newb, just sold my car and now goign to look at two boats

[2000silvers2k]

like the title says, i have been interesting in getting a boat all summer, and finally just sold my honda s2000 so I can afford a boat with no payment.

Ideally I want a 17-20 foot bow rider, at least a 4.3l engine, in excellent condition for a maximum of 10k. I want to be in the year range of 97 and up because I have noticed a major shift in styling in the mid 90s. i have narrowed my search to these manufacturers: glastron, larson, four winns, sea ray, regal.

here are two potential prospects I would like to go look at.

http://nh.craigslist.org/boa/1901773669.html

http://boston.craigslist.org/gbs/boa/1896438565.html

I guess what I am looking for some advice about those two boats, do they seam like good deals or no? i am completley new to boating and have been studying for my boating license for a month now.

I am good with trailers as I tow sleds in the winter with my tundra.

I plan on having money in reserve for unexpeted repairs and maintence.

 

[mtrainTurbo]

Re: newb, just sold my car and now goign to look at two boats

Any boat is a good boat if its been religiously maintained.

1. See if it comes with extensive maintenance records.
2. Inspect the boat thoroughlly, including sounding the hull, stringers, floors, and transom.
3. If the boat has sat in inside storage, it will show, and thats a good thing, as it nearly invalidates #2.
4. Full mechanical inspection including tune up and oil change records, engine compression test, and drive pressure test.
5. See if its been run in salt water. If it has, to me, I would automatically reject the boat, or at least ask for a substantial discount.

As for whether its a good deal or not, you need to compare the prices to NADA as well as what similar boats are selling for in the area.

We're heading into fall, and they probably don't want to pay to winterize and store the things. Use that to your advantage.

Too bad about your S2000. Those are great cars. I am not up on my chassis codes for that car, would that be an AP1?

 

[Home Cookin']

Re: newb, just sold my car and now goign to look at two boats

salt water is not an automatic rejection.

NADA guides seldom give accurate reads on market value, especially when a boat is 10 years old.

A good clue as to condition is to look around at the seller's place--does it look like he takes good acre of his stuff?
If he is in financial straits, his boat maintenance will be the first to go.
If he recently bought it to flip it, you are taking a big chance. As others said, the boat's history is the most important information, so it needs to be complete and reliable.
Have you budgeted storage and winterizing? Your money is tied up, you won't use the boat, and you have to pay the insurance, storage and taxes.
If you are not a boater yet, look for a turn key deal. But remember--on old boats, somethig will always go wrong. Your purchase price is a down payment.
Don't take on a project boat for your first.

 

[2000silvers2k]

Re: newb, just sold my car and now goign to look at two boats

The s2000 was indeed an AP1, it was in excellent condition, but had high mileage (122k), i definitely enjoyed the car for the 5 years i owned it and the 70k miles i put on it. very very very fun car to drive. but im ready for something new, something i can share with my friends and family. a boat!

as for the boat, the 20' larson is actually at a marina, The boat
will come with a 30 day warranty as well as it will be fully inspected by
our service dept. before you take delivery. There are approx. 200 hours on
the boat.

so im leaning towards that one, depending on the condition.

Would you guys still recommend an independent inspection done on a marina bought boat?

I am looking for a turn-key boat, not a fixer upper. I have budgeted for insurance, winterization, etc.

 

[tmh]

Re: newb, just sold my car and now goign to look at two boats

Are there both salt water and fresh water boats in your area or at least a reasonable drive? I certainly would not want a 10 year old I/O that has been used in salt water, especially if it has been in a slip in salt water. Why buy potential (likely??) very expensive trouble IF you have a choice? An I/O 10 years old only run in fresh water and well maintained has 10-20 years left on it...IF you continue to maintain it.

There are plenty of other quality makes from 10 years ago so just find a nice one. Heck, I'd hold out for one that was darn near like new if looking 10 years old or less. It's amazing the shape some folks keep their "baby" in! Find a boat nut and pay an extra $500 for his perfect boat if you have to, it's well worth it.

Do you need a survey? Well, for a $10k boat maybe it makes sense. It depends how well you can evaluate the condition yourself I guess. Maybe a good mechanic who knows boats is enough without the formal, expensive report. But, you may need a survey anyhow for insurance purposes, so check that out before hand.

You are in the catbird seat for boat buying! $10k in the 18'-19' bowriders should get you a very nice boat.

 

[Subliminal]

Re: newb, just sold my car and now goign to look at two boats

I remember when I was saying stuff like that!

First I was going to buy a friend's used 97 Sea Ray for $5k.

Then, we decided to juice it up to $10k and see if we could get something a little newer/nicer.

Then we started looking at boats that fell into the $12k range.

Then we found a new, factory-leftover 2008 last October for $17k and another $1500 for a trailer with brakes. After taxes we were $20k out the door with a brand new boat and a 5 yr powertrain warranty.

Good luck!

 

[2000silvers2k]

Re: newb, just sold my car and now goign to look at two boats



I can see how that would happen! but I really really don't want a payment, the car was just paid off in the spring, so I am enjoying not paying for my toys right now, plus the wifey wont let that happen! And it seams like you can get a fairly decent boat for 7-10k in real good shape. so I hope it all works out. But I can definitely see where your coming from!

I remember when I was saying stuff like that!

First I was going to buy a friend's used 97 Sea Ray for $5k.

Then, we decided to juice it up to $10k and see if we could get something a little newer/nicer.

Then we started looking at boats that fell into the $12k range.

Then we found a new, factory-leftover 2008 last October for $17k and another $1500 for a trailer with brakes. After taxes we were $20k out the door with a brand new boat and a 5 yr powertrain warranty.

Good luck!