Question about buying a boat

[botwell82]

Everyone here seems to be a lot more knowledgeable about boats than me. My family and I really want to get into boating this summer so im on a quest to find a decent boat. Is it possible to find a boat to do some tubing and fishing for $2500 or less without having to dump a lot of money into or should I steer clear. I found an 89 bayliner bowrider for $2300 that needs some interior work. Good price or possible problems. Any will be great. Thanks again

 

[Bondo]

Re: Question about buying a boat

Is it possible to find a boat to do some tubing and fishing for $2500 or less

Ayuh,... Welcome Aboard,....
Yes, it's possible, but it takes due diligence, investigation, 'n being able to walk away, 'n keep lookin'...

My guess is, yer 1st choice has a Rotten hull...
boat's Rot, from the stringers Up,...
The "interior" is the last to fail....

 

[Philster]

Re: Question about buying a boat

Several others and I would recommend you focus on finding a decent hull that has a simple, 2-stroke outboard motor from a big maker, such as Evinrude, Johnson, Mercury, etc.

Fiberglass boats are full of wood. Now that you know that, be careful, because most of the wood is out of sight and holds the whole thing together, so you have to know that the floors, stringers (hold floor up and hold boat together) and the transom (back of the structure) isn't rotting.

If the interior is giving up the ghost, the boat structure is probably doing the same. Boats need to be covered when not in use.

A $5000 boat might be cheaper than a $2500 boat. At 5k, your odds are 10x as good for twice the money. 2500 and below can become trouble fast.

 

[scrit9mm]

Re: Question about buying a boat

A $5000 boat might be cheaper than a $2500 boat. At 5k, your odds are 10x as good for twice the money. 2500 and below can become trouble fast.

I agree! If this is your first boat it gets pretty daunting having to re-do a checklist of items before you use it. The wife may become more fiesty with every weekend you are not on the water due to the fiberglass not being cured yet! Water test it! If the owner doesnt let you run away! Many people think at that price it is not money well spent getting a marine mechanic to check the systems. I was one of those people, it will be the best $100-150 you ever spend. Take into account immediate maintenence when you purchase, could be new battery, water pump, impellar, oil change, plugs and wires, etc.

I would reccomend a 3.0 liter mercruiser. Had one in my first boat and it was a workhorse!

 

[scrit9mm]

Re: Question about buying a boat

also, I ended up selling my first boat 2 years ago (1987 Chaparral 178xl) for $1700. After I redid the floor, stringers, new seats, etc. I would not take that on again.

The buyer used to call me every couple of months telling me how great everything was working.

havent heard from him in some time now... wonder what has happened...

 

[greenbush future]

Re: Question about buying a boat

I think the biggest challenge will be the ability to walk away many times as you look, and mostly learn. You will find everything under the sun in that price range and most of them will require some work. If you have a friend who knows how to inspect a boat and is able to go on a few looks with you, I would jump at that. Try to take the emotion out of the purchase, there are many, many boats out there to consider. Buying the wrong boat will ruin your entire season, so take your time. And I agree with the sea test, no test, no buy. All this can be covered on the phone, so build a question list when you inquire and stick too it, to save your time and $$.

 

[tpenfield]

Re: Question about buying a boat

You might need to go to $5K in order to get something that will be enjoyable rather than miserable. The boat should not need any work to speak of, otherwise, you are buying a project boat at that price range.

Here is something that you might like, and maybe you could get it for $3500 http://www.boattrader.com/listing/1990-Maxum-2100-Sr-Bowrider-Mercruiser-4.3-99911372

 

[botwell82]

Re: Question about buying a boat

I knew I was coming to the right place! Thanks everyone for all the advice. I was pretty much thinkin the same thing a cheap boat well is a cheap boat. I was given a boat by my grandfather knowing it had a good motor but maybe needed just a little interior work but as I started tearing it apart I found out the transom was completely shot! Good 115 horse johnson bad boat. So I thought I would ask yall about buying 2k boat or sinkin the cash in that one. ugh decisions decisions. Thanks again everyone. I know I will be back for more advice

 

[roscoe]

Re: Question about buying a boat

Or look for a hull, and mount your current motor on the back.

 

[HCMQA]

Re: Question about buying a boat

I looked at it a slightly different way when I bought my boat.
My budget goal was 3k.
I wanted a 4.3 18-19' range bowrider. v8's seem to always be abused and need re-power and the 3.0's work to hard and are worn in this price range. This is just my thought process.
Criteria:
Good engine
Sea worthy from day one. Sea trial is a must no matter what
Good trailer. Rollers a must in my opinion on a first boat and galvanized.

If I get 3-4 seasons out of it it is well worth it. If I rent a boat each time I visit one of the 3-4 lakes near me within 3 seasons I will be way over 3k.

The boat I bought runs great and pulls the kids around for hours on end using minimal fuel.
Yes it needs work but nothing that will keep us from safely getting on the water for a day of fun.

Did I buy the best boat? Heck no. 90%+ on here would not have even looked at it.

My .02 for what its worth.