What Do You Guys Think Of This Boat? Buy Or Keep Looking? *updated*

[skeletor6]

http://cgi.ebay.com/...#ht_7046wt_1064

Would like your opinions on this boat. Looks like a nice starter boat for someone on a budget. Will be used for fishing and trolling 100 acre Michigan lakes.

Thanks!

EDIT: Decided to check out a new local boat, see my post below

[Long Mike]

If you have no way of having a mechanic check out the outboard, don't touch it.

[Shane Procell]

Looks like it was well taken care of.

[Fishing Rhino]

The price seems reasonable to me, provided the motor is sound, maybe more than reasonable. The rust on the trailer is of some concern. In the photos, it appears to be more of a cosmetic issue, but be sure to carefully check the areas where the springs are mounted and the tongue. where the hitch is mounted, and where the tongue attaches to the frame. The problem is not surface rust. It's what may be hiding inside the frame tubing.

[skeletor6]

Thank you guys all for the responses. If I were to go for it how much should I pay for it? There is some $150 fee on top of that price. it is listed in the details. It is under bidding at eBay so the price will grow,

I haven't been able to find any boats locally that are worth the ticket and this one depending on the price could be perfect for my first boat. I like the lighter aluminum frame. I know that it will not be good for bigger waters but it should be lighter to drive and move around which all works good for saving me $. I figure I could put a nice fish finder on it and be good to go for next spring.

[j.bruno]

Is the motor peeing in the video on the bottom i couldnt tell...

Nevermind i didnt read the thing at the bottom lol.

Youd have to register the trailer as home made also.

[skeletor6]

***UPDATE*** This is now the boat I am pursuing.

http://lansing.craig...3355797434.html

How about this boat? It is listed for $2500.....is that a fair price? I really only want to spend $2000, but I dont know if this boat is worth the price.

I know from other threads what I should check and I bought a compression tester and it does not seem hard to check the compression. I read that they should be 3-5 pounds of each other. I can find specifications on the 1989 Johnson GT 100 motor, but I cannot find any on a 1989 Kingfisher XL-169. So I am lost when it comes to pricing and such. What do you guys think as far as this boat. It is being sold very close to where I live and I could go check it out in person. I am going to give the guy a call today and see what he says. I just would like some input from experienced members on this forum.

Would this make a good fishing boat for Michigan lakes sized about 100 acres? Also, how big of water could I get this boat in? Any comments on this specific boat would be nice, because I am going to purchase it soon if it checks out okay from you guys. Thanks!

[Fishing Rhino]

Your main concern should be the transom. The problem with older fiberglass boats is the transom of those that have a plywood core encased in fiberglass. If water gets into it via mounting holes and holes cut for drains, intakes, etc., the wood can and will rot.

[j.bruno]

Yea id definitely go with that one over the aluminum one. 100 acre lake no problems. How long is it? I probably wouldn't take it out on Lake Michigan but other than that id probably take it anywhere.

[skeletor6]

Your main concern should be the transom. The problem with older fiberglass boats is the transom of those that have a plywood core encased in fiberglass. If water gets into it via mounting holes and holes cut for drains, intakes, etc., the wood can and will rot.

Thank you for pointing that out. How can I check for this?

I believe it is either 18ft or 18.6ft....definitely don't plan on fishing anything but inland lakes not Lake Michigan lol

[joefish]

This boat looks good for an '89. I would definately check the transom and floor for soft spots. Check compression on engine. Definately would go for a test ride. If you end up with it I would get rid of the oil injection on that old of engine and pre mix the oil and gas. Also I would guess the boat is sixteen foot and maybe none inches due to the model numbers. Looking at the pics I don't see it being 18 feet.

[skeletor6]

This boat looks good for an '89. I would definately check the transom and floor for soft spots. Check compression on engine. Definately would go for a test ride. If you end up with it I would get rid of the oil injection on that old of engine and pre mix the oil and gas. Also I would guess the boat is sixteen foot and maybe none inches due to the model numbers. Looking at the pics I don't see it being 18 feet.

Thank you I couldn't tell I looked up Nada guides and couldn't find any info on an xl-169 but there were a few 169 models that said those numbers I gave. A 16ft boat is fine for me and I am stuck buying older boats because of how much $ I can spend.

Will this boats allow me to move around my inland lakes ~100 acres on average, fish docks troll around and just basically get out there and fish efficiently. I know it's not great but I feel it could emulate what some of the nicer boats do. Any thoughts? Thanks.

[Sun Fish]

Thank you I couldn't tell I looked up Nada guides and couldn't find any info on an xl-169 but there were a few 169 models that said those numbers I gave. A 16ft boat is fine for me and I am stuck buying older boats because of how much $ I can spend.

Will this boats allow me to move around my inland lakes ~100 acres on average, fish docks troll around and just basically get out there and fish efficiently. I know it's not great but I feel it could emulate what some of the nicer boats do. Any thoughts? Thanks.

So long as the motors work it will get you around 100 acre lakes no problem whatsoever. In fact the outboard is overkill for a 100 acre lake, the TM should be fine. Keep in mind not to run the TM at 100% unless you have spare battery on board or only plan to be out for a few hours

I'd offer the guy $1800 and see if he'll settle for $2,000 after everything checks out good.

[Fishing Rhino]

One thing you can do is to tighten the mounting bolts for the motor. If the transom compresses, the center of the transom is punky. If water can get into the holes that are drilled for mounting the outboard, that is where the rot will begin. Another is to remove a bolt and poke at the wood with a scratch awl. Be sure to get the permission of the owner beforehand.

It's possible that the transom has a foam core. If it does, rot will not be a problem.

Best option is to have a boat surveyor/appraiser check it out. Be sure to get a price on their services beforehand. The cost could be prohibitive. Depends on your finances. If you know someone who knows someone with boat experience, they might do it as a favor.

One thing about the aluminum boat, you shouldn't have to worry about rot on the inside of the transom. Aluminum boats may have wood as part of their transom, but it's usually visible, and if there is a problem it's a lot easier, and cheaper to fix.