starter boat buying help needed.

[catbones]

Re: Just bought your boat!

Re: 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.

Hi,

thank you for your comment and on input. Congrats on the purchase of your boat and believe me I ain't going to just buy any boat and put my family in it.

You all are right, i know nothing about restoring a boat. If I ever get one, it will be over maintained to its possible ability, whatever I purchase it for, it will be in top condition after me with time of course.

It's also a little bit of an excuse to run away from honey to do list as that one is growing like crazy lol and well just to get away myself from 3 screaming kids around. Lol.

that said my search will continue. Any comments about the boat listed in my link few messages higher then this one?

I also wanted to say it's pretty awesome to see how many people are awesome on here and dont mind sharing advice or chit chatting. Thank you!

 

[64osby]

Re: starter boat buying help needed.

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.

It is Fiberglass. If the transom is rotten, the stringers are also most likely trash also.

Take some time and read some of the restoration threads, both fiberglass boats and aluminum. There are people here who love both and spend their time and hard earned money fixing them up.

It will be your choice on how you want to spend yours. because as said before 98% of all boats in your budget range will need work.

Yes you can find good bargain boats it can take a long time or just fall in your lap.

 

[catbones]

Re: starter boat buying help needed.

Hi,

thanks again for the suggestions, is there an easier way to tell from photos on alumi or fiber?

Would 1972 BROWNING 17' be fiber?

 

[64osby]

Re: starter boat buying help needed.

If it's the one in Tonawanda, it would be fiberglass. Although it doesn't look like too bad a boat. If the floors and transom are solid. Motor is a true gas hog, I'm pretty sure.

There are welded Alum boats that can be hard to tell, the riveted ones usually show the seams and corners, you can see the rivets.

 

[catbones]

Re: starter boat buying help needed.

So I took your advice and seen couple aluminum ones today, mainly Starcraft 14' but now few questions popped into my head and they would be, open or close bow? Mercury engines, or evinrude or Chrysler?

Tonawanda one you are referring to is the red one right?

 

[catbones]

Re: starter boat buying help needed.

Hi all,

I thought I would update and provide you with some info, in the few weeks since I've got into looking at boats, and trying to find the best deal for my budget of $1500, in a 16 foot or so, Aluminum, and stuff. I did find one today and it was a steal too. $675 to be exact for 16 foot 1965 Starcraft Aluminum Boat with a 1965 30HP Johnson that just looks and goes smooooooth.

Thank you to all for the comments and feedback, heck would love to hear new comments. Now if anyone knows of a good list of things I need to comply with coast guard, like vest, ropes, anchor etc... please do tell.

Here she is, ... gonna need a name for her too LOL.

 

[Home Cookin']

Re: starter boat buying help needed.

way to go! Those old Johnsons will run forever. Be careful, though; sometimes the metal where things are attached will crack or bolts will seize up. But a running 30 might sell for $400 so you did great.

Check your transom and make sure it's solid. that's about it.

For your list of stuff, read AND LEARN your USCG and local requirements. Take your boater safety course; live if you can. The internet is no substitute. Take an experienced boater with you first couple times out, and don't overload you r new toy with your new friends who will show up.

Have a good anchor, rigged correctly, and a long strong paddle; jumper cables, 20' bow and stern lines. Always carry a flashlight in a waterproof box.

 

[Levinz11]

Re: starter boat buying help needed.

That's a sweet looking little boat...

 

[jestor68]

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

This is a pontoon boat.

 

[bonz_d]

Re: starter boat buying help needed.

catbones, looks like you did well! Just had one of those posted on a local graigslist and sell for believe this. $2500.00

Was it worth that much? Guess so to somebody!

 

[64osby]

Re: starter boat buying help needed.

Looks Great CB, Need more pics and larger.

Hows is the interior?

Nice job shopping.

 

[NYBo]

Re: starter boat buying help needed.

Sounds like a good score!

For the Coast Guard requirements, check here.
NYS has some additional requirements. Check here (downloads a .pdf file).
To request an actual vessel safety check, click on the link in my signature.

 

[catbones]

Re: starter boat buying help needed.

Hi,

thank you for the links I appreciate that. Now as for the visual inspection, do I have to do this before registration or be on the waters? I've got nothing to worry but thought I would take my daughter out this weekend and first tine on this thing

 

[catbones]

Re: starter boat buying help needed.

Hi 64osby,

thanks! The interior is nice, can't complain. The guy didn't get a chance to install the rear seats but gave them to me. Seems they are blue and the two front ones he had done are white. Sure comes with the basics as he gutted most of the electronics out but that's not a problem. Gives me more things to do and shop for my way, my style.

floor is very solid. No leaks or nothing. Exterior got a new fresh paint job, my garage keeps smelling like good old paint.

it looks really good for what I've seen in the past weeks at twice the price.

As the other person requested. I'll bring her out and take few good pictures and post here

thanks.

 

[catbones]

Re: starter boat buying help needed.

Looks Great CB, Need more pics and larger.

Hows is the interior?

Nice job shopping.

Here you go, better photos at this post; http://forums.iboats.com/showthread.php?t=570291&p=3915345#post3915345

 

[NYBo]

Re: starter boat buying help needed.

Hi,

thank you for the links I appreciate that. Now as for the visual inspection, do I have to do this before registration or be on the waters? I've got nothing to worry but thought I would take my daughter out this weekend and first tine on this thing

You don't HAVE to do it at all; the check is completely voluntary. But at least go through the required equipment list. It could save you a fine, or even your neck.

 

[catbones]

Re: starter boat buying help needed.

You don't HAVE to do it at all; the check is completely voluntary. But at least go through the required equipment list. It could save you a fine, or even your neck.

Thanks, I appreciate it. I pretty much got everything, whistle, life jackets, 12lb anchor on a 4 foot chain with 100 foot line with max of 1500 lbs.. flares, flag, extinguisher, the throw floating thing lol, umm... Registration, insurance, umm... Lights work, horn works, full charged battery, umm.. yup I think I've got it all.