Single Mom of 3 Kids looking to buy first boat, needs advice

[inyourwake]

Hello Everyone,
I stumble upon this forum when I was trying to research boats. I have saved up $5000 for a bowrider or runabout. I need advice what would be a good used boat? I read mercruiser or volvo penta are the motors I should try to get. I live in a state that gets cold in the winter, would a outboard be better for me. I bought a 1984 bayliner last fall for $3000 and took it to get it winterized and I found out I was sold a boat with a cracked block, so I sold it for 900.00 and cut my losses. I now have $5000 saved and I do not want to make a mistake again. I need your help guys!
Thanks,
Rach

 

[Splat]

Re: Single Mom of 3 Kids looking to buy first boat, needs advice

Hiya Rach,
Your question is a little broad. The style boat will largely depend on what you want to do with it. If tubing and water sports are your thing then probally a open bow, if camping on the boat then perhaps a runabout, or cuddy.

The inboard/outboard is simply a matter of prefrence. In general the power to weight ratio is better with a outboard, plus they are easier imo to service. Winterazation is not needed because they will drain all the water completely out when taken from the water. The dis advantages are they take up more room where a swim platform may be, and if its 2-stroke there is a oil tank you'll have to keep topped of, or have to premix your fuel. Not s large deal, but is one additional step.

I/o's are much like car engines mechanically. They can easily be serviced by someone moderatly famillar with car engines, however the working quarters are a bit more cramped. I/o's are every bit as manouverable as a outboard and handle much the same way. You will need to remember to run a blower before starting the motor with an io. Disadvantages there are more moving parts. You willhave to keep an eye on bellows and gimble bearings. Its just the nature of the beast. These parts wear out after several years and are consumable. Io's also require winterazation. I've never done one, but hear they aren't all that bad, and when done properly are just as safe as an outboard during the winter. Io's typically allow for a large swim platform at the rear of the boat.

Hope this helps.

Bill

 

[CaptNCamille]

Re: Single Mom of 3 Kids looking to buy first boat, needs advice

You should get the boat surveyed by a reputable professional surveyor. In fact, unless you are an expert, you should never buy a used boat without getting it surveyed. Additionally, the contract of sale should be subject to the survey and a succesful sea trial.
If you aren't an experienced boater, I recomend taking a safe boating course, especially if you are going to be boating with your kids. Check out USPS.orgfor courses near you. It is also a good place to make contact with experieinced boaters.
I never had an outboard, I have an inboard outboard, also called a stern drive. There are pros and cons with each type of boat. I like the stern drive , but a lot of people prefer the outboard. I'll let them chime in.
Also how are you going to get your boat to the water. Are you getting a trailer with it? Where are you storing it?
Anyway, thats my initial comment. Feel free to ask follow up questions.

 

[Arabian180]

Re: Single Mom of 3 Kids looking to buy first boat, needs advice

Depending on your focus of entertainment you have unlimited options.
With 3 kids I'll make a guess and venture to say a lot of your time is going to be spent yanking the kids around on tubes & skis. Maybe a little fishing in between?

$5k will buy a nice boat that is designed to do both.

If I didn't have two boats already this one would get some serious consideration.
http://asheville.craigslist.org/boa/1187515688.html.

You mentioned Mercruiser and Volvo, both are good, either is fine.
Inboard Outdrive is better than a direct drive or V drive if you plan on spending time beaching.
But nothing beats a direct drive or V drive for water sports. (just my opinion)

Find a few you like and post them here, I'm sure there will be alot of opinions here to smoke them over with you.


Best Of Luck

 

[inyourwake]

Re: Single Mom of 3 Kids looking to buy first boat, needs advice

I will be using the boat to pull the kids around on tubes.
Where do I find a boat surveyor? What should I pay a boat surveyor?
Thanks for all your help guys

 

[inyourwake]

Re: Single Mom of 3 Kids looking to buy first boat, needs advice

What do you guys think of these boats?
http://akroncanton.craigslist.org/boa/1188675388.html
http://akroncanton.craigslist.org/boa/1188677150.html
Where I live there are not a lot to choose from.

 

[CaptNCamille]

Re: Single Mom of 3 Kids looking to buy first boat, needs advice

If you lived on Long Island, I could probably recomend a few, but dont know your area. Guess you can try boatsurvery.com.

 

[Arabian180]

Re: Single Mom of 3 Kids looking to buy first boat, needs advice

I would pass on the Bayliner. (flame suit on)

The other is a 23 year old boat. but a better choice in my opinion.

Nice styling. 140 Mercruiser & Alpha drive easy to work on & no trouble finding parts for either.
But there are a lot of things to consider when buying a boat that old.

How may hours on it? seats in good shape? transom and stringers solid?
All electrical work? stress cracks, blisters, Can you lake test it ?

The ad plays it up as if has been taken care of. Garage kept is a plus.

Find one you like & have someone that knows boats take a look too.

 

[tmh]

Re: Single Mom of 3 Kids looking to buy first boat, needs advice

The second of those two shows promise....

A surveyor checks the boat for structural issues but usually NOT for detailed mechanical operation. IMO a certified mechanic may be a better choice for a boat under $5k. They usually can also tell you if you're buying a bunch of rot or a decent boat. You NEED a good engine and drive and those can not be determined by looking hard by a novice.

Maybe an iBoats member from your area would be willing to look at a boat you were interested in to help out? It's sad that you got screwed on the first one while trying to do something for your kids. Boating is great family time so I support you 100%.

I do help buyers find boats for a small fee through a business I started recently. NOT ADVERTISING, volunteering to help is more like it. If you contact me I'd be glad to provide some guidance and contact a few sellers on your behalf to check things out. No fees or charge - and none later. Just help. I don't want you to have another bad experience.

