Meyers Laker 12 - Good Buy?

[Brian Jackson]

Morning Gents, 

 

I came across this boat while perusing my local Craigslist and wanted to get some opinions from the experts. So far I haven’t found a lot of posts about this boat, however, the sports pal canoe from them seems to be well liked. 

 

Boat will be used on low current rivers, ponds/small lakes (when accessible) and maybe some larger lakes if I ever get the outboard bug. This is mostly for me and my 8 year old son to get out and fish in, although my wife and 12 year old may tag along from time to time. My only concern was the semi-v hull and stability as I would like to be able to stand and fish occasionally. 

 

Look forward to any any advice and opinions you guys throw my way. Thanks. 

 

https://boston.craigslist.org/bmw/boa/d/12-ft-aluminum-meyers-boat/6522882301.html

 

Brian

[desmobob]

I have that same Meyers Laker (re-branded as a "Gamefisher") and I love its extremely light weight.  I bought it so I could handle getting it to the water alone at small lakes and ponds with no real boat ramp.  I have a 15HP outboard on mine. That's the max for this boat and probably a bit too much, really.

 

One thing to be aware of: because of the rounded hull shape at the bow, the boat can do strange and startling things if you try to do some really aggressive steering at speed.  Other than that little quirk, I love mine.  Also, be aware that the light weight was achieved by using light-gauge aluminum for the hull, so it's not as resistant to abuse as some other similar boats.

 

Tight lines,

Bob

[Brian Jackson]

Thanks Bob,

 

Do you foresee any issues with standing and fishing. I can keep my excitement to a minimum and sit if necessary. My 8 year old may be another story at first. 

 

Also, does it sit pretty steady in calm waters. Lastly, not sure if your checked out the listing, does $900 for boat and TM seem like a good deal. Considerain’t offering maybe $750-800. Just don’t want to insult the seller, and the post seems pretty new. 

[J Francho]

The Semi-V are actually more stable than a deep-V hull.  I don't have any problem standing in them, but I'm 5-7, 160 lbs.  I don't like two people standing, as it's easy to throw one another off balance.  The back bench is the prime spot for standing.

[Choporoz]

Probably not an unreasonable ask, but, I'd find out:

 

Paddles?  Or, oars?  That's probably $50 or so

Trolling motor condition?  Lightly used, probably close to $100

Trailer included?  If so, then what's the condition?  If not, consider cost of trailer (if you don't have one) or toll of car-topping

 

I've spent a number of hours in similar boats with transom trolling motor.  Standing in back (or on back seat) has less effect on stability than standing anywhere else in the boat due to the flat back end....I don't have a problem standing even with another in the boat.

[desmobob]

2 hours ago, Brian Jackson said:

Thanks Bob,

 

Do you foresee any issues with standing and fishing. I can keep my excitement to a minimum and sit if necessary. My 8 year old may be another story at first. 

 

Also, does it sit pretty steady in calm waters. Lastly, not sure if your checked out the listing, does $900 for boat and TM seem like a good deal. Considerain’t offering maybe $750-800. Just don’t want to insult the seller, and the post seems pretty new. 

No problems standing and fishing in the boat.  Standing and fishing in ANY boat with an 8-year-old can be a hazard, for various reasons...

 

That price seems kind of high to me, but I'm not up on that kind of thing.  If it includes a trailer; I guess, but for just the boat and trolling motor?  I've seen similarly-sized boats with trailers and working outboard engines for sale for that price range...

 

Tight lines,

Bob