a used boat

[stewman]

Hello,
I am fairly new to the boating world but live in an area where there is a lot of boating and I now find myself wanting a boat. I just want a boat for wakeboarding and zipping around the lake with the family, preferably a bow rider.
I have heard that outboard will cost less to maintain so I think that may be a good choice.
I have a budget of around $6000 and have found a few 1989 bayliners, are these good boats. a 17 ft model and a 19.5 ft model. I should also mention i am in canada so budget is in canadian dollars.

Any advice is very welcome as i am still learning and dont want to buy the wrong boat or low quality.

thanks

 

[Bifflefan]

Re: Buying a used boat

For me, I would avoid a Bayliner unless it close to new. Most of those are bought by people that dont take real good care of them, and most are not built to well any way.

As for what make to buy, you can write a book on it. I have a Starcraft and also like Four Winns.

Make sure you take the boat on a test ride before you buy it. If they wont take you out and let you drive it, walk away.
Also check out the trailer, you will need this to be in good condition to get it back and forth.
You are bound to know someone that has a little boat knowledge. Ask them to go with you and then listen to what they say.
Also if can afford it, Take it to a mechanic and have them look it over. At least then you know for sure what you are buying.

Then enjoy.

 

[NYBo]

Re: Buying a used boat

Welcome to iboats!

As you can see by my signature, I own a 17' Bayliner bowrider with an outboard. Bayliners of the vintage in question are notorious for rotten wood in the cockpit sole (aka deck or floor), stringers, and transom. I got "lucky" with mine. The small soft soft near the ski locker opening turned out to be a few square feet of rotten sole- the rest of the wood was sound. I bought the boat two years ago and has yet to see the water.

Moral of the story: Be very careful and inspect everything.

 

[bonz_d]

Re: Buying a used boat

Yes, welcome to the forum.
Have fun, read alot here and learn much. Read all the ramp tales and other such posts then concider a Safe Boating course. I'm tellin ya it will make your time on the water much more enjoyable no matter what boat you buy.

As for a boat recommendation. Before looking at a brand look at the water you will be using it on and size it accordingly. Again it will make you much happier than being too big or too small.

 

[stewman]

Re: Buying a used boat

Thank you all for your helpful advice, I live in the okanagan in bc canada and plan to only use it here, the lake is a decent size but i wont be out on ugly days.
I will see if i can find somone with a bit more boating knowledge when i go have a look at boat.
The only problem is that for $6000, a lot of the boats are bayliners and fixer uppers.

thanks again for your help and im ill let you know what i find.

Stew

 

[stewman]

Re: Buying a used boat

After looking at many boats, and seeing a lot of boats in need of LOTS of work I found a nice 18' larson that has been babied and is in amazing condition. It has a 4.3L I/O in it. I think i will be quite happy with it and will be picking it up next weekend

 

[JimKW]

Re: Buying a used boat

Make sure you water test it before finalizing the deal!!

What I did when I bought mine last year this time was make a deal where I would buy it contingent on a test ride with the seller. It was a no brainer to buy it, but I'm really glad I went out with him and got to know the boat a little.

Even better would be to have an inspection by a Marine Surveyor or at least a boat mechanic. Sometimes though you can trust the seller, but not all the time. I trusted the guy selling mine and do not regret it.

 

[Sixmark]

Re: Buying a used boat

After recently purchasing another boat this topic is still fresh in my mind so I will hit a couple of major things:

1. Always try to test drive the boat, if the current owner refuses then walk away as someone else mentioned. If it's not feasable then at least request to hear it run in a test tank (not a water belt or water muffs hooked to a hose).

2. Walk around the inside of the boat, check for any soft spots in the floor, these are always a good indicator of a money pit in waiting.

3. Closely examine the hull, does it have areas that are very smooth and others that appear to be rough, these could be indicators of previous repairs.

4. Check the stern area of the boat, including storage compartments, is it cluttered with leaves dirt and other debris, this is usually an indicator that the boat spent alot of time outside and uncovered. It also is a great gathering spot for water that won't drain out when the plug is pulled, inviting mildew and rot (replacing floors, stringers, and a transom can become expensive)

5. Remove the engine cover, are there signs of leakage on the motor, is the lower cover full of oil, are all of the wires and hoses, and fuel bulb still pliable.

6. Look at the prop and lower unit, does it look like the current owner has been trying to grind granite with it, is the skag damaged/bent, again signs of potential trouble for you with costly repairs.

7. Is the trailer going to get the boat home, or is it an accident waiting to happen.

These are just a few general things to look at, and I'm sure other people can add more, please don't fall for the "honest seller" act, ask the owner why they are selling it and don't feel bad about repeating some questions at various times in the conversation. Often times you will find that a dishonest seller can't remember the first lie they told you and you get a different answer.

The last thing I will say is that if you are new to the boating world, take a boating safety course and be respectful of others on the lake......don't buzz the dock at Mach 1 in a baja cruiser, or make a game of trying to flip fisherman out of their small rowboats. Share the lake with others, and as much as some other idiot constantly breaks all the rules, be the better person and do the right thing.

 

[stewman]

Re: Buying a used boat

I do plan to do a test run with the owner at the dock next saturday and that will finalize the deal.
This owner is the second owner and has been keeping it stored under cover, the floor is solid with no signs of soft areas, the storage areas are all clean and new looking, engine is spotless as well as inside the engine cover. And the trailer looks to be in great shape with good tires.
I really think i found a good one and have heard that Larson is a good name.

I really appreciate all the advice and being a family man I plan to be a responsible boater, Operators certificate is mandatory here and i will be getting one in the next few days.

 

[stewman]

Re: Buying a used boat

I spent all day yesterday on my "new" boat. Its a 1991 Larson Lazer, it ran beautifully and everything is in like new condition!
I can't believe i didin't alreafdy have a boat....its sooo much fun!