What body of water are you going to be boating on? What age kids? Friends also usually? This will help determine size and type of boat needed. I/O or outboard..... most prefer I/O for family/sports boating but as was said usually more maintanence costs associated.

Good luck. Ask any and all questions and you'll do fine.

 

[slasmith1]

Re: Single Mom of 3 Kids looking to buy first boat, needs advice

What do you guys think of these boats?
http://akroncanton.craigslist.org/boa/1188675388.html
http://akroncanton.craigslist.org/boa/1188677150.html
Where I live there are not a lot to choose from.

the bayliner has a force outboard and they are asking more than twice what it is worth don't just walk but run away from that.

the imperial looks like it is worth going to look at if he's being honest it could be quite a find.

 

[Gary H NC]

Re: Single Mom of 3 Kids looking to buy first boat, needs advice

The first one with the Force outboard is really over priced.
The second one does not look that bad..

You really need someone with a good knowledge of boats to inspect anything you buy.
Condition of engine,compression,look for rotted stringers,transom.ect..
Gear oil for water intrusion,the list is long.

I would hate to see you buy another hole in the water.

Put an ad on your local Craigslist for marine survey...
If you get a response ask for references...surely someone near you does these.

I do them in my area along with boat repair and have had about 5 in the last 2 weeks.

 

[salty87]

Re: Single Mom of 3 Kids looking to buy first boat, needs advice

i suggest you shop somewhere besides craigslist. you're increasing the chances of dealing with a boat owner that is clueless or trying to unload a lemon on an unsuspecting buyer.

are there any marinas around? many times, the previous owner(s) are more important than the make of the boat. find a good previous owner and you'll find a good boat. these people probably won't put their boats on craigslist 'cause they don't want to deal with the kooks, low-balls, and no shows.

 

[inyourwake]

Re: Single Mom of 3 Kids looking to buy first boat, needs advice

Here is another boat, I would like your opinion on,
http://akroncanton.craigslist.org/boa/1187897419.html
Thanks:redface:

 

[MudSkunk]

Re: Single Mom of 3 Kids looking to buy first boat, needs advice

my input is whatever used boat you get do not turn over any money until the title is signed. if the seller has no clear title to the boat dont buy it. lots of folks steal boats and sell em on places like ebay and craig's list and the newspaper. same goes for cars and such.

whatever boat you buy set aside 1000-2000$ for incidentals and getting it in shape, registered, equipment gas oil repairs etc. with a used boat there is almost assured to be things the previous owner has let slide that you will have to fix. depending on your state there may be things that are required to be present in the boat. in wisconsin here there are slightly different rules for going out on lake michigan as opposed to the inland lakes.

the engines are typically the most pricey part of the boat. get a mechanic to survey the engine. should be a marine engine mechanic near any body of water where you live. if the current owner is not willing to let you get it surveyed then tahnk them for thier time and keep looking.

 

[inyourwake]

Re: Single Mom of 3 Kids looking to buy first boat, needs advice

Here is one more i need you guys to look at for me. Thank you so much for your help. I just do not want to make a nother mistake.


http://cleveland.craigslist.org/boa/1188604230.html

 

[capt sam]

Re: Single Mom of 3 Kids looking to buy first boat, needs advice

i suggest you shop somewhere besides craigslist. you're increasing the chances of dealing with a boat owner that is clueless or trying to unload a lemon on an unsuspecting buyer.

are there any marinas around? many times, the previous owner(s) are more important than the make of the boat. find a good previous owner and you'll find a good boat. these people probably won't put their boats on craigslist 'cause they don't want to deal with the kooks, low-balls, and no shows.

I understand what you're saying but here CL is used heavily for boat selling/buying, so much so, that the Boat Trader is about out of business, it's like everything else, you just have to be careful and do your homework. Marinas ain't necessairly a safe bet either, lots of crooks in that industry.

 

[haulnazz15]

Re: Single Mom of 3 Kids looking to buy first boat, needs advice

So far the Imperial 18ft'r is the best of them. I'd stay away from the Bayliner, especially the ones with the Force outboards. The jet boats are much more fuel thirsty than the outboards and I/O's, and they don't handle the waves/chop very well with the shallow-v hull.

I think an 18-21 ft open bow runabout sounds just about right for you. Maybe try to find a nice Glastron or even the Tahoe brands from the early-mid 90's that may suit you just fine. Don't be afraid to drive a few states over for a good boat, it'll will pay for the gas spent in lack of repairs needed!


Maybe something like this: you might be able to talk them down closer to 5500.
http://www.boattrader.com/listing/1990-Glastron-195-Sierra-94884012

 

[slasmith1]

Re: Single Mom of 3 Kids looking to buy first boat, needs advice

Here is another boat, I would like your opinion on,
http://akroncanton.craigslist.org/boa/1187897419.html
Thanks:redface:

The only problem with those is when towing tubes and skiers and cornering the tube may be steering the boat instead of the other way around. and this boat also makes me wonder how big are those kids, if they grow at the same rate mine do you will out grow that boat in no time.

 

[salty87]

Re: Single Mom of 3 Kids looking to buy first boat, needs advice

I understand what you're saying but here CL is used heavily for boat selling/buying, so much so, that the Boat Trader is about out of business, it's like everything else, you just have to be careful and do your homework. Marinas ain't necessairly a safe bet either, lots of crooks in that industry.

i wasn't very clear, i'd never buy a boat from a marina. i was thinking you might find someone selling their boat.

 

[inyourwake]

Re: Single Mom of 3 Kids looking to buy first boat, needs advice

Thanks for all your advice guys. I think I might just go look at the Imperial and maybe check on the 1990 Gastron to see if the dealer is willing to come down on price at all. I will let you guys know what happens. I live near Cleveland so if you guys see any boats that might be good for me please let me know.