First time boat buyer question.

[rollwind23]

Hello all,
I am wanting to buy my family our first boat and was looking for some insight on the boat in question. It's a 1989 Spectrum/Bluefin 1706 with a '98 Mercury 90HP 4 stroke. It also comes with a 50# thrust minnkota trolling motor with co-pilot, 2 fish finders, three bank pro onboard battery charger and some other extra's. The seller is asking 4500 for it. By the pictures, the boat seems in solid condition. I'm hoping to see it in person in the next couple of days once this 10 inches of Wyoming snow melts! I was curious if this is a good buy? The goods, bad's, the normal questions a new buyer would have about this boat. It will be used for fishing mountain and plains lakes for trout and walleye, bass and catfish near some neighboring farm towns. I don't need anything crazy or special, just a good boat that keeps the family afloat. Any insight would be much appreciated.

 

[saumon]

Re: First time boat buyer question.

Welcome aboard.

If you haven't already read it, take some time to go thru this excellent post http://forums.iboats.com/boat-topics-questions-not-engine-topics/new-members-needing-help-buying-boat-buyers-checklist-635170.html

That being said, there really isn't much that can go wrong with an aluminum fishing boat/outboard setup, if both check ok, and are easier to fix if something fail. And, IMHO, it's probably the safest bet for a first boat.

 

[SigSaurP229]

Re: First time boat buyer question.

if the hull is solid with no rot it is a very fair deal and will serve you well for years to come.

 

[Mel Taylor]

Re: First time boat buyer question.

.... there really isn't much that can go wrong with an aluminum fishing boat/outboard setup, if both check ok, and are easier to fix if something fail. And, IMHO, it's probably the safest bet for a first boat.

As the owner of a Blue Fin (although mine's a tad smaller and older) I agree totally with Saumon's comment.

 

[pckeen]

Re: First time boat buyer question.

It all depends on the condition. If it is in great shape, then $4500 seems like an OK price. If it has soft floors, mechanical issues etc., then it is way over priced. Just be aware that you are buying a 16 year old motor, and like anything mechanical that is 16 years old, you may have to do repairs. If you are new to boats, I suggest that you do a once over yourself. With the list of things to look for in Saumon's link above. - you should be able to spot anything obvious. Once you have done this, if you want it, then offer to buy it contingent on a satisfactory inspection. Pay a marine mechanic to do an inspection ($100-$300, depending on what they do). If the inspection is clean, then you have peace of mind knowing you are getting a good boat. If the mechanic finds problems, then you either know to walk away (which will save you $$$ in the long run), or you will have some information from the mechanic that will let you bring down the price.

Good luck, and post some pics!

 

[rollwind23]

Re: First time boat buyer question.

Sounds good, I'll be sure to check everything throughly. I grew up with boats in my family, first time buying my own so I'm not to familiar with all the brands and years. Here's a picture of it.

http://images.craigslist.org/01111_k0FAaDWyySJ_600x450.jpg

 

[pckeen]

Re: First time boat buyer question.

Hard to tell from a single picture, but from that one only, looks like it has been well cared for.

 

[rollwind23]

Re: First time boat buyer question.

Here's a couple more.


http://images.craigslist.org/00o0o_kiczW6ZeooK_600x450.jpg
http://images.craigslist.org/00o0o_e7I6j8hGWXX_600x450.jpg
http://images.craigslist.org/00t0t_1BXbhW5sv5b_600x450.jpg
http://images.craigslist.org/00p0p_4B6Zh6tROUv_600x450.jpg

Snow is starting to melt so I'm hoping to make it over there in the next couple of days!

 

[roscoe]

Re: First time boat buyer question.

First off, it looks to be a riveted hull. Thats a good thing.
I think 1989 was the year that Brunswick bought Blue Fin, notice that the interior and exterior colors look just like a Bayliner of similar vintage.
In 1990, they went to a welded hull, and it was cheap, not good in my opinion.


Secondly, it sure doesn't look like a 4 stroke motor to me.
It looks to be a 2 stroke motor, which is fine, but they should know what they are selling, and you should be aware of what you are getting.

I also think you will find that all boats look good on the internet.
I think you will see a bit more wear and tear when viewed in person.
The interior vinyls used by Brunswick/Bayliner, did not hold up too well, but this one looks better than most.
But I do see some damage to the seats.

Price wise, for Wyoming, maybe not too bad. Around here, it would be a $3000-3500 boat.

Make sure the floor and transom are solid, and have the motor checked out by a mechanic, then do a sea trial before you buy.

Good Luck.

 

[thumpar]

Re: First time boat buyer question.

I am with roscoe on the price. It would be high for around here.

 

[jigngrub]

Re: First time boat buyer question.

If that motor is indeed a 4 stroke, the minnkota TM works like it should, and the trailer is in real good shape then I'd say it's a fairly decent deal but would still dicker with the seller to see if I could get the price lower.

You should check the decking for soft spots and the transom for rot, and if the decking is soft or the transom shows rot the price should be lowered accordingly.

 

[saumon]

Re: First time boat buyer question.

Secondly, it sure doesn't look like a 4 stroke motor to me.
It looks to be a 2 stroke motor, which is fine, but they should know what they are selling, and you should be aware of what you are getting.

roscoe's right, good catch! Merc didn't make any 90hp 4-stroke in 1998, only their 3-cylinder 2-stroke oil-injection model, which is a reliable, sturdy and easy to work on engine, but more hard on gas. They start making the 90hp 4-stroke only in 2000, and the one pictured clearly show the oil tank cap on the front top of the cowling...

 

[Mel Taylor]

Re: First time boat buyer question.

I don't know what Blue Fins go for in Wyoming, but here in New Mexico (and the rest of the southwest as near as I can determine) they are from far from plentiful and last year I willingly paid more than what I believe should have been FMV simply because of the quality of the construction and the fact that it had all the features I had been looking for for a long time. I consider it one of the best deals I ever made.

BTW, I tried to haggle but the seller knew what he had and wouldn't budge.

 

[rollwind23]

Re: First time boat buyer question.

Thanks for the input!! And good catch on the motor!! I'll keep you guys updated on it but I feel confident walking into this knowing what to look for and seeing if the owner is decent or not. Again, I appreciate the help and i'll keep you updated!

 

[saumon]

Re: First time boat buyer question.

A couple of other things: sometimes, the general aspect of the owner house, yard, etc. could tell a lot about how he take care of his possessions. Doesn't need to be a castle but clean and well taken care usually also transpose to other toys, like boats. And if everything check ok, an "on the water" test is mandatory before buying; running good on muffs in the driveway doesn't tell much about an engine condition, without adequate water backpressure. Don't be rushed and test all the systems: bilge pump, nav lights, trim, accelerating, trolling motor, etc.