starter boat buying help needed.

[catbones]

Hi everyone,

just thought I would drop in and say hi, I'm new to this place and have been reading up on some threads here.

first and ahead, thank you for any suggestions to my question, I appreciate it as I know its probably going to spark quite the thread or not.

for past few weeks my family and I have been enjoying pontoons. My two year old daughters and my five year old love it, love the water and some what fishing. They just love it and I decided to look for something cheap but reliable to take either just the five year old on the big river here or maybe capable to take my family out.

can anyone help out what best boat and engine I should be looking at? I'm sure that something like $500 on craigslist won't run for much but might be a start and there is plenty of good people out there too that are just honest. however I have no idea when it comes to brands, manufacturers, etc...

In the suggestion, I'm trying to keep this within a used boat at a $1000 up or down line... If I find one for cheap or a good deal would be awesome. Just need suggestions

Thank you again in advance and welcome.

 

[rogerwa]

Re: starter boat buying help needed.

I think it is unlikely to find something in a pontoon that will fit your requirements at that price point. If you did look, I would focus on ensuring the toons and related structure is solid. You would be looking for an empty platform or one which you would clear the furniture as it would mostl likely be unusable. The good thing about toons is that by and large they can be rebuilt, provided the toons are good. I don't think brand woulod be as important as condition. But stay away from the steel ones and the ones filled with foam.

As for motors, you ask a wide open question.. The answer varies greatly depending on the year and size. In general, I would not buy another Force outboard, but others will argue with me that they are a good basic outboard.

It would be resoanble to think you could find an aluminum fishing boat package at that price. I bought a 16' Alumacraft with 9.8hp a few years back for $1100.

Check out Craigslist and see what you can find. Then run them by us..

 

[catbones]

Re: starter boat buying help needed.

Hi,

thank you for that suggestion but I'm not looking for a pontoon boat, I'm looking at something similar to Bayliner or others. Something similar; http://albany.craigslist.org/boa/3141114094.html

thank you

 

[KFS]

Re: starter boat buying help needed.

Our first boat is an 88 Bayliner 16' 85 hp Force outboard. Basically, we bought the Edsel of the boating world

We paid $1600 w/trailer and all the safety gear, two tubes, fitted cover.

It's been a fabulous family boat and pulls kids all over the lake, schleps us out to the cove to swim, and takes husband and daughter on early morning fishing trips.

We are in our second summer and do feel we have outgrown it but I will forever be grateful to Little Bay for getting our feet wet (or not in family boating.

I don't know your region to say if your price point is realistic for a reliable safe boat to trust your family to but I wish you all the luck in finding one.

 

[Home Cookin']

Re: starter boat buying help needed.

If you are buying a family boat for $1000 you have to be prepared for a couple things.

First, that is a down payment and you will immediately pay that much for work on the boat and motor. And if you have to buy the necessary equipment for it, more. And don't forget to price out insurance, tax, registration (boat and trailer) and storage costs you will have for any boat.

Second, you have to be prepared for unreliability and a lot of down time. If you fix stuff yourself, you need skill, tools and spare time. If you take it in, shops are busy now, you need $$ and time. The family will have disappointments. Some can handle that, some can't.

Around here, buying a low-cost boat, we would focus on the motor since hulls are seldom a problem. In other parts of the country, or for certain styles of boats like I/O bowriders, rot is a huge problem and likely risk, too. Be careful.

A pontoon with a great motor, or an aluminum boat with an outboard, are your best bets.

 

[catbones]

Re: starter boat buying help needed.

If you are buying a family boat for $1000 you have to be prepared for a couple things.

First, that is a down payment and you will immediately pay that much for work on the boat and motor. And if you have to buy the necessary equipment for it, more. And don't forget to price out insurance, tax, registration (boat and trailer) and storage costs you will have for any boat.

Second, you have to be prepared for unreliability and a lot of down time. If you fix stuff yourself, you need skill, tools and spare time. If you take it in, shops are busy now, you need $$ and time. The family will have disappointments. Some can handle that, some can't.

Around here, buying a low-cost boat, we would focus on the motor since hulls are seldom a problem. In other parts of the country, or for certain styles of boats like I/O bowriders, rot is a huge problem and likely risk, too. Be careful.

