Is this is decent boat for a newbie

[zarillus]

Hey guys,

I know nothing about boats however i wanted to get the experts advice on a boat i am looking at.The guy wants 600 bucks for it.It's a 15' Foot Marquis Tri-Hull with a w/35 hp Mercury Force Outboard. See picture attachments

Thanks

 

[david_r]

Re: Is this is decent boat for a newbie

does she run?

looks like it may be worth it if the floor and transom are in good condition.....even if the motor doesnt run.........thats what this site is for!

 

[david_r]

Re: Is this is decent boat for a newbie

welcome to iboats.com!

 

[RWilson2526]

Re: Is this is decent boat for a newbie

I think any boat that runs, has a trailer and is not falling apart is well worth $600. Just remember unless it is completely ready to go and needs nothing fixed it can easily become a $1500 boat in the blink of an eye

 

[krakatoa]

Re: Is this is decent boat for a newbie

Nice Project!

Let us know what you finally did.

 

[slasmith1]

Re: Is this is decent boat for a newbie

it looks like someone is trying to avoid a dump bill at your expense. besides it is a force (throw away) ob not worth the scrap value imho.

 

[haskindm]

Re: Is this is decent boat for a newbie

You can't lose much at $600. Have somebody with a little knowledge look at it to make sure that the stringers/transom are not rotten. At least try to pick up on the motor with it in its raised position to see if the transom flexes (not good). If the reinforcing wood is rotten, it will probably cost more than the boat is worth to get it back in safe condition. The Force engines were NOT made by Mercury. They are the descendants of the old Chrysler Outboard company. They are not the greatest motors ever built, but if it runs it should give you some good service. Expect to replace the water pump impeller. This should be done every couple of years. Just keep in mind you are buying a boat for $600. It is not a $30K boat. Expect to spend some time, money and effort getting it ready to go. If you don't have the skills, and/or aren't willing to learn them, pass on this project, it may just become an eyesore in your back yard.

 

[zarillus]

Re: Is this is decent boat for a newbie

Hey thanks guys,i appreciate the comments.I just want a boat for fishing and maybe a little go fast.I just saw this boat so i thought i would post it.Any recommendations on boats for under 1k that are not bass boats.I've been told to stay away from bayliner i guess there the chevy cavaliers of the boating world.

Thanks Again everybody!!!

 

[Silvertip]

Re: Is this is decent boat for a newbie

Are you sure that engine is a 35 HP. Can't read the numbers on the third picture but it sure looks bigger than a 35. If it really is a 35 HP engine, the boat will be a slug and your "little bit of go fast" would be a dream rather than reality. That said, the boat and trailer would be worth $600 provided both are serviceable. Add a "real" engine and you would have a nice rig.

 

[KLINDWW]

Re: Is this is decent boat for a newbie

I?m surprised someone has not made this comment yet, but tri-hulls are notorious rough riders. They are a good stable platform but don?t take ANY kind of rough water without giving whoever is in the boat a good pounding. Not knowing where you are located or what kind of water you will be boating in it is hard to say if the tri-hull is a good option for you, but it is something that you should be aware of. Now don?t get me wrong, my first boat was a 16? tri-hull with a 120 Chrysler and I did most of my fishing in Galveston Bay, but I was a lot younger then and I sometimes still wonder if my kidneys have recovered. I?m with Silvertip, it looks bigger than a 35 hp, but if it is a 35 I don?t think that boat would ever get on a plane. If this is the first boat that you have looked at, keep it in mind and look around some more and see what is out there in your area. What ever you decide, welcome to boating. Just one thing to remember about boating; the two happiest days of a boat owners life is the day that he buys his boat and the day that he sells it. Happy boating.

 

[eaglejim]

Re: Is this is decent boat for a newbie

I have a tri-hull boat like the one you are looking at,great boat even if you have to do a couple little things as far as "go fast" not with a 35hp got a 60 evinrude on mine and on gps 31 mph, check to see what the motor capacity is

 

[david_r]

Re: Is this is decent boat for a newbie

just remember its a starter boat.

you can always upgrade to a bigger boat or bigger motor.

even if it doesnt "go fast" if it floats youll enjoy it!

 

[chiefalen]

Re: Is this is decent boat for a newbie

I have the 70 hp trihull in my signature do 35 tops, and for a lake cant be beat, had four adults standing and fishing at one time very stable floating and a great ride.

For a lake can't be beat. But the force ob is a gas GUZZLER.

Maybe keep looking and get one with a Evinrude on it and 65-70 hp or you ain't going 15 miles a hour.

Good luck !

 

[zarillus]

Re: Is this a decent boat for a newbie

Re: Is this a decent boat for a newbie

Update on the boat: I went to go look at it and what a POS, the motor was siezed the transom was totally rotted.Floor was mush !!!What a waste of time,the guy told me it runs like a top.It had a couple holes in the bow.Maybe good for planting flowers but other than that it was really nasty.


Well i'll keep lookin!!!

There has to be a decently priced boat in Orlando,Floridqa !!! That's not rotted out

Thanks Again

 

[LOW-LIFE]

Re: Is this a decent boat for a newbie

Re: Is this a decent boat for a newbie

Good call on the rotted out boat, I probally looked at 10+ boats all suposedly in "good" to "great" condition and needs some "minor tlc" most were nearly 100% rotten.
I finally settled on an 87 that was in far better shape than even a 94 i looked at. I think i paid a bit high but, i feel like the guy was honest and it had shown the boat was taken care of. It has all original interior and the seats show no cracking or tears at all with a nice solid floor.

 

[eaglejim]

Re: Is this is decent boat for a newbie

I would have asked, how much would you give me to haul it off?

 

[Nandy]

Re: Is this a decent boat for a newbie

Re: Is this a decent boat for a newbie

You learn lesson 1. Dont ever believe what the seller is telling you. Double check everything. Given there are decent people out there selling boats... Anyway, you have a great tool. IBOATS forums. Keep looking, for 1k you should be able to find a better boat, way better... If you are looking for fishing probably your best option will be a center console rather than a bow rider. I had several boats including trihulls. Yes, they dont do too good in rough water. Actually, there was lakes i would avoid just for that reason. Good luck...

 

[65Mech]

Re: Is this is decent boat for a newbie

ive seen some good deals here. my friend bought a 16ft tin boat ready to go for 1400 bucks. 3years later and the boat still works like a champ

http://ocala4sale.com/transportation/used-boats.php