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What should one look for when buying a used boat? Im interested in looking around for somehting new to float around in the spring, maybe even fish from

Does the age of the boat really make a difference assuming that there are no dents/dings or cracks?

What about the age of the motor? Is there a point where a motor is just to old?? What do I look at? Are there tests I can do to se eif it works etc?

Im looking for some serious help here, and I need it quick!!

Thanks
Ian

Depends on how much you want to spend and what you are looking for.
We picked upa 30+ year old Springbok with a 1962 33 hp motor , traded a 12 footer with trailer for it.
Have since upgarded to a early 90s 40 hp motor.
Boats old but no leaks and better yet no payments.

nothing worng with older boats and motors check for leaks and compression on motor .

Now is a good time of year to be looking

Tinbanger

Hi Ransome
Ask questions and do a visual check concerning the boat . The outboard I would do a compression check ,check lower unit oil , check for corroded wires and if possible take it out and test forward and reverse .
Parts are getting harder to find for mid seventies and lower year outboards .
I have some manuals to check the year of outboards using the serial # PM if you need info on the age of an O/B .
The Hound

Give ____________ (insert smart boat guy name) a call and have him go with you when your checking stuff out.

Hey Ian.....My 2003 is still for sale....I can tell you the history

I want to move out at some point in my life Big-O, and if you want to make this a 200 plan over the next 40 years im in

Ransome,

Let me tell!, The "BASSSTALKER" is the second boat that I had rebuilt. Actually the first one needed way to much for me and my small budget so I got rid of her. I had use of my grandfathers 9.9 and I love her so it was'nt to bad, I still had a boat. I wanted to buy something that I could fish in and cruise on nice days. I did some digging and found a guy at my work had a boat sitting in his field for 5 years. I inquired about it and went and had a look. I was hesitant when I saw her at first. I have'nt seen an engine that old in a while (1961) and the trailer was rusting and paint chipping everywere. The shell was in amazing shape! a few little scratches but no chunks taken out and the original gel coat is'nt even cracking. So for 500.00 ( I should have bargened for 300) I bought her. When I did, she would'nt stay running. The other issues were it had cracked transome, the crank was snapped, it needs new tires, no lights on the trailer, bad carpet, ripped seats..ect.


So since then, I have spent everyweekend since SEPT 9th -NOV 6th on her and have spent almost another $500 on her in repairs. So for a grand could have I boughten something better, probally and a little newer too.

my point is, if you like having a project that will need more work than you think, and have some liquid cash to spend on her then I say go for it. Parts, are tricky but thanks to e-bay, it makes it easier. but you will pay more than you should for things.

It is a nice feeling to see what all my( and some buddies) hard work have done to transform her back into running condition. I also get a lot of double looks when trailing her. who knows if that is good or bad though.


Way your options, it may be better to save some more $ and then look for something newer and that does'nt need major surgery.

Good luck on what ever you decide to do.

My advice, bring cash. You'd be amazed at how much cheaper people will let things go for when they see the green.

Here is food for thought for comparison sake.
I have a 2000 17' boat with a 90hp johnson of same year
Markus has a 2000 17' boat with a 90hp johnson of same year.

Markus is having all kinds of motor problems, while mine has been (knock on wood) trouble free.

A boat that is 5 years old, should be solid.
A boat that is 10 years old may need a new floor and carpets.
A motor that is 5 years old could go either way ... take it to a mechanic if you are THAT serious in the buying cycle.

Quick check on the boat, look for soft spots in the floor and sides. Check to see if any part of the floor is not fiberglassed. (I found out the entire underside of my floor is not - has me a little concerned near the livewell).

Good luck.
M.T. Livewell

Hey Ransome,

Boat purchase really depends on budget and what you're looking for.

My first boat was a 1960's fiberglass with a Chrysler (yes Chrysler) motor. Worked great. Too heavy for small car so went to a 12 foot aluminum with 6 hp for 1000$.

Year does have some impact on motor only and then again it all depends on how it was used. As for the boat, if it floats its good. Trailer lights and new bearings it's good.

Motor compression test and you're good to go.

I'd check out some auctions...

PM me if you'd like I review a lot of auctions.

Carlco

What do ya mean all kinds of problems!

I had the starter replaced this spring and it sounds like tis is a censor problem. That's 2 problems in 5000 hours.

Ransome. Welcome to Hell or Heaven depends what you think.

I shopped long and hard for my ride and I would suggest that you do the same.

The longer I shopped the more I knew about what I wanted in a boat. I learned as I went what I needed. I learned that there are two times of the year when most boats go up for sale. That being Fall and spring. Both times you have to watch the prices and always slightly up... bargain always.

In my opinion Ransome you are looking for an aluminum high side boat that you can multi-task fish from. Late season fishing is especially nasty from a flat bass boat.

I shopped for nine months and if you check the discussion string that we did when I was shopping you will find a lot of tips and advice. I know I was grateful for the input from everyone and I am truely a happy boater now... and not broke either.

Something like this might serve you well for many years....

offer 9 grand

http://www.bigfatbass.com/cgi-bin/class ... =retrieval

Don't forget to watch Ebay too.... you might have a little drive but there are some sweet deals around.

Wow, that looks like a sweet deal Seaweed.

CAUTION though!!! Don't ever buy a boat assuming you are "just gonna upgrade the motor". You will find once you start into the payments/use, that all of your money is gone. With that said, if you are buying a combo, make sure the motor is big enough for the boat and for you.

In other words, that combo could have a max hp rating of 75hp. With 60 on the back, you will get there, but not nearly as quickly as you might like. Personally, I like to max out my hp if I can.

If you have any specific questions, feel free to pm me (or just post here, its all good).

M.T. Livewell

Thanks guys, I am looking at one deal right now in particular! Its an older model stratos, 1987, but the boat apparently is solid, just needs carpets and new upholstered seats!! Im looking into further details but for my price range its awsome! The whole package is selling for 3500!!

Im just worried about motor/electronic issues!!

I might be getting a look at it somepoint in the near future, I will keep you posted!!

I like that boat seaweed, but MT is right, I want more tha a 60 on the back lol!! I dont think i should be this greedy considering!!

I also looked at a 1989 ranger in mint condition, the guy wanted 14,5 for it!! The boat is like 15 years old!! I could by a new nitro for like 18 brand new lol!

The hunt is on!

I just did a quick check and for roughly $2,000. more (including exchange at 22%) you can get the same model- new- directly from Bass Pro.

Now, the 5 year old one does have a Minn Kota, though...

MT is right on with his word of caution regarding underpowered boats- both Tracker/Nitro and Legend are famous for their packages that include standard motors with HP less than 50% of the boats' ratings!

CCB

Hey Ransome!

I've owned a couple of Stratos boats over the past 12-13 years. If you need any info on the particular boat you are thinking of looking at, I'll try to help.

I know of a 1987 Stratos in eastern Ontario that the owner might be selling. Wonder if it's the same boat? Owner's initials J.H.?

CCB