Fishing Q&A
Buying a used boat?
I am very interested in getting a small 12-15' boat to do some fishing in this summer. I really don't want to spend a ton of money (less than $2500), but want to know what i should be asking and looking for when i start looking at boats. I found one that looks alright from craigslist, here's the link.. http://boston.craigslist.org/gbs/boa/571131427.html I'm in NH and won't be able to take it out anytime soon, but before i pay the full amount that's agreed on, i'd like to take it out first. Is doing something like putting a deposit down and taking the boat out in the spring/early summer a normal thing to do in this situation. i know it's short money for this boat, but just dont want to get screwed if the boat barely starts. Any tips or advice would be great. Also, does this boat look like it would be alright for taking it out on the ocean, not going too far off shore. Thansk, http://boston.craigslist.org/gbs/boa/571131427.html
Public Comments
- don't buy it until you can test it out i had a friend buy a boat didn't put in the water until the next season when he did it sank
- You really take a chance buying a used boat. Does this one have electric start. You don't want to pull start a 70 HP engine. Did the owner properly drain ALL the fuel from the carburator and lines and tank. If not, varnish build up might require a carburator rebuild and a new tank or if it is a built in tank, then a proper cleaning. Did he leave the battery to freeze, if so it is shot. Are the cables rusty (something you can't see) where they will bind and not release when you want them to.... which means running into the dock when it won't slow down. You can not buy a used boat safely without a test drive. There must be some serious things about this boat at this price that you need to know. People tend to leave a boat outside and then don't understand why it does not perform properly in the spring. Good luck.
- I don't know thecustoms in your part of the country, but boat dealers here in ca. might take you out for a spin, salt water or fresh water use will make specic concerns on the engine and hull that you might want to look for,aluminum or plastic hull can be a concern, i'd sure like toknow how the motor acts a full throttle and how about some maintenance records good luck
- i would look for fibre glass or glass reinforced plastic.
- We have boat surveyors in the UK, and whenever I am talking to people about buying a used boat, suggest that it is worth the money to get it surveyed, a list of faults noted and an estimate of what it would cost to have them rectified. You know just what you are letting yourself in for and it gives you some bargaining power with the vendor because if it will need $200s work in 12 months, he may agree to knock $100 off the price. I go with mlbjock about an aluminium hull if possible.
- Yes, it is customary in the states to put a deposit on a boat with a written offer. I would personally sea trial the boat at that time and not wait "until season". Another good idea is to have a mechanical inspection (compression test and check the oil in the foot) A survey is always a good idea and won't cost but a couple of a hundred dollars. After the sea trial/survey then you could either purchase the boat or renegotiate based on any faults with the vessel. As for intended use, I personally wouldn't take that boat out on the Gulf or the Ocean. It is strictly a bay boat and better suited for skiing and tubing. As for what you are really looking for, a 21-24 foot center console would be more to your needs. Think Neptune, Mako, Sea Pro etc. Another kind of boat would be a smaller Walk around cuddy. Trophy builds a great one as do Mako, Sea Pro, Sunbird etc. You may want to up your budget a little but I know you can find one in that price range. Used boats are a great idea but you have to do the homework and get the inspections done. I know this answers your questions.
