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Thinking of buying a boat...

bowtie_pasta

By bowtie_pasta
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Wingnut Senior Enthusiast

Wingnut

Posted
Posted

Depends on the kind of boat your are looking for, I guess.

 

There are a few niche sites out there for specific types (jet/hydro/cat/sail/etc), but for the most part, I'm afraid you are stuck with the Boat Trader....Or there is always Ebaymotors...There are usually quite a few boats on there.

bowtie_pasta Enthusiast

bowtie_pasta

Posted
  • Author
Posted

Oh yeah, thanks for jogging my mind about eBay, I will look when I get a chance.

 

I'm looking for a nice runabout, for around $3500. Something we can fish from first, cruise in second.

 

Thanks :confused:

 

*edit* I must also specify that I'm looking for either a direct fuel injected 2 stroke engine or a 4 stroke.

mjsmith1223 Enthusiast

mjsmith1223

Posted
Posted
Oh yeah, thanks for jogging my mind about eBay, I will look when I get a chance.

 

I'm looking for a nice runabout, for around $3500. Something we can fish from first, cruise in second.

 

Thanks :seeya:

 

*edit* I must also specify that I'm looking for either a direct fuel injected 2 stroke engine or a 4 stroke.

Here's some free advice from a boat owner, and worth every penny :seeya:

 

1) BOAT = Break Out Another Thousand, every time you turn around that thing wants to eat whatever money is left in your wallet or checking account. Boating is expensive. Just accept that fact and you'll be fine.

 

2) As you are in California, are you planning to run your boat in salt water? If so, be sure to flush and wash that nasty salt water residue out of every nook and cranny or things will corrode you didn't know could corrode. Even with an outboard that drains itself be sure to flush it because that residue builds up inside.

 

3) The Evinrude Ficht was, well, f***ed, to put it bluntly. Had a nasty habit of grenading at the most inconvenient moments. For my money a Yamaha or Honda 4-stroke would be the way to go for an outboard. Personally I like I/O's better but that's because of the type of fishing I do (troll for salmon on Lake Michigan). The I/O doesn't get in the way of netting a fish over the stern like an outboard does. Before someone asks, "Why not net it over the side?". Because I have 2-3 rods still out off of each side. The stern is clearer and thus easier to control the net. With an I/O I get the added benefit of an American 4-stroke marinized automobile engine to work on which I am already quite familiar with. Low emission outboards have a little more exotic technology that I am not comfortable with. My Chevy 250 I6 is complicated enough thank you.

 

4) Be especially vigilant about keeping the hubs on the trailer clean and lubed. Bearing buddies are no guarantee. The caps do fall off and then all the grease runs out. Also, the rear hub seal tends to blow out if the Bearing Buddy is over filled. It's no fun to sit on the side of the highway with a seized hub.

 

Depending on the region, $3500 should get you a decent mid-70's to early 80's 17'-20' runabout. Expect to have to do some work to keep her seaworthy and shipshape. Not sure if you'll find an outboard that meets the CARB requirements in that price range though. Did they grandfather older outboards?

 

Boattrader is a good place to look. How about local dealers? They take used boats on trade. Also the classified section of a newspaper in a boating town can be a good place to look. Sometimes just driving around an area where boating is popular can be a good way to find just what your looking for, or even taking a stroll around a marina. Some good entertainment can be had by setting up a lawn chair at the boat ramp and just watching :jester:

 

Hope this helps. Remember, it was free.

 

Mike

Grand Haven, MI

bowtie_pasta Enthusiast

bowtie_pasta

Posted
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Posted

Thanks for the lengthy reply Mike! :jester:

 

I plan on running in fresh water only, don't have any desire to hit the ocean any time soon. A new lake is opening soon in Southern California and they are making each boat pass an inspection to be able to use the lake. They have already specified that only direct fuel injected 2 strokes or 4 stroke engines will be allowed. I had a feeling this would make my boat search that much more complicated. I want to go there for the awesome fishing.

 

Anyway, I'm just taking my time and looking out for a good deal. I keep an eye on the Penny Saver each week too. I know my boat is out there somewhere, we have just yet to meet. :seeya:

Wingnut Senior Enthusiast

Wingnut

Posted
Posted
I'm looking for a nice runabout, for around $3500. Something we can fish from first, cruise in second.

:jester: Heck, change that "3" in $3500 to a "4", and move your decimal point to the right, and I'll sell you this one: :seeya:

 

emerald.jpg

bowtie_pasta Enthusiast

bowtie_pasta

Posted
  • Author
Posted

LOL, that ain't no fishin' vessel!!! I bet it's never seen any blood, guts, or fish scales, poor thing. :seeya:

 

Hehe, you're talking to a po' boy here, don't make me get all envious of your toys Wing! :jester: j/k :seeya:

varmint2506 Enthusiast

varmint2506

Posted
Posted
I'm looking for a nice runabout, for around $3500.  Something we can fish from first, cruise in second.

:jester: Heck, change that "3" in $3500 to a "4", and move your decimal point to the right, and I'll sell you this one: :seeya:

 

emerald.jpg

Nice looking boat. It will probably pass everything but a gas station. :seeya:

Victory Red Enthusiast

Victory Red

Posted
Posted
I'm looking for a nice runabout, for around $3500. Something we can fish from first, cruise in second.

 

Thanks :jester:

 

*edit* I must also specify that I'm looking for either a direct fuel injected 2 stroke engine or a 4 stroke.

You're not going to find much of anything for that price, if you need a 4-stroke or HPDI. The engine alone is going to cost more than that, even a good used one. For a boat that size, and with that power, in something used, you're gonna put out over 10K at least!! If you find something for less than that, it's not worth it, especially if it's ever been in salt water. Be leary of buying used salt water boats and motors. Get someone who knows their sh*t to look it over for you first, before laying out your hard earned cash.

 

I've been a marine technician for the last 25 years. Yamaha, Johnson, Evinrude, OMC & Suzuki Master Tech. If you need any advise, shoot me an email and I'll try and help you out. Fishing boats is my biz! You're on the wrong side of the country though. I'm in Islamorada, Fla. - SPORT FISHING CAPITOL OF THE WORLD!

bowtie_pasta Enthusiast

bowtie_pasta

Posted
  • Author
Posted

Thanks for the info Victory. This is what I was afraid of, the TYPE of motor I need is very pricy and used on newer (more expensive) boats.

 

I hate to get too deep (money wise) into a boat, cuz God knows they sit parked more than they float!

 

Guess I'll have to settle for a rowboat, hehe. :jester:

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