A pontoon with a great motor, or an aluminum boat with an outboard, are your best bets.

Would you say something like this would do then? http://buffalo.craigslist.org/boa/3141585008.html has an outboard motor and you know, I can't remember the last time I went to a mechanic for my car, so I'm sure I can adjust replacing something here or there.. or whatever.

I'm not looking to spend too much time on the water either but maybe a Saturday or a Sunday with my kid. Occasionally bring in the army with me for a stroll.

Now, one thing that worries me is parts. If parts aren't available then it will be harder to get things rolling. Let me know what you think on this one.

I appreciate your input.

 

[Home Cookin']

Re: starter boat buying help needed.

Not bad for a starter rig with 2 major if's.

1 the hull has to be solid--most important is the transom. jump up and down on the motor to be sure it doesn't flex. Then check the floor for soft spots, although if the transom is solid, you can run it for a season or two as long as your feet don't crash through the floor. On a hull like that where you live, it is essential that it always had the plug out so the bilge stayed drained and dry.

2. the motor has to run (or budget to replace--$650 is OK for hull and trailer). it's an old Merc--with a speed prop!--and sometimes it's hard to find mechanics who know them. I have one. They can have spooky issues that are electric but act like fuel and vice versa. Also first thing check the wiring in the motor; mine all had to be replaced which is not a big deal but it's a soft spot on those motors.

At $650 the cosmetic issues for the interior won't matter. But also be sure the steering wheel is solid at the dash; a weak spot there can be difficult b/c it flexes against your steering.

If it hasn't been run for a while, you will be buying a pig in a poke. At that price you don't get test drives. Bring your own fresh gas (mixed).

Could be a great deal, could be a dog. From the location pics I'm going to say it hasn't been cared for. The price reflects that; if the motor runs well it's maybe worth the $650 alone. $150 trailer (maybe).

Speaking of which, are you going to trailer it much? Price 2 tires. That's what I was saying about having another grand for start-up costs. They will sneak up on you.

 

[catbones]

Re: starter boat buying help needed.

Not bad for a starter rig with 2 major if's.

1 the hull has to be solid--most important is the transom. jump up and down on the motor to be sure it doesn't flex. Then check the floor for soft spots, although if the transom is solid, you can run it for a season or two as long as your feet don't crash through the floor. On a hull like that where you live, it is essential that it always had the plug out so the bilge stayed drained and dry.

2. the motor has to run (or budget to replace--$650 is OK for hull and trailer). it's an old Merc--with a speed prop!--and sometimes it's hard to find mechanics who know them. I have one. They can have spooky issues that are electric but act like fuel and vice versa. Also first thing check the wiring in the motor; mine all had to be replaced which is not a big deal but it's a soft spot on those motors.

At $650 the cosmetic issues for the interior won't matter. But also be sure the steering wheel is solid at the dash; a weak spot there can be difficult b/c it flexes against your steering.

If it hasn't been run for a while, you will be buying a pig in a poke. At that price you don't get test drives. Bring your own fresh gas (mixed).

Could be a great deal, could be a dog. From the location pics I'm going to say it hasn't been cared for. The price reflects that; if the motor runs well it's maybe worth the $650 alone. $150 trailer (maybe).

Speaking of which, are you going to trailer it much? Price 2 tires. That's what I was saying about having another grand for start-up costs. They will sneak up on you.

Hey Thanks for the info. I went to look at it and sure enough, bugs, crap all over the floor. I asked about it and the guy said it sat there for a while now without cover but (not sure if he's honest or not) he said it was on the water this year. Do you agree? I don't know about that one since it was pretty bad. That right away turned me down just looking at the ripped seats and how much dirt and garbage was in there.

Now, here is a question. The guy went down in price to more then half for it. Now how hard would it be to get this thing, paint the trailer, replace the tires, get new seats and do the new floor etc... how much knowledge do I need for that type of stuff. I looked at the hull all around, didn't bother looking for the soft spots. If it's not too much to do... I don't mind having it in the garage for the winter and working on it for next summer putting the floor down, tires, etc.. blah blah..

Or should I just stay away because it was sitting and rotting outside ? btw, about the engine that is another thing to look at but at the price from $650 alone cut down to less then 1/4 of it, should I take chance and see what I can do with it?

