Hi guys.
I've been scouring facebook marketplace and craigslist for a good deal on a bass boat and I *may* have found one. Emphasize on the word *may*. A man is selling his, or more accurately, his son's Ranger 375v. I don't know the year. He says his son moved out of state and left the boat. He's honest in that he told me that the carpet needs to be redone and the seats re-upholstered. Personally, anything wrong cosmetically I can deal with. I'm mainly concerned about the hull and the motor.
Regarding both, he said the last time he took it on the water was 2 years ago. The hydraulic fluid that helps lower and raise the motor may need to be changed, he mentioned difficulty doing that. I'm sure the batteries are going to have to be replaced. Not sure about the livewell. edit* Fuel was drained after last use and it's been stored under a cover.
I'm checking it out this Saturday. Now you may ask, this boat sounds like a lot of work. Yes it does, but he's also selling it for $2300. He says he never uses it, was never his originally, and he's trying to get rid of it. Now of course I'm going to take all this with a grain of salt, but I figure $2300 for a project Ranger boat ain't that bad of a deal.
If I can't get a mechanic to come out with me, what should I look for? I know almost nothing about boats. I know I should check the year, check if the transom is made out of wood, check for obvious cracks, and see if the motor turns on. Is there anything else? Really hoping this would be a good deal.
Here are some pictures, she certainly needs a cleaning. Hoping for something workable beneath the dust.
