Buying used boat in winter

[archcityBob]

Hello. 25 years ago I had a small jon boat, 9.9 motor and trailer. But for all purposes I consider myself pretty new to boating. I'm looking at buying a used bass boat with my tax refund. This will be used on weekends on a private lake with a 50 hp limit. Possibly on Lake of the Ozarks in Missouri once in awhile. Mostly it will be fishing with the kids. Possibly some tubing if the motor is up to it. I've been searching the internet for two months to get a feel for prices. Looking at Craigs list I've seen some acceptable 16 - 17 foot boats for under $3000.

Buying this will be a one shot deal. No way can I buy a small jon boat then hope to move up later. Whatever I get, I keep for 10 years. (I have kids in college, Catholic High School and Catholic elementary school.) I know that it will be an ongoing expense of buying a marine battery, charger, bumpers, trailer lights, etc. Plus the taxes and registration. I hoping to go a couple of years before having to start weighing engine repairs vs replacement.

My question is about buying a boat in winter. If someone has their boat winterized, can I expect them to fill up a garbage can with water so I can see how the motor starts and runs? Should I just take it on faith that there are no leaks to the hull?

I figure that come spring the prices will go up as demand increases. Right now I have my eye on a 17 ft. spectrum dominator with a Force 40 and bimini top. (My wife would enjoy it much more with a top.)

Any advice on this subject would be appreciated.

TIA

Bob

 

[lckstckn2smknbrls]

Re: Buying used boat in winter

I don't think you would be out of line asking to see it run. Outboards are easy to winterize.

 

[Home Cookin']

Re: Buying used boat in winter

glass hulls seldom leak; that's not a real worry. when you buy a used boat you are buying a motor with a free boat and trailer.

Bass boats are specialty boats with limited utility. look at a "fish n ski" or center console for a versatile all-purpose boat.

 

[2ndtry]

Re: Buying used boat in winter

If you are looking mainly at O/B's (a good idea), they should have no problem running the motor for you on "earmuffs", which hook up to a garden hose. Most owners have a pair, you can pick them up fro 10 bucks at WallyWorld. The O/B will drain itself after use so winterization in no problem.

Other folks will hopefully chime in on other things to look for, such as compressions tests as well as deck or transom rot. I expect some Force motor haters will be by as well.

 

[produceguy]

Re: Buying used boat in winter

BOB,We bought are first boat last year. If I ever buy another, this is what I would do.
Check floors for soft spots,pay close atension to the floor on the helm side..
Check transom for any signs of rot.
Ask the owner to take it out for a test run. If they say no, no deal.
Get a good look at the wireing, up under the dash, any wires that are asesable,look for corrosion.
Ask for a log of any maintanice done, When was the last impeller installed? Are the bellows good? Make sure everthing works
Make sure it has enough room for the wife and the kids.
Man I could go on and on. I have learned from exspreance. I need a spell check. LOL

 

[64osby]

Re: Buying used boat in winter

Bob, Yes you can buy in the winter time. It is a little harder. Set a time where you can take an hour or two to look over the boat. Dress warm, Yes, you can run an outboard in the winter, muffs as someone said or a bucket. The owner should want to show you the motor runs, if seller doesn't then you don't want it. A visual inspection of a fiberglass boat should tell you if it floats. Check the whole outer hull closely, look for any damage, scraps or holes. Check the transom for any signs of weakness, flex, rot, warping, tap it and listen for hollow sounds. Check all the bolts and screws to see if there is sealant. Get in the boat and check for soft spots and look at the inside of the transom, Ask me how I know.
Make a check list of the things you need to look at and the extras the boat comes with battery, life jackets, anchor, paddles, fish finder, .... all those extras add up if you need to buy them after. The list helps you compare one boat to another. Good luck w/ your search

 

[crb478]

Re: Buying used boat in winter

I personally would not buy the boat with out a sea trial unless it was priced so low as to be a good deal even if I had to replace the motor. As mentioned before the outboards are self draining so besides possibly having them fogged there is no winterization. Look it over good take it out and look for waves, which will be hard to find, and see how it handles. Note if it takes on water by checking the bilge before and after. I buy most of my boats in the winter to get better prices, better hurry though because spring pricing is comming soon. Boat shows start in Feb around here.