 

[bonz_d]

Re: starter boat buying help needed.

If I was in the market for that type of boat that Glasstron would be one I'd look at. With the idea that I'd probably have to drop a few hundred to get it water ready.

For what it's worth I'm running a 1978 Evinrude 35hp that is trouble tree and as reliable as I can ask for.

 

[cyclops2]

Re: starter boat buying help needed.

Have you any friends with boats about the size you are looking for ?
Remember that aboat that stops running or refuses to start is .....NOT....like a car. Most likly the boat has no cloth / canvas covers or hardtop in a sudden storm.
Roads do not become waves pushing the dead engined boat to rocks or a endless swamp.
Old boats ...NEED...REAL anchors & a minimum of 100' of correct sized anchor line to stop the drifting boat.

You would need to be VERY LUCKY to buy a good running boat with your limited boating experience.
What lake in what state will you run in ?

 

[WIMUSKY]

Re: starter boat buying help needed.

For a first boat stick with an outboard. Easy to work on and tend to have less issues. JMO, others may disagree. For the money your're talking you'll get more bang for your buck with an outboard. Don't be in a hurry. There are many boats out there for sale. Look at a bunch before making a decision. Unless you happen to find something really clean and great running. Pricing can be all over the board..... Lake test anything you're seriously considering. If possible, even bring it to a mechanic to give it a once over. They can do a compression test, check the hull etc to make sure there are no surprises......

 

[64osby]

Re: starter boat buying help needed.

If you are buying a family boat for $1000 you have to be prepared for a couple things... ....A pontoon with a great motor, or an aluminum boat with an outboard, are your best bets.

Home Cookin' was spot on. It looks like you might be in NYS.

Starcrafts and other Aluminum boats make great starter boats and will also hold there value. They are easy to work on when something needs to be repaired.

Here's a couple I found.

http://buffalo.craigslist.org/boa/3080562530.html Hard to tell if it's Alum but if is is - worth a look.

http://utica.craigslist.org/boa/3101745923.html Higher than your budget but making offers hurts no one.

http://watertown.craigslist.org/boa/3103545321.html My favorite a 16'SS again a little high on your budget, but a great starter boat that will last years.

My personal thinking and experience is 98% of old fiberglass boats in your price range will have wood rot that will need to be addressed, just look at the renovation forums. If an Aluminum boat needs repair it will be less expensive and faster to get it back on the water. My .02


Good luck in your search and Welcome to iboats.

 

[cyclops2]

Re: starter boat buying help needed.

Older Aluminum boats can leak. But they DO NOT gain hundres of pounds of weight that is out of sight & difficult to repair.
Aluminum outboard boat HAVE A LOT MORE usable space for the same width & length. They are always lighter when a towing truck is not available.

So much to learn & decide on a + or - $ 1,000 price range.

Keep posting for our thoughts. Some of it will help you.

 

[BlueLightSpecial]

Re: starter boat buying help needed.

Personally, i am a fan of I/O boats. My boat has a small block chevy engine, which, in my opinion, is much easier to work on, than an outboard. Plus, I can fill up the fuel tank anywhere, I dont have to carry extra 2 cycle oil etc. I paid $1600 for my boat/trailer, safety equip, a pair of ski's, a tube, and lots of tow ropes. I did, however tune up the motor, replaced the outdrive bellows, and u-joints. Otherwise, she has been a great boat. almost forgot, i replaced the impellar and the shift cable. The floor is solid, the transom is showing SOME signs of rot down low, but it does not flex as of yet. I dont expect to have this boat forever, and it is a good boat to learn on. It now has its share of dock rash, and trailer rash, all of which I would be just sick over, if it were a new or newer boat. The deals are out there, probably would be best to pick one up at the end of the season. I bought mine in november last year, because the guy bought a new pontoon, and needed christmas money. Just a suggestion.

 

[catbones]

Re: starter boat buying help needed.

Hi

thanks for the info, would you buy a boat the needs transom reinforcement?

 

[64osby]

Re: starter boat buying help needed.

Hi

thanks for the info, would you buy a boat the needs transom reinforcement?

Not a fiberglass one, but if it was a tinny yes. Transom replacement could be done in a weekend or two.

