Purchasing new boat, need advice.

[astewart]

Ok i'm looking for a used starter "value" boat that my family of 3 can use for fish and ski. I found a nice boat for what I think is a good price that I might want to check out however there's no fishing amenities that I can see. <br /><br />Can I install a captains chair in the front for fishing or is that something that just isn't done?<br /><br />Also if you look at the picture can anyone tell me if thats an oil leak below the motor?<br /><br /><br /> http://adcache.boattraderonline.com/6/3/5/74304435.htm <br /><br />Thanks,<br />Allan..

 

[Chris1956]

Re: Purchasing new boat, need advice.

Astewart, The boat looks pretty clean and the price seems good. Due to its lack of bottom paint,I will assume it was run in a lake or trailered, which also is a plus.<br /><br />The oil leak (if it is oil) is unusual, since it is not coming from the outdrive. It appears to come from the bilge of the boat via the drainplug. It is likely power trim fluid or power steering fluid or engine oil. You should look for the source of the leak. Replacement hoses for the power trim system are $50 each, power steering hoses $125/set.<br /><br />The boat itself is a good choice for all around family fun. You will be able to fish and water ski. It will prove to be a bit under powered with the 4 cylinder motor, however. Expect 35-38MPH as top speed. Also, it will prove to be a bit small in the interior, since a 17 footer is small to have a sterndrive motor. It will prove to be good on gas, but periodic maintenance is high on a sterndrive, and very high ($1000/year) if you have it professionally maintained. Repairs will also need to be made, in addition to periodic maintenance.<br /><br />You can certainly put a captains chair in front. It may cut down on the interior space, and eliminate one seat, however it is done frequently. You will need to use some anchor-type fasteners to hold the chair in place!

 

[astewart]

Re: Purchasing new boat, need advice.

Thanks for the advice. One last question. Can I hook up a trolling motor and fish finder finder to that boat?<br /><br />Thanks,<br />Allan..

 

[jajeeper]

Re: Purchasing new boat, need advice.

It looks like there is a pretty good gash on the side. I can't tell for sure, but it looks like the front may have some bangs on it as well. If this post last long enough you will hear allot of negative info about Bayliner brands.

 

[SpinnerBait_Nut]

Re: Purchasing new boat, need advice.

Originally posted by astewart:<br /> Ok i'm looking for a used starter "value" boat that my family of 3 can use for fish and ski.

Why not just get you a fish and ski boat?<br />For the money you will spend on this one plus the extra $'s for adding what you want, you can get a good F&S boat.<br />Just my .02 worth.<br /><br />P.S. Even a regular bass boat can be used to pull skiers with.

 

[astewart]

Re: Purchasing new boat, need advice.

When you say fish and ski do you mean something like the Bayliner with the fish and ski option? <br /><br />I was looking at used boats so I haven't seen all thats out there because most websites only show the new ones and alot of sales don't have pictures so it's not that helpful for a beginner like myself.<br /><br />Are there a few modals I can look for that is similar to the Bayliner with fish and ski?

 

[jajeeper]

Re: Purchasing new boat, need advice.

Go to the Boating Classifieds section of this website and check out the fish and ski section to see what's available:<br /><br /> http://www.iboats.com/boats/marine--1/boats--10/power_boats--100/fish_and_ski_boats--1099/ <br /><br />There are a bunch of used boats with multiple pictures.

 

[roscoe]

Re: Purchasing new boat, need advice.

In my opinion, you are better off getting a fishing boat and using it for skiing. Fiberglass bowriders are difficult to fish from. There is little if any open space to store rods, coolers, tackleboxes, landing nets, etc. The sides are high and thick, the seats are low, and the seats take up most of the space so you can't get close to the water to land fish.<br />Something like this:<br /> http://www.fisherboats.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=home.boat&nav=29&boat=1168

 

[Bert1]

Re: Purchasing new boat, need advice.

Astewart, I have a Capri 160 and I was able to add a platform and a swivell chair to the bow section of mine. Here is what it involved;<br /><br />1. On mine the bow cushions are snap in, so easily removable. First step is to remove the two cushions.<br /><br />2. Create a template (using cardboard or heavy paper) of the entire bow area. This should be a triangular shape and covers the space usually covered by the cushions as well as the walking space (Leave 1/2 inch space all around).<br /><br />3. Use this template to cut out a 3/4 inch tick piece of plywood (marine grade). <br /><br />4. Cover the plywood with carpet (To match interior of boat)<br /><br />5. Find where to and locate some felt tabs underneat wherever there is a resting spot (contact between the board and the fiberglass of the boat).<br /><br />6. Find a pedestall and swiveling seat and install in the middle of the platform. <br /><br />7. Achor the whole unit to the boat using heavy bungie cords. I placed 4 O rings underneat that hang in the underseat storage compartment. I then tie the bungies in a ''X'' pattern underneat. THe left and right side communicate with each other.<br /><br />This may sound complicated, but it took me a couple of hours to complete, cost about $100.00 and I have been using it for four years without any problems. When we go fishing I put it in, when we go cruising/skying/tubing, I remove it and put the cushions in.<br /><br />Hope this helps.

 

[1kickpic]

Re: Purchasing new boat, need advice.

i agree with roscoe...the most important part of a fishing boat is the interior space. that's why, on a "bass tracker" style boat, three guys can walk around easily with all that equipment. but, a boat that is say 18', hi-sided, with a walk-thru windshield (no wasted space in the bow) can operate perfectly for both fishing and water skiing. your two front seats could be single captain style chairs, but your rear seats should be made for economy of space and be more functional than comfortable. go outboard, not i/b or i/o, again, more space.