Looking to buy questions

[beakerguy6]

Hey,

I am new to this forum and to owning a boat. I have been boating many times, but never owned my own. I am looking to spend somewhere around $1500. I am looking to be able to pull a skier or tuber and be able to seat around 5-6 people. I would also like to be able to have a decent top speed for cruising the bigger lakes in the area. I hope this enough detail and that you can make me some good suggestions on boat brands, models, and motors.

Thanks,
Brad

 

[Steve Mahler]

Re: Looking to buy questions

At that low price point, it is more about condition than brand of boat. I would suggest looking for an unusually clean tri hull bowrider with and evinrude,johnson, or mercury outboard. Tri hulls are the least desireable, so therefore your money should theoretically buy you a nice clean one.

 

[eaglejim]

Re: Looking to buy questions

I was going to say the same as Steve, I bought a tri-hull for 300.00 (project boat) and spent about another 1000.00 Looks good, runs well, pulls skiers and tubers.But look around because it is a buyers market out there. Good luck

 

[ezmobee]

Re: Looking to buy questions

With that budget, I would look for an older aluminum boat that needs some work and fix it up. They have aluminum stringers so you don't need to worry about those and replacing the deck and transom on an aluminum is not a bad job.

I got my boat that way. Check the link in my signature below to see what I did. Locally on our Craigslist site there's a guy selling a boat similar to mine with an open bow for $500 and it includes a trailer and a (much too) small motor. The small motor could be sold to recoup much of the $500. Fix the boat up and find a good used outboard and you're all set.

I would imagine that a large percentage of older, cheaper fiberglass boats in that price range are going to have rot issues. Check out the restoration section of this site to see what you're getting into.

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: Looking to buy questions

totally agree with ezmobee

 

[metriccrescentwrench]

Re: Looking to buy questions

Also take into consideration how much work you're willing to put into repairs and fixing up, with a realistic evaluation of your ability. Last year I bought a 1981 Bomber fish-n-ski with a 90 HP Johnson for $1500. I put around $400 into new carpet, building new hatch covers, re-wiring, new starter, added some instrumentation, etc. and now I've got a boat that not only suits me and my family but I know it inside and out.

One thing I didn't do but should have (I got lucky) was to check the compression on the engine before I bought the boat. Just because a guy can start an engine on muffs in the driveway doesn't mean it will actually push a boat.

Keep an eye on craigslist and be patient.