Buying My First Toon

[SphinxCraft]

Well, hello everyone! I'm 25 and trying to find my first boat. My new house is just under 2 miles from a boat launch on the chain (IL/WI Boarder). I'm looking for toons under 2 g's. I found one on Craigslist for 800, 24' with new decking, seats, railing and a 33 hp Johnson motor (not sure about the details on this, if I go to check it out what other than compression should I look for?), pretty much from what I gather a finished rebuild. I don't think it has a trailer or Steering console. so I guess my question is, is it a good deal or should I pass. I have access to pretty much any tool known to man, but would it be a big project to install the steering console and get this baby runnin? He also mention that the right toon may have taken damage due to a limb falling on it. Can I drive it with a dented toon (if it holds psi) or would I need a new one. I'm pretty much just looking for the weekend crusier, and any advice I can get with buying my first toon. I just thought I would ask the experts, thanks for the help I'm not looking for fancy; folding chairs, a cooler and something that runs (the boozehound) is all I'm looking for.
Big J

 

[5150abf]

Re: Buying My First Toon

It depends on your abilities, if you are fairly mechanically inclined and can actually build stuff you should be fine to do your own console and steering is pretty easy to install, if the limit of your building things stops at putting together a Sauder cabinet maybe not.

As to the boat itself just look it over realy well and see if it makes you hinky, there is a reason you get that feeling, ask questions, what kind of wood did you use, fasteners ect.

As for the tube it will float fine with a dent as long as it didn't crack a wled or breach the tube itself it will be fine.

One thing right out of the gate that strikes me funny is the price, to have new furniture and a deck and carpet, at 8 bills the guy is just about breaking even not to mention all the work.

It is certainly worht a look but be pretty sceptical on this one, kind of in the too good to be true catagory but you never know, he may just be tired of looking at it and he wants it gone.

 

[MH Hawker]

Re: Buying My First Toon

That would be my thought to, a deck on a 24 would be 6 sheets at 60 each =360 ( marine plywood not PT plywood ), I just got a new back couch on sale over the winter for 850, carpet= 265 more or less. So your are talking around 1500 right there. So if it is what he says it is yes it would be a very good place to start. Depending on what he has for controls , steering and motor controler and what shape the motor is it could be a killer deal. Now if its decked with PT plywood I would pass.

 

[coastalrichard]

Re: Buying My First Toon

Sphinx...if you're serious about this rig, post the SN of the motor and any pics you can...we"ll help you spend your money!