 

[hostage]

Re: Buying used boat in winter

In my limited experience (just got a boat last spring), I would wait for the spring and do a water trial. I heard of people on the forum putting a boat on the muffs and it didn't show any problems until after they bought it and put it in the water. Don't get boat fever and jump in and get buyers remorse. In winter there are less people looking as well as less people posting boats. In the summer/spring you will have a greater selection of boats as well as greater competition of boats. If you see a boat you like check the boat over and do a visual inspection. If all is well and you like and are worried about someone snatching. Make him an offer with a contingent of purchasing as long as it passes your water trial. To make him feel more comfortable you could write him a check for $25-$100 to guarantee the sell, so long as it passes your inspection. Also let him know if the sea trial doesn't go as planned, you get the check back or cancel it.

Also if you have any plans on using the boat for more than fishing, then as someone else suggested go with a fish and ski.

Think about things for a while compare different boats. If I was a shady person and wanted to get rid of a lemon. I would sell the boat when people couldn't test it, during the winter. Other than that it makes sense to sell it in Spring/Summer, there will be more people looking at your boat if you have taken good care of it. Don't buy the boat unless you can put it in the water and try it, period. You made a smart decision coming here to get answers, just be wise in your purchase and you will avoid making pity post.

You wouldn't buy a car with out test driving it.

Good luck!

-Hostage

 

[mphy98]

Re: Buying used boat in winter

My 2 cents... skip craigs list and go to local reputable marinas. They will have an inventory that is just sitting and most will deal for operating capital now. They might know of a guy who is thinking of trading in as well. I recently bought from Brian's marina in Michigan. Site unseen, just pictures and his word that it was in great shape for the boat, but the motor had a problem that could cost up to 2500.00 to fix. I found everything he said to be true. So go see a marina

 

[archcityBob]

Re: Buying used boat in winter

Thanks for all your replies. I'll keep them in mind. I'll also keep in mind the sticky somewhere that says there are no perfect boats. The people waiting for a perfect boat are the people fishing from shore. I thought about a pontoon, but I'll be towing it 75 miles to my lake whenever I go fishing. Plus I don't think I can physically back one up into my backyard from a city alley.

I appreciate all you people who contribute to this site and help each other out.

Bob

 

[Bucks45]

Re: Buying used boat in winter

Also, do some research on here. I remember seeing some posts, from people that know a lot more than I do, about concerns with Force motors. Don't really remember exactly what it was. May have been performance or parts availability issues. Good luck.

 

[veritas honus]

Re: Buying used boat in winter

Thanks for all your replies. I'll keep them in mind. I'll also keep in mind the sticky somewhere that says there are no perfect boats. The people waiting for a perfect boat are the people fishing from shore. I thought about a pontoon, but I'll be towing it 75 miles to my lake whenever I go fishing. Plus I don't think I can physically back one up into my backyard from a city alley.

I appreciate all you people who contribute to this site and help each other out.

Bob

Welcome aboard!!! Stay with us and it won't be long before your appreciated by others. Use this great site for all it's worth. The search key is your friend. Anything you have questions about have probably been asked in many different ways. You can do multiple searches on one question/subject and find more info than you'd ever have imagined. Again, welcome.

 

[user64]

Re: Buying used boat in winter

As mentioned earlier; engine not running under load doesnt tell you much so you REALLY want a sea trial. Years ago as a kid,I bought an outboard powered 17 footer on a trailer in the winter. Boat started and ran great. When I got it home and launched it I could barely get on plane....one of the 3 cylinders had basically no compression, so needed a rebuild. If you cant sea trial it at least do a compression test, but even that wont guarantee all is well...good luck