need inexpensive older boat and advice

[baggywinkles]

I have about 4 thousand dollars to buy a used boat, motor and trailer in Florida. I'll be using it to fish off the coast near Fort Myers on Florida's west coast. I hope to find something in the 18-22' range. <br /><br />Will some experienced soul please give me advice on a good boat and motor (outboard) that is reliable and roomy? I know there are many things to consider, but there are so many boat makes out there, and my recent experience is nil. I just need a place to start.<br />thank a bunch, folks.<br />jimmy

 

[Drowned Rat]

Re: need inexpensive older boat and advice

Try posting some of the options you have found locally in your price range and you will get some good advice.

 

[baggywinkles]

Re: need inexpensive older boat and advice

Good idea, DrownedRat. thanks!<br />

 

[baggywinkles]

Re: need inexpensive older boat and advice

I need to be more specific, so here are a few boats I'd like to conmpare. Grady White quality is out of my reach but I'd like to know whar 18-22 foot boats may come close for less $:<br /><br />Any of these: Wellcraft, Seaswirl, bayliner,Aquasport, Sea Ray? I suppose I can afford boats in the 1975-85 range, if I spend 4K...<br />thanks

 

[Drowned Rat]

Re: need inexpensive older boat and advice

Hi there Baggy. I like all of those models except the Bayliner. The older Bayliners especially are plagued with problems and to make matters worse they were often paired with cheap unreliable outboards (duck and cover). Wellcraft and Sea Rays should be pretty solid if they were cared for. As with any boat 20-30 years old, you will want to be careful. You should get some good advice on this list about specific things to look for. Good luck and keep posting.

 

[imported_Mike_M2]

Re: need inexpensive older boat and advice

http://adcache.boattraderonline.com/6/6/8/65994268.htm <br /> http://adcache.boattraderonline.com/6/2/6/65846226.htm <br /> http://adcache.boattraderonline.com/6/2/4/64832224.htm

 

[Solittle]

Re: need inexpensive older boat and advice

In the class of boat you are looking for I would stick with outboards. You can sink a ton of money into an older I/O rig in a hurry. Many if not most of the I/O rigs of that age will need manifolds, risers not to mention outdrive issues.

 

[DBLD]

Re: need inexpensive older boat and advice

Hi,<br /><br />I'm a big fan of old Makos. I've had two - both from the 70s. I paid under $5000 for both, including the trailer and outboard. Both were under 20'. In Florida, you should have no problem finding an old Mako. <br /><br />I think they're built really well, and if you find one that has been maintained, it is probably a pretty good bet. They're also pretty simple to work on, so if you are handy, you can fix anything (i.e., electrical, some hardware . . ) that might need a little TLC. good luck!

 

[baggywinkles]

Re: need inexpensive older boat and advice

Will someone that knows boats well please rate these in order of quality.<br />Thanks<br />jimmy<br /><br />1988 Chric Craft 205 Limited Bow Rider - 21', 4.3L Mercruiser<br /><br />1988 Rinker 206 Captiva Bow Rider, 20',175HP inboard, ?brand<br /><br />1985 Chaparral 20'cuddy, 140HP Suziki.

 

[baggywinkles]

Re: need inexpensive older boat and advice

Will someone that knows boats well please rate these in order of quality.<br />Thanks<br />jimmy<br /><br />1988 Chric Craft 205 Limited Bow Rider - 21', 4.3L Mercruiser<br /><br />1988 Rinker 206 Captiva Bow Rider, 20',175HP inboard, ?brand<br /><br />1985 Chaparral 20'cuddy, 140HP Suziki.

 

[Solittle]

Re: need inexpensive older boat and advice

Either with the Suziki if it is in good shape for reasons mentioned earlier.<br /><br />Give a lot of thought to the water you run in before you go with a regular inboard. There is little or no protection for the prop in shallow water.

 

[baggywinkles]

Re: need inexpensive older boat and advice

Lots of good advice guys...<br /><br />DBLD mentioned Makos. I've always liked them, too, as well as Wellcraft, Aquasport and SeaRay. <br /><br />The advice to stay away from I/O is well taken. I guess I knew that at one time but forgot it over the years. And since we'll be doing a lot of shallow-water cruising an outboard makes more sense anyway. Any outboards to watch out for in the 1985-95 range? I'll probably be looking at motor 130-200 HP.<br />thanks, jimmy