Which one should I get??

[CPTom21]

A local small boat dealer has a READY TO GO 14' starcraft new seats, seats 4 people comfortably, 70+hp motor(can't remember exact hp), basically the boat is in great condition. He wants $800 for it. The other boat is a 14' open-bow trihull with ok seats that should be replaced by next Summer, a 55hp motor. It also needs a new floor(which I DO know how to do). This boat will seat 6 comfortably. It does not come with a battery, but the other one does. He wants $750 for this one.

My dilemna is that I could have a nice boat that I can literally leave his place and launch if I want for $800.

Or a boat that I will need to put extra $$$$$$ into to get it ready. $600 Extra if you include the seats. This boat is $750, and is the one I would prefer mainly because of the open bow.

Both boats come with trailers, and the specified engines.

I mainly would use the boat for fishing, tubing, and just enjoying the natural beauty the fingerlakes has to offer. Which boat do you folks think would be best.

If it helps to give an answer the waters I would be frequenting would be Oneida Lake, Onondaga Lake, Lake Champlain, some of the finger lakes, and Irondequoit Bay. Also the Eerie canal, and other rivers, and lakes in NY.

This will be my first boat so I want the right one for me!!
Thanks,

Tom

 

[CPTom21]

Re: Which one should I get??

I think by taking the time to type all this out I answered my own question, but please still tell me what you think!!

 

[americaneagler77]

Re: Which one should I get??

i think the 55hp would struggle tubing, i would throw the money down on the better shape one so you can enjoy it and not have another project. if it needs a floor whose to say the stringers dont need attention too? i dont know about you but i have enough projects, lol..

i am kind of in the same boat right now, i have a mint 16 footer with a 70 hp merc for 2000 in my sights, but at the same price i could get a fair to decent 18 or 19 foot boat......i want more space etc BUT, i think im opting for the mint (less of a project) smaller boat for the same price range. ive had two 15 footers, a 20 and a 21 but with fuel prices im straying away from large inboard outboards.....

 

[CPTom21]

Re: Which one should I get??

Agreed, thanks!!

 

[Ciera2450]

Re: Which one should I get??

i agree with americaneagler.....
if the floor is rotten, it's very likely stringers and transom are as well.
That being said....any boat for 800 or so is most certainly in need of work.
Many folks likely cruise around on boats with rotten stringers and transom and don't even know it....
What happens when you hit that big wake or wave and the transom cracks wide open..
I only preach because i did the same thing...
bought a 900 boat that I thought was decent....
Stupid me, I even replaced the deck....which rotted in one year!
The stringers and transom were literally mulch...I removed them with a shop vac!
I freaked! I had my family on that pos!
Be safe and good luck with your boat hunt.

 

[CPTom21]

Re: Which one should I get??

Actually the $800 one has new stringers, and floor. The transom on both boats was in very good condition, but the trihull had a SOAKED carpet, which caused the floor beneath it to become very soft(and probably the stringers too). I was very concerned about the transoms, but after inspection they seem to be more than fine.

Thanks

 

[Ciera2450]

Re: Which one should I get??

That is great....either boat would be a deal.....
I will however throw this out...
My first boat, i still have and it's been restored,
upon purchasing....i thought i knew what to inspect, I wanted to drill core samples, but NO seller will allow that...
anyways, i bounced on the outboard and noticed zero flex in the transom....
dummy that I am thought "i got a steal, this boat is solid"
both transom and stringers were complete mulch......literally mulch.....not a solid piece to be found.
I don't intend to spook ya, both boats may very well be solid as a rock...
After my first boat experience, I am very gun shy about "great deals"

 

[Home Cookin']

Re: Which one should I get??

sounds like this is your first (or only) boat? Don't start with a project; go for the turn key.
The summer will be over before you get the project boat in the water.
Whatever you think needs to be done, double it.
Plus I wouldn't put a dime of restoration into a 14' trihull.
On the starcraft, the motor is worth about $800, especially if it is a mid-80's OMC.
Buy it and keep an eye out for a 16 you can put the 70 on. around here, open bow/tri-hulls are a dime a dozen.
A 14' boat with 4 adults will be crowded at best, overloaded at worst. Be careful.
Since you are buying from a dealer, get a 30 day warranty.