Looking to buy a used utility boat

[just4phun]

I am looking at buying an aluminum utility boat. I am interested in a 14' - 16' with 15-30hp to do some fishing and puttering around on the river. I just bought a house on the river but I won't have a dock for a year but it has a sandy beach to run it up on.

This boat will be used a lot, maybe every day in the warm months . Should I consider a new boat due to the amount I will probably use the boat, is it a better investment. I would like to find a cheaper option and buy used but there does not seem to be a lot available in my area, people seem to hang on to these types of boats forever or they seemed to be badly abused.

This is something I am considering

http://www.autotrader.ca/result/det...rt=70&CompanyID=ON20080409113624726&r=ontario

I know people have there own brand preferences, but I am considering Lund, Princecraft, Legend ...

Any suggestions ...
New vs. Used ?
14' or 16'?
HP recommendation (80% rule?)
Other brands I should consider?

 

[ezmobee]

Re: Looking to buy a used utility boat

I would absolutely go used on a boat like that. A tin boat with a <30 or so horsepower outboard is dead simple with I would imagine a minimal chance of getting a lemon. Plus you can probably sell it in a couple years for what you paid for it! I think brand name is also pretty negligible in this category.

 

[just4phun]

Re: Looking to buy a used utility boat

Thanks for the input. There is not a lot to choose from used, but I think you are right, used is the way to go.

The boat I posted above is $4500 cdn ($4200 us) is this too much for a 2001? I was hoping to find something in the < $3k range, am I dreaming to get something in good shape (14' utility boat,30hp,trailer) in this price range?

These boats really seem to hold their value - what are other people paying??

 

[cwhite6]

Re: Looking to buy a used utility boat

I recently paid $1900 for a 2008 Carolina Skiff and 25hp Nissan motor (1993). A Caroline skiff is pretty much like a flat bottom aluminum boat, but all fiberglass with LOTS of flotation in the floor. If you look around you can find cheaper than that. But, it will depend if you want a open one with bench seats and a tiller motor or one decked out like a bass boat or similar. If you get one with decks used, remember most of those decks are made of wood so be sure to check very good for rot. My buddy just had to rip all the decks and floors out of his Basstracker for that reason.