is this boat right for me?

jeffconnell12

Petty Officer 2nd Class
Joined
Oct 9, 2011
Messages
104
Hey guys after viewing tons and tons of dissapointing near purchases i stumbled across this guy. I live in Vancouver and will be primarily fishing in rivers and the ocean. I don't plan on any wild excursions, mostly stuff along the coast. The 40hp is a little less than what i was originally looking for but it will be a money saver on gas and my insurance covers boat/motor under 50hp at no additional cost (savings of 3-400 a year). The current owner is a mechanic and says the motor has never failed and is in great shape. It is nice that it comes with all the gear (downriggers etc) and a cover. The owner said it has minor gelcoat work done to the bottom from having it beached a few times, the last one i looked at was a real mess. Also boats (especially center consoles) go for quite a bit more in canada and especially vancouver compared to the states. This is one of the first ive come across in the 4-6 grand price range. Thanks!

* does anyone have any idea as to what year (era) the motor might be? Thanks!

http://vancouver.en.craigslist.ca/pml/boa/3219016607.html
 

Home Cookin'

Fleet Admiral
Joined
May 26, 2009
Messages
9,715
Re: is this boat right for me?

looks good to me; just pick your days and watch your wind direction. Don't overload it; it's a two man boat for cold water fishing
 

emoney

Commander
Joined
Jul 19, 2010
Messages
2,551
Re: is this boat right for me?

Nice looking rig from the photos. Proof, of course, is always in the pudding, but that looks like a really nice fishing rig. Sea trial, sea trial, sea trial, of course, and try and make sure you spend at least an hour out on her.
 

aspeck

Moderator
Staff member
Joined
May 29, 2003
Messages
19,132
Re: is this boat right for me?

Pic shows it covered and with a cover ... extra good for the floor and transom. Can't tell you the age or model for the pics, but if you are looking for a calm day 2 man fishing rig, that looks like a decent one. Need to check for soft spots in person and again, sea trial!
 

tallcanadian

Captain
Joined
Sep 7, 2006
Messages
3,250
Re: is this boat right for me?

Not a bad looking boat. A bit under powered for big water. It wouldn't be the fastest thing in the water.
 

jestor68

Commander
Joined
Jun 12, 2012
Messages
2,308
Re: is this boat right for me?

The seller should be able to tell you the year model, etc. I agree that it looks like a nice rig.
 

jeffconnell12

Petty Officer 2nd Class
Joined
Oct 9, 2011
Messages
104
Re: is this boat right for me?

Ya, would have love a 60 hp but these are tough to come across (hull) here. I recently spoke with him, he said both are 1984, trailer needs nothing, new battery and no power trim. He agreed to a sea trial just needs to know in advance so he can insure the trailer for the day. Has papers for both. What kind of chop do you think this could handle? Anyone here familiar with the georgia strait. Im assuming it would have to be a PERfect day.. I have undeveloped property on one of the gulf islands I'd love to get out to but only have the storage etc for this size of rig.
 

colbyt

Master Chief Petty Officer
Joined
Aug 9, 2012
Messages
824
Re: is this boat right for me?

Is the engine rated for salt water?
 

jeffconnell12

Petty Officer 2nd Class
Joined
Oct 9, 2011
Messages
104
Re: is this boat right for me?

That i dont know.. He mentioned it was used in the ocean and he is a mechanic... But thats not necessarily saying alot.
 

JEBar

Chief Petty Officer
Joined
Aug 4, 2012
Messages
462
Re: is this boat right for me?

as others have noted, that most certainly is a nice looking rig .... as to being powered by a 40, all it has to do is to deliver the level of performance that you are happy with .... I've never caught a fish while running at WOT on any boat I've ever owned ..;).. hopefully if you buy it, it will serve you well

Jim
 

jeffconnell12

Petty Officer 2nd Class
Joined
Oct 9, 2011
Messages
104
Re: is this boat right for me?

Haha thats a valid point. I have an 03 17' larson bowrider with a 135 merc and i have a 9' springbok with a 4.5 merc. I smile while driving both. Tho the bowrider is my ontario lake boat. Essentially what am i missing out on by having a 40 say opposed to a 90. Just speed.. Plaining? Will it really limit me while west coast fishing?
 

salmonslammer

Seaman
Joined
May 6, 2012
Messages
55
Re: is this boat right for me?

Biggest limit to the 40hp is that its going to be underpowered if you have to punch any waves....I have a 18' Trophy
CC with an 85hp that I use on Lake Erie... Although we never plan on running in 4 to 5' waves, it does happen. I have JUST enough power to get over the top in 5'ers.

Amazing the difference in price tween the states and CA.... Here in MI they have a hard time giving CC away!
 

aspeck

Moderator
Staff member
Joined
May 29, 2003
Messages
19,132
Re: is this boat right for me?

Both look good on paper ... with the 75hp motor and 7 years newer, the second one might be the better deal, but if it is out of your price range, then is it better? Only way to tell is to check them both out, make sure floor and transom are solid, check compressions, get someone else to check them out if need be, and SEA TRIAL. Then list your pros and cons, what the true cost is (cost plus changes/repairs to get them into the condition and equipment you want) and make YOUR decision.
 

jeffconnell12

Petty Officer 2nd Class
Joined
Oct 9, 2011
Messages
104
Re: is this boat right for me?

Okay, the second one is sounding better, this decision also lies with my dad who is going half-zies. The campion explorer has a new tank installed 2 years ago, solid hull/transom with anti fouling paint. No work done to fiberglass etc. Comes with everything listed in the ad plus a downrigger some more fishing gear and he recommended a sea trial. He also mentioned he is accepting offers, the same boat and similar motor setup avg 7500 bucks locally.. He is asking 7250, what would be a fair offer? Anyone know much about these 165 explorers? Thanks!
 
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