Can anybody tell me about this boat?

[zephenom]

Hello all,

I have recently become interested in freshwater fishing and decided I want to buy a cheap boat to hit the lakes in my area. I was thinking about getting a small jon or bass boat to throw a trolling motor on and possibly restore.

Looking through craigslist I came upon this boat. He is selling the boat and trailer for $385. Reading through forums I hear a lot of great things about Starcrafts and this one looks to be in good condition.

Can anybody tell me about it? I have never owned a boat and know nothing, would this boat be suitable for trolling and fishing? There will only be two passengers (my girlfriend and I.) Is this a good deal?

http://orlando.craigslist.org/boa/1740992024.html

Thanks in advance!
Shane

 

[abarron]

Re: Can anybody tell me about this boat?

Looks like a pretty good deal!

 

[Pugetsound]

Re: Can anybody tell me about this boat?

Looks good but Im old so here is some advise. If you get it . Paint over the camo with a bright color. Never know when you might need to be noticed on the water, Or at least some reflective tape to reflect light. Good luck

 

[ezmobee]

Re: Can anybody tell me about this boat?

Looks like a good hull but I'd definitely want to add some better seating. Good price for that + trailer.

 

[coolbikeguy]

Re: Can anybody tell me about this boat?

ive got about the same size boat but its a mirrocraft and its a great little fishing boat. i have a 25 hp mercury on it but a trolling motor pushes it along just fine. id go for it..... scott

 

[zephenom]

Re: Can anybody tell me about this boat?

Thanks for the advice. I am really new to this so I have a couple questions.

Does $385 sound like a fair price for the boat and trailer?

And more importantly, does anyone know if those wood bench seats are strong enough to hold a pedestal and swivel seats?

Thanks!
Shane

 

[Bwana Don]

Re: Can anybody tell me about this boat?

$385.00 does sound like a good deal. If you can talk him down so much the better. If not pay his asking price and you still win.

14 footers are a great little fishing boats. My neighbor has a 14 foot Bluefin and we take it out an Lake St. Clair all the time. It has a 20 horse Mercury and scoots along real good. It handles 3 foot waves easily.

 

[ezmobee]

Re: Can anybody tell me about this boat?

Thanks for the advice. I am really new to this so I have a couple questions.

Does $385 sound like a fair price for the boat and trailer?

And more importantly, does anyone know if those wood bench seats are strong enough to hold a pedestal and swivel seats?

Thanks!
Shane

Fair price for sure. No those seats won't hold pedestals but look easily replaced with something beefier.

 

[bananaboater]

Re: Can anybody tell me about this boat?

And more importantly, does anyone know if those wood bench seats are strong enough to hold a pedestal and swivel seats?
Thanks!
Shane

One possibility to keep those plank seats and mount pedestals on them would be to buy a length of aluminum angle and mount it underneath to reinforce them. May be use two and bolt the mount through them.

Here is how I reinforced one of mine, the forward seat plank. I mounted two regular seats. It worked really well. When I put my 200 + lbs. on it it barely moves.

 

[Huron Angler]

Re: Can anybody tell me about this boat?

Good deal for sure since the trailer looks to be in working condition.

Nice wide 14' rig that would be perfect for two people. I would want to add some sort of deck as well so when you stand in the boat it is flat.

These bench seat style hulls are a dream to work on and with a small outboard or Minn Kota you could be on the water very soon. Many folks buy boats and can't use them for months during the restoration process.

If you get the rig this site is a great source of help if you have questions.

Good luck!

 

[Bwana Don]

Re: Can anybody tell me about this boat?

Good deal for sure since the trailer looks to be in working condition.

Nice wide 14' rig that would be perfect for two people. I would want to add some sort of deck as well so when you stand in the boat it is flat.
Good luck!

Now that takes all the fun out of it. Nothing like testing your balance on the inside of a v hull after a 30 foot Carver blows by you.

Furthermore who wants to buy a boat and then hit the water. Chasing down phantom wiring bugs and misdiagnosing problems for months on end is great loads of fun. Sheesh, who buys a boat and then goes fishing.

 

[nukid68]

Re: Can anybody tell me about this boat?

Now that takes all the fun out of it. Nothing like testing your balance on the inside of a v hull after a 30 foot Carver blows by you.

Furthermore who wants to buy a boat and then hit the water. Chasing down phantom wiring bugs and misdiagnosing problems for months on end is great loads of fun. Sheesh, who buys a boat and then goes fishing.

I knew there was a reason I accepted a free boat with no motor or trailer. Geesh, thanks for clearing that up for me, Bwana Don.
Jim