First Boat Buyer

[yt]

Hi all, had another thread going about Chaparrals but my search is growing broader. Looking for a starter boat. Mostly for cruising, tubing, skiing and tiny bit of fishing. 18' is my max size for my driveway. Leaning towards an outboard but the quieter I/O is tempting. Any advice appreciated.

Know I need to check the condition of these boats but assuming they're in decent shape for thier ages what's a good choice?

Saw this ad on craigslist, anyone know about Playtime boats? Looks like they went out of business a while ago.

Seems like a bit too much money for a 1994 16' though it does have a 2004 Merc 90hp on it. $6500

http://washingtondc.craigslist.org/nva/boa/1303550361.html

Option 2 - 1999 18' Bayliner Capri with a '99 125 hp Merc on it for $5500.

http://washingtondc.craigslist.org/nva/boa/1301644693.html

Option 3 - literally just popped up while writing this, an '84 VIP but they don't state what motor is on it, looks like a Johnson cheap though at $1850.

http://washingtondc.craigslist.org/nva/boa/1303569549.html

Option 4 18' 1999 Chaparral with a 3.0l mercuiser I/O in it for $6000.

Option 5 - no reply to my e-mail but looks like a great deal if it's for real. 1997 Rinker 18' with a 4.3 Mercruiser I/O

http://washingtondc.craigslist.org/doc/boa/1302362863.html

 

[ezmobee]

Re: First Boat Buyer

I would have no issues with any of those. First wants you to pay for his '04 motor and ya know what? For a nice fuel injected model like that he ain't too far off base. The 2nd is probably also a fair price if in great condition. The outboard model Bayliner had a much higher price tag when new. 3rd: looks like a V4 JohnnyRude. Can't go wrong there if the boat is solid. 4th and 5th sound pricey to me for their ages but there's probably some negotiation room.

 

[yt]

Re: First Boat Buyer

Ended up buying the '84 VIP. It's in excellent condition and so is the galvanized trailer. Better shape than the 1999 Bayliner I looked at. The funky interior makes me think of a disco or something but I kinda like it. All the upholstery looks good, no soft spots at all in the floor. This thing must have been barely used and kept indoors. Has a Johnson 115 on it but it's rated up to 165 if I feel the need for more power in the future. I'll get some pics up when there's daylight. Anyone know anything about VIP boats?

 

[redone4x4]

Re: First Boat Buyer

im not sure if there was a connection or not, but they reminded me of the Arrivas. same style and colors n stuff. Not bad boats from what I have seen, i like them. most of them seem to be red and black though, kinda weird.

 

[ezmobee]

Re: First Boat Buyer

Congrats! Looking forward to the pics. Good luck with it.

 

[dwhite1031]

Re: First Boat Buyer

I learned my lesson long ago about used boats, especially those that were over 10 years old. There are a lot of good used boats out there, don't get me wrong. It's your hard earned money, so be thorough in your inspection. Just my advice and it's free so that's pretty much all it's worth:

1. Fiberglass boat? Check out the floor. Walk on it. ALL of it.
Soft or spongy spots usually aren't a good thing
2. Ask to see the service records on the motor.
3. Pull the dip stick, look at the oil
4. Look at the wiring
5. Check the transom, pull and push on it, look for any signs of rotted wood
6. If the boat is trailered, crawl underneath and look at the hull
(Hard lesson I learned when my purchase had a crack 6 feet long)

Lot's of other things to look for. Maybe others can chime in and add to the list.​