Good boat for me?

[Kayak]

I'm going to look at a 1996 13' Duranautic tomorrow. It has a 9.9hp Evinrude, trolling motor, new trailer tires and life jackets. The guy is asking $1250. He says "excellent condition".

First, this will be my first boat, but not my first time boating (grew up with Dad having boats). I don't know what to ask the seller or what potential issues to look for in the boat and trailer. I doubt he wants to take it to the water, so how do I know the motor runs and work correctly? Is this a shot-in-the-dark kind of thing?

Second, it will be used on small Ohio lakes with 10hp or electric only limits. Maybe (big maybe) on a very calm day on an unlimited lake close to shore. Is this a good sized boat for such things with two adults, all the gear and a 70 pound dog? Would I be better off with a 16' boat?

Any advice you can give would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks,

Michelle

 

[Dakota47]

Re: Duranautic boats

Re: Duranautic boats

sounds perfect..

 

[kennyboater]

Re: Duranautic boats

Re: Duranautic boats

make sure the dog has a life jacket

 

[Kayak]

Re: Good boat for me?

She already does. Oh, and sunglasses, too.

 

[jeffb928]

Re: Good boat for me?

Hello kayak, sounds like a good deal.The seller may have a pair of the muffs so as to hook a hose to the lower unit, that way you can see that it starts and runs, also make sure that the seller has all paper work for you like the titles for the boat and trailer. Hope it works out for you,enjoy it!!!

 

[Kayak]

Re: Good boat for me?

If it starts and runs do I assume it's good to go and just have it serviced to be sure?

I'm having doubts about this for a couple reasons...the guy hasn't responded to one of my emails from early yesterday and there's ONE picture on Craigslist and he says he doesn't have more.

I'm also not sure I want three bench seats and an aluminum floor and I'm pretty sure this one has them. I can't be certain due to the one picture and he isn't responding to me. Regardless, it would be a good little boat to decide if we want to "move up" to a 16' boat.

I don't know if I'm trying to talk myself out of this or if I should just go buy the darned thing and see what happens. I can always sell it, right?

 

[JCF350]

Re: Good boat for me?

Two adults would be okay. Wouldn't be too sure with a 70lb dog in the mix though (that ain't big but sure ain't small either)

 

[Kayak]

Re: Good boat for me?

Would a 16' be more comfortable? As long as I can use a 9.9hp or electric with a 16', I have no problem going bigger.

 

[Nandy]

Re: Good boat for me?

At any rate, sellers in craiglist gets a lot of hits and just a few real buyers. It could be that your seller is a bit skeptic of you or anyone else. I would not buy a boat without a sea trial unless it is a steal and I am willing to fix anything (motor included) on the boat. I assure you, just because the motor start it does not means that it will move the vessel under the lake pressure. When I broke some reeds on my old motor it will run great with muffs but will not even start in the lake. Also, you need to see how this motor will "perform" with the boat to be sure that is the combo you want. Good luck.

 

[Kayak]

Re: Good boat for me?

Thanks. It's going to be hard to test any boat in the water since we don't really live close to much. I think I'm going to skip this boat even though he says it's a steal. I don't see any support for the front of the boat on the trailer.

http://cincinnati.craigslist.org/boa/662316676.html

 

[jennis9]

Re: Good boat for me?

Kayak,

my brother has a 12' he uses for inland lakes - and is going to be looking for a 16' soon so he can have a little more room. He bought the 12 for $500 - with an merc 8hp included. he upgraded the seats (mounted foldable ones) and added an electric troller for the small inland lakes that won't allow the merc.

you could probably fit everyone in the 13' BUT remember that you will want a cooler, and your gear. you will need to find out what the weight capacity is on the boat you choose so you know how many can come along.

those aluminum boats are great - and you can find a deal on them. There's plenty out there to pick from. good luck on finding your gem!