looking to buy first boat, what do you think?

[RouxSer]

Hi All,
I am looking to get my first boat and came across what I think is a nice Starcraft. The owner said its a '69. It has a 95hp merc that is also a 69. He wants $1800.00, comes with trailer. I'll be going to look at it Saturday.

what do you all think?

 

[dozerII]

Re: looking to buy first boat, what do you think?

Nice looking boat, make sure you check the o/b out closley, compression test, look for leaks on the exhaust baffle cover, if at all possible take it for a spin. Those motors can be expensive to fix and the price is premium.my 2 cents.
Glen

 

[RouxSer]

Re: looking to buy first boat, what do you think?

thanks Dozer, any idea on what model it is?

 

[ezmobee]

Re: looking to buy first boat, what do you think?

Sharp boat, looks well maintained. I know SOME older Mercs have parts support issues, not sure if that is one of them. That price is the price for a good running boat. If it is short of that....pay less. Good luck. Looks like a fun ride.

 

[barato]

Re: looking to buy first boat, what do you think?

did SC still build anything with the curved-plexi windshield in 69? not that precise year really matters that much when you're talking a 40+ yr old boat. Motor does look to be abt a 69....if you plan on maintaining yourself, check before you buy on whether it will require special tools to do common jobs like WP impeller....Mr Kiekhafer used to like to do things his way.

 

[Pugetsound]

Re: looking to buy first boat, what do you think?

Is that a Glass Boat??? I would carefully check the floor, as if a replacment is needed you will be in for a lot of work and expense.

 

[RouxSer]

Re: looking to buy first boat, what do you think?

it is fiberglass. I asked about the floor, he said its in great shape, the PO replaced the floor a few years ago and covered it with textured vinyl. Seat covers are only a couple years old too.

I am just concerned with the motor. its over 40 years old and I know nothing about boat motors, or boats in general.

 

[Huron Angler]

Re: looking to buy first boat, what do you think?

Welcome to iboats Nice deal there...if the transom/deck is solid and the motor runs.

I'd really want to take it out on the water for a test run prior to paying his asking price. If you can talk him down at least run the motor on muffs, check if it shifts into FWD and REV gear.

I have a '71 Mercury 80hp that is very similar. Mine is an inline 4 whereas I believe the 95 may be an inline 6.

Good luck with it, hope all goes well for ya

BTW there is a link in my signature to our brochures thread. Check it out, you may be able to identify the model of the hull.

 

[lakelover]

Re: looking to buy first boat, what do you think?

Welcome to the forum.....

As far as the floor is concerned, at least make sure you get in the boat and walk around, even bounce a little. If the floor's at all spongy, pass unless you want to be doing a lot of work on it. Some sellers' memories tend to think, or want you to think, that any work was done more recently and thoroughly than is the case. Just be as thorough as you can before you part with your cash. Best case is a water trial.

 

[Pugetsound]

Re: looking to buy first boat, what do you think?

Where you are located will dictate the price of a boat. If back East the prices will be extremely low compared to western states. Personally I have had a lot of Glass boats and with good results. They are heaver than Aluminum and hull problems will be costly. Personally I think the price for a 40 year old boat and motor is-- very-- over priced. I would pass, but Im not looking for a boat Do what advised to check any thing on the boat AND MOTOR if anything makes you doubtful. Do not buy it, there are very good offers on boats and listing on this forum as people find them . IMHO

 

[RouxSer]

Re: looking to buy first boat, what do you think?

Puget, I actually live in Bellingham. The boat is in Blaine. It seems that boats are really $$ out here compared to the Great Lakes region (I am from Cleveland).

 

[Pugetsound]

Re: looking to buy first boat, what do you think?

If you are going to fish Whatcom or Bellingham bay or other sound areas then you need a well built boat. Tne one in the photo looks good. The price here is as you see very pricy so That looks like a good buy if it is sound. With all tha water around you a test run should be easy. If need Offer to leave a refundable deposit and test run it and them mabey a side trip to a marina there a a lot of those in Bellingham.

 

[RouxSer]

Re: looking to buy first boat, what do you think?

looked at her today, over all nice. biggest concern is the trailer. old, rusty, skinny old tires. Motor started up on the first turn of the key. looked and sounded nice. not sure what to do. think i am going to pass.

 

[RouxSer]

Re: looking to buy first boat, what do you think?

Huron, thanks, shifted to fwd and rev no problem. I'll ask for a test run if he agrees to the reduced price that i'll offer.

 

[barato]

Re: looking to buy first boat, what do you think?

Some sellers' memories tend to think, or want you to think, that any work was done more recently and thoroughly than is the case.

them's some golden words there....the delusions and sketchy memories of CL boat sellers seem to the norm! don't trust, but verify.....

remember that even a lake test won't tell you all about a motor....motors will run with stuff like bad compression in 1 cyl....you still want to run a compression or leakdown test, or have someone do so.

 

[ezmobee]

Re: looking to buy first boat, what do you think?

Ain't that the truth. A lake test is still really great though because sometimes it seems like ALL motors run in the darn driveway but only about 60% run in the lake

 

[Huron Angler]

Re: looking to buy first boat, what do you think?

remember that even a lake test won't tell you all about a motor....motors will run with stuff like bad compression in 1 cyl....you still want to run a compression or leakdown test, or have someone do so.

Sounds like my Merc you're talking about there Barato