I need an opinion

[cwhite6]

I am thinking of going looking a boat or two this weekend. The listings are below. I have cash in hand to buy, but not what they are asking. Anyone have any experience or comments on these two boats? Thanks.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=180333471375

http://lakecharles.craigslist.org/boa/1059282719.html

 

[KurtG]

Re: I need an opinion

What kind of boat are you looking for and what do you want to do with it?

I probably have different uses in mind, but I'd like something like:
http://neworleans.craigslist.org/boa/1060660047.html

 

[ezmobee]

Re: I need an opinion

Stay away from that first one. Motor needs a lower unit rebuilt. Also the boat looks to have been mostly stored uncovered so there's a pretty good chance there's rot in it which in a fiberglass boat is a huge job to repair. The second one looks promising. Can't comment on the price because I don't really know what jon boats go for.

 

[cwhite6]

Re: I need an opinion

KurtG,
I am looking for a fishing boat for myself and family. One with a bog enough engine to pull a tube is a bonus. I looked at the one you linked to last night. Nice boat. I am a good number of hours from the coast though. Up here, my fishing areas are full of stumps and such. Not a good place for that boat.

Ezmobee,
I had some of the same thoughts on the first one. Guy told me that motor reverse broke on the trailer. It looks to not have wood, but I am no expert. I am pretty handy with mechanics, but OB bother me as I do not know a whole bunch about the. The bottom one is not really what I think of as a Jon boat. It is a metal boat, but all welded with decking and such. Similar boats are Xpress, Alweld, Alumaweld and such. They come that way from the factory. My only concern is the wood decking in the boat. I guess I would not be able to tell how good it is without seeing it. I am really leaning towards aluminum and welded due to the area I fish.

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: I need an opinion

the first one is probably a money pit, rotted deck,stringer and transom.

Duracraft is a good boat.

 

[KurtG]

Re: I need an opinion

It seems like you have agood idea what you are looking for. Just remember, when you go to AL boats, usually the capacity rating goes down in terms of people for the same length 'glass boat.

I thought the first boat was a glass one and the Mckee is a much more solid boat than that.

 

[cwhite6]

Re: I need an opinion

The first boat is a glass boat to the best of my knowledge.

 

[Silvertip]

Re: I need an opinion

If you seriously consider the first one, I hope you have a sound understanding of low voltage DC electrical systems because from the looks of things it was wired by guy I affectionately called "Sparky" (my Son-in-law) who is electrically challenged beyond belief. He gets nervous putting batteries in a flashlight.

 

[Fishstick]

Re: I need an opinion

For what it's worth, when I was a bass fishing addict and all my friends were running 25K rangers, skeeters etc, I ran a Sea Nymph aluminum in the same style and length as your second link. Mine had 50hp evinrude which was perfect for the hull with more than enough power to get me around the lakes I fished. It was bulletproof in shallow/stumpy water and a workhorse of a fishing boat that you didn't have to baby around, and because of that I used it alot...like 2 to 3 days a week for 2 years solid with zero complaints.

Probably not the best choice as a family tube yanker.

Deck replacement (if needed) on the aluminum isn't that tough of a job if you have some woodworking skills. At least you don't have to worry about rotted transom or stringers etc.

I've been looking for another one and from my searches, I'd say that's not a bad price providing the motor is running good. If that boat was in my area, i would be sitting in my driveway now.

 

[cwhite6]

Re: I need an opinion

Thanks for all the replies folks. I canceled my trip to see the first one Saturday morning. I am still waiting to hear back from the owner selling the second one.

 

[5150abf]

Re: I need an opinion

I would go with the second one, it has a Johnson motor and is aluminum so it won't ever rot and it is more durable, glass breaks, aluminum bends.

I looked for a long time for a jon like that but there are jut none around where I live.

 

[Mark_VTfisherman]

Re: I need an opinion

You are making the right choice to pick the Duracraft over that bass boat. Too much money for a boat in which the seats are rotted enough to need plywood to reinforce it.

I happen to like fiberglass boats but you are better off staying away from that one. Aluminum boats do put up with gravel and what used to be timber wheras in a fiberglass boat it's only a matter of time. :O

 

[22E6441]

Re: I need an opinion

The aluminum one for sure. I really hope to find a good aluminum bowrider, but they're few and far between here. Very high demand for them regargless of the current economy.

 

[Mark_VTfisherman]

Re: I need an opinion

You still have an economy?