Buying my first boat feed back welcomed

[Jimmy T's]

I have been searching the internet for a used 16-18 foot aluminum boat side console. trying to weed out all the scams sometimes i miss out on a nice boat.. he is asking 3900.00 He told me the motor runs well also he has a spare prop not listed.

Anyone have anything i should look for on this model? i ask for a test ride but he said the closest place is 30 min away plus launching fee's etc 

he said he could run the motor with the muffs. should i be concerned of possible leaks in the hull and that is why he dosen't want to test ride? i didn't press the ride idea... or is this common practice? 

I came across a 1996 Sea Nymph FM 161 Side console this is what the seller states

1996 16 ft sea nymph fm161 side console aluminum boat
New:
tempress high back seats
Gauge led lights
Bottom paint
Starting and deep cycle batteries

Has vhf , bow mount trolling motor, and fish finder

1996 Evinrude 40hp power tilt/trim electric start
New:
Spark Plugs
Cam lever
Trim switch
Key switch
Throttle handle and trim switch
Rebuilt carbs
Rebuilt primer solenoid
Fuel filter

1996 shore lander welded galvanized trailer
New:
Wheels and radial tires
Tie down super lube hubs
Winch
Trailer jack
Rebuilt trailer lighting

 

 

[A-Jay]

Hello Jimmy and Welcome to Bass Resource ~

Unfortunately I can't offer any used boat buying info for you here but a quick search of the forums sure did . .

http://www.bassresource.com/bass-fishing-forums/search/?q="buying+a+boat"&sortby=relevancy

A-Jay

[Jimmy T's]

A-Jay,

thanks for the welcome, what a great website, i am looking forward to doing alot of reading... and also patronizing our great sponsors when i can. 

I did a search and found some other posts on sea nymphs but not this particular model/year etc.

I was looking for anyone that may have owned this type boat and or motor for a little insight after a quick look at the pictures and his list of work done  

[A-Jay]

Your Welcome Jimmy ~

As I said, my used vessel purchasing experience is minimal ~ but two recurring themes by those who offer experienced based advice is to always test ride a potential purchase on the water (testing it under load rather than in the driveway) and to have the motor looked at by a professional you know & trust.  A compression test is a fairly standard part of that.  You may have to pay for it but it's probably money well spent.

What another boat owner could tell you about the his / her rig may not have much bearing on anything you're looking to buy.

Each boat, motor & trailer has a story.  Whether the seller is providing you all, part or any truthful versions of the story can be tricky to decipher.   However, the current condition of it all is right there for one to see, ride, test and evaluate. One simply has to make the commitment to do it - in advance of the purchase.   If it looks like a duck . . . . . . .

Good Luck

A-Jay   

[Ski213]

It's quite possible that he's not hiding anything but a test ride is the way to go. There are many things that only show up on the water. From his perspective every test ride is money he is spending to sell the boat.

If it were me I'd do a lot of research on boat issues in general. Not just tips on buying used. It will help give you some additional ideas of what to check.

Go take a look. Run it on the muffs. If he sees you're serious he's gonna feel less like he's wasting money taking you out. I would also consider paying for the test ride. Money well spent in my opinion. He might be more open to it if he's only giving up time. 

[lo n slo]

test ride is critical. test everything while on the water. paying a mechanic to check out the motor is money well spent.

i once owned a sea nymph for over 20 years. aside from replacing plywood and carpet twice, she never gave me any problems. good luck.

[Jimmy T's]

Thanks to all for your comments!!!! I will talk to the seller about a test ride, the issue i am facing is i live 1.5 hours away from him, I would have to look for a boat mechanic in that area and make an appointment for him to look at it. I guess it all comes down to how bad he wants to sell his boat, he hasn't had it up for sale very long so he could also find someone that has more boat & motor knowledge that can do this inspection themselves and sell it without spending the added time with me. 

Thanks everyone for your help.

Jimmy T's

[GetJigginWithIt]

I have a 76 sea nymph and the hull is solid. No leaking at all. Had to replace the transom wood and floorboards over time but the hull keeps being solid.