Thoughts on this used ranger?

[jtipton91]

Looking for a used first boat and came across this. Appears to be in good shape, haven't seen it in person yet. 

Good deal or too high?

This will be my first boat and I need to stay around 5000$

https://wichita.craigslist.org/boa/d/1989-ranger-354v-150-mercury/6541881711.html

[SeriousBlack]

looks great for an '89!

[Jig Man]

I booked it out and the average retail value is $5460 so the guy is in the ball park with pricing.  I'd offer $4500 if I wanted it and everything checked out.

[jtipton91]

That's what I'm thinking. Around 4500 to 5000 not a dollar more. 

Anything notorious on this year or model to look for? Novice here...

[jtipton91]

Hey anybody else have an opinion on this boat?

[Scott F]

I have a Ranger that is a year older. Mine, though not as shiny as it once was, is still a very solid boat. Boats of that time period were very highly regarded but over nearly 30 years, there is no way to tell how it was stored, or if there is any hidden damage. Even the picture itself might be 20 years old. Was new carpeting installed to cover up major defects? Making an educated opinion from a picture posted online is just not possible.

[DINK WHISPERER]

Not sure in your area but here in Florida 5k gets you a nice boat if you're patient. Got my 96 Procraft dual with 150 EFI mint condition for $5500. That ranger looks really well kept. After a thorough inspection and if everything checks out I would start out at around $4300 and work from there. Good luck

[WRB]

My concern is the OB, the boat looks OK has some bow scraps and the seats have been remounted, some rust issue somewhere. The engine is on a hydraulic Jack plate and showing severe scag damage. The hull isn't known for speed so why the Jack plate unless it's been used in shallow stump filled lakes. With bow scraps the bottom may be damaged severely and unknown engine condition.

Tom

[jtipton91]

9 hours ago, WRB said:

My concern is the OB, the boat looks OK has some bow scraps and the seats have been remounted, some rust issue somewhere. The engine is on a hydraulic Jack plate and showing severe scag damage. The hull isn't known for speed so why the Jack plate unless it's been used in shallow stump filled lakes. With bow scraps the bottom may be damaged severely and unknown engine condition.

Tom

Good eye. Didn't even notice the skeg. Looks kind of beaten up. I'll go check it out this weekend. Any thing crucial to check while viewing it in person?

[WRB]

Check around the transum for stress cracking, check the for weakness by looking for sinking around the Jack plate and rock the engine back and forth and watch for any flexing at the transum. Check the bottom for any patches. Ask if the engine is original and if it's been rebuilt, last time water pump replaced.

Take it a test ride if possible.

Ask how many owners and if it's been in or around salt water. Trailer tires over 10 years old must be replaced, plan on changing the trolling motor.

The boat looks like it was garaged for sometime period, that is good.

Tom

[jtipton91]

2 minutes ago, WRB said:

Check around the transum for stress cracking, check the for weakness by looking for sinking around the Jack plate and rock the engine back and forth and watch for any flexing at the transum. Check the bottom for any patches. Ask if the engine is original and if it's been rebuilt, last time water pump replaced.

Take it a test ride if possible.

Ask how many owners and if it's been in or around salt water. Trailer tires over 10 years old must be replaced, plan on changing the trolling motor.

The boat looks like it was garaged for sometime period, that is good.

Tom

Thanks alot for your help. I have nobody to help me with tips etc. on boats, so it helps alot. 

[TOXIC]

As my buddy who fishes St Clair says...."Skegs were never meant to be painted"   The owner is obviously a somewhat serious fisherman as evidenced by the Tacklewhorehouse sticker  that would explain the bunged up skeg.  No harm no foul but take a close look at the prop because as it may be normal to bang up a prop in stumpy waters, it also may lead to a bent propshaft allowing water into the lower unit.  I totally agree with WRB that the big motor is where all the risk is in buying a used boat.  Questions to ask are when was it last serviced?  Water Pump/impeller/LU oil/plugs etc...  Normally I recommend (after a water test to verify everything works, electronics/bilge/livewells etc.) is to take the boat to a good mechanic and have them go over the motor (on your dime).  Don't forget to check tires/bearings/seals on the trailer as well.  Also check out the belly of the boat for "serious" damage.  Scratches are normal but gouges into the fiberglass will have to be addressed.  If everything checks out just know that you will probably have to do some additional things if not already taken care of....tune up, carb rebuild, ethanol resistant lines...etc.  VERY IMPORTANT.....ask him the cold start procedure he uses for that motor.  They are notorious hard starters the first time in the morning but with the right procedure they fire right up.  Honestly, it looks like a good deal to me and I don't say that a lot.  Good luck!!

[fishnkamp]

Take a few minutes to read an article my friend wrote on the subject of buying a used boat. He is in love with those old Rangers.  He also covers how to properly check out an older boat and find a good deal.

http://www.baybass.com/node/200

Personally I would go make arrangements to take a boat ride and check it out with the owner. I would have the cash with me and be prepared to take it home with me if it all checked out.  I would expect to have a new water pump kit put in and other maintenance like a tune up, trailer bearing repack etc.

[WRB]

20 hours ago, fishnkamp said:

Take a few minutes to read an article my friend wrote on the subject of buying a used boat. He is in love with those old Rangers.  He also covers how to properly check out an older boat and find a good deal.

http://www.baybass.com/node/200

Personally I would go make arrangements to take a boat ride and check it out with the owner. I would have the cash with me and be prepared to take it home with me if it all checked out.  I would expect to have a new water pump kit put in and other maintenance like a tune up, trailer bearing repack etc.

^^^^read this link^^^^

Tom