Re: What year model is this boat?
my guess is 90s but the HIN will tell you for sure. lengths on titles etc and boat don't always correlate...many boats are not exactly the stated length. for example, an 18' Holiday, Starchief, or SS is actually 18'4". and state DMV folks are notoriously clueless on boats.
is the Merc a 2 or 4 stroke? that would make a difference in what i'd pay. i'd guess in the realm of 3-3500, but what do i know, i mostly buy 40 yr old boats for $300. either way, it will be a pretty nice and economical fishin machine with surprising ability to handle big water. the downside is that you could get the same capabilities in an older tinnie for a LOT less $, but it wouldn't look as sharp.
have your bro check to see that motor has good compression, shifts into and out of F and R all right, and pumps water OK. grumpy starting and low speed running is 93+% of the time just due to needing carb clean, cheap and easy fix. you can do quick check for leaks by filling bottom of boat with some water from a hose if seller doesn't object. if hull looks sound, any leaks will be minor and easy to fix/pump back out. check wood portion of transom, esp down at bottom, for any signs of rot. not a horrific job on a 14' but you want to know going in so you can factor it into price negotiations. and don't feel locked into that particular boat, tinnies grow on trees (well, at least i've seen pix of some with trees growing in them...) in MI. skim the "starcraft on CL" thread or use a CL search engine to look at boats within your acceptable driving radius.
thanks for your service over there, and get home soon and safe.