 

[catbones]

Re: starter boat buying help needed.

I see people with older boats all the time and I've been on few in the Niagara river here in WNY that stopped running and we've got the anchor out but I do get your point which is that you could get stranded or even worse go down the Niagara falls might have to find a closed lake or body of water to test it all out for couple times.

I just don't feel I should spend all possible for a boat that sooner or later will need same fixes. So do I float with a dead rock boat now or later, does it matter, it will happen. Could be a new boat and in ten years I could be dead floating without it being my fault of bad maintenance or poor notice.

 

[Home Cookin']

Re: starter boat buying help needed.

Hi

thanks for the info, would you buy a boat the needs transom reinforcement?

Even if "I" might, you shouldn't. Don't start your boating hobby with a wreck. It will not be rewarding to put tons of time and money (yes you will spend money) to turn a $650 boat into a $950 boat--because that is what you end up with, after a year and about $2000.

Do not be sucked in by low price. The lower the price, the more expensive the boat. You can cut corners with age and cosmetic issues but you need to start safe and reliable.

You really can't work on and restore boats and motors until you have experience running them.

 

[catbones]

Re: starter boat buying help needed.

Hi call me stupid, how about this one I'm about to go check it out;

http://buffalo.craigslist.org/boa/3120336885.html

Is it aluminum, I'm thinking fiberglass but I'm not sure until I see it and you guys may know better then me.

 

[Golfhobo]

Just bought your boat!

Just bought your boat!

Okay, I'm a newbie here. I'll do the "introduce yourself" thread later. My friends on another board call me Hobo.

I'm jumping right to an answer here, cuz... I'm in the same boat! (boy, I bet THAT's been used before!)

I just bought a 67/68 Newman 15' runabout for JUST the type of boating the O.P. is looking for. I was lucky, in that it was through a friend and from a friend. I know this guy takes care of his toys. But, he wanted to get rid of this boat that he wasn't using anymore.

It only has a 35 Merc O/B, but it will take me out on the lake. The fiberglass hull is in perfect shape (as is everything but the canopy and the motor.) It was working when he parked it.... but, that has been about 10 years ago. He kept it covered and "sheltered," and there are not even any cracks in the seats!

I saw one in perfect condition go for $2500 recently. I paid $450 for this one... knowing that the motor will have to be tuned and checked out before putting it in the water.

Hull and "top" (what is that called?) will shine with original paint with just a little compound and wax.

He put a new cover on it, new coupling, and threw in the ball hitch. He also replaced the dry rotted tires, and greased the bearings. Besides the floatation cushions, he threw in 3 life VESTS (worth about $50/per.)

It will obviously need a new battery and a tune-up. Gas lines look good, but I'm going to replace them to be safe. Trailer is probably worth $400 alone!

He wasn't getting around to getting it ready to sell, and I wasn't really looking for a boat! That is probably the case with ANY older boat you find. But... there was no dirt or "crap" in this boat. Not even a crack in the seats!

I gave him $450 cash for it, and he was glad to get it.

I expect (hopefully) no more than $300 for parts and labor to get the motor ready to go (but... I have a friend of a friend with a boat and who does shadetree mechanics.)

Taxes, tags and Wildlife registration might come close to another $250.

Voila... ON the lake for a grand + or -!

It can be done. But YOU may need some patience to find the right deal. Don't buy those old boats that look like crap. Besides.... IMHO.... your children MAY be too young to take such a risk. The pontoon you have sounds safer (though dangerous enough.)

I'm just a newbie... here to LEARN! But, I just wanted to give you some hope. I laugh at myself because I've "sank" and "capsized" my boat within 48 hours of buying it. Luckily... it was in my backyard at the time! LOL! I'll explain later.

Lesson #1 (for me) was do NOTHING only "halfway!" All in, or all out!

I do not fear the deep water of a lake... but, I respect it! I will not put my boat in the water until I feel SAFE about IT and what I have done to prepare myself. And it is NOT worth cutting corners on costs, or compromising my safety concerns. And I wouldn't even THINK of buying a boat I don't TRUST... if I was going to take my kids out on it.

Good luck in finding the right boat for the right price. It can be done! But, NEVER forget the value of the lives that will be onboard.