Buying a used boat - Tips

[Avalonjohn44]

I am going to look at a fiberglass 1990 Nitro this weekend for around $2000 and wanted some pointers on what to keep an eye out for. I already know that th motor is shot, needs a rebuild, but all of the lakes around me are gasless, and since this will be a starter boat for me, I don't care much about the motor right away.  I really want it to practice the basics on - using a trolling motor, reading electronics, casting from a deck, etc... The Electronics and trolling motor are relatively new (2012).  If the trolling motor doesn't work, I already have a replacement that I got for Christmas a year ago.

My main area of concerns:

1 - The owner says the gel coat needs to be redone, it's crazing. Is this something I need to even worry about? I don't care how it looks, I just need it to float. Will it cause the boat to leak or is it just aesthetics?

2 - How do I check the transom? I've heard leaning against the motor and seeing if it flexes was the way to go. How much flex is too much?

3 - Dings in the hull. If there are any is this a deal breaker?

3 - Trailer - Brakes I can check, but I am unsure about bearings on the wheels. I suppose any rust spots would be major concern.

4 - Anything else? 

If I decide to buy, it will be contingent on him taking me out on it for half a day to prove that everything he says works actually does work...

Thanks in advance guys!

[Fishing Rhino]

You aren't going to get much for 2000 dollars.  At that price, you sure don't want to dump a bucket of cash into it.  Motor is shot.  You certainly don't want to pay the price of a new motor to put on an old, tired, sled.

With all the lakes in your area being electric, paddle, or sail only, why do you want a gas powered rig.

I'd look around for an aluminum jon or bass type boat with a trolling motor only.  You can learn to read the electronics just as well in a smaller boat in good condition, and you're not going to have to dump a ton of cash to get a trailer up to snuff, and all the electrical in a boat sorted out.

If it were me, I'd run from that two thousand dollar rig for something less, but in much better condition.

Hate to throw cold water on your plans, but old boats, particularly old fiberglass boats can put you in the poorhouse.  If the transom is shot, I'd consider the stringers and other encapsulated wood components to be tired as well.

For two grand, you should be able to buy a decent boat that will serve you well, and not put you in the poorhouse trying to make a silk purse out of a sow's ear.

I have two boats that I use regularly.  A 16 foot, square stern canoe with a trolling motor, and a Nitro Z-8 for the bigger bodies of water.  I enjoy fishing out of my canoe as much as I do in my Z-8, except when I'm on the larger waters. 

I use the canoe more because the two ponds that I fish the most are more suited to the canoe. 

[Avalonjohn44]

Quote

Hate to throw cold water on your plans, but old boats, particularly old fiberglass boats can put you in the poorhouse.

Not at all, I appreciate any advice. I do have my doubts, but will need to know this stuff for the next boat I find.

[bassh8er]

I bought an older Bass Tracker with a 40 horse Mercury on it last year for $1800 and it's been a great boat so far.

I think that I got kind of lucky but I would check the overall condition of the boat to make sure it wasn't rode hard and put away wet.

I also think it's reasonable if you're serious about buying to take it to a nearby lake to make sure the thing floats and doesn't have any noticeable leaks.  If he's serious about selling he should have no issue with that.

I would also make sure they you get the boat and trailer written out in the bill of sale if the trailer doesn't have plates or hasn't been registered in a long time.

I put a new trolling motor and electronics on my boat and just got it out of storage today.  My first boat as well and it totally changed how often I went last year and how many fish I caught; a great investment for me.

[thomas15]

I agree with Fishing Rhino. My advice is look for a smaller tin that is newer, lighter and will perform well with an electric TM or small gas outboard.

[GetJigginWithIt]

Keep in mind that even if the motor is shot and it is raised out of the water, you can still get cited for taking it out on an electric only lake. Everything said above is great advise. New gel coat can be expensive. When it comes to flex in the transome, you want 0 flex. Rhino really has it right. You can get a great tin boat for 2k.

[Avalonjohn44]

Well no boat. There are stress cracks on both sides of the transom and a bit of flex when putting my weight on the motor. Not much, but enough to put me off. Trailer was in sad shape too.  The search continues, thanks for all the advice guys.