Finally found my dual duty boat.

[South FLA]

I've been looking for a dual-duty (Inshore Salt/Freshwater) boat for months now and have finally found a great candidate. Thanks to forum members I narrowed my choice down to a Ranger Intracoastal.  

So after months of searching I found one about 700 miles away .  I've been corresponding with the original owner and he seems honest.  According to him and the high quality digital pictures he as sent me it is in perfect shape. So I made an offer and was wondering what you guys think of the deal before I give a final offer.

2003 Ranger 185vs (Intracoastal,The boat has never seen salt water!)

Yamaha 150 HP Yamaha 6J9, V150TLRB

3 blade Prop (Pro Series Yamaha, stamped with 23-M Prop)

Outboard Hydraulic Steering

Seats are flawless.

Ranger Saltwater Edition Dual Pro Battery Charger

Minn Kota Maxxum, 75 lb thrust, 24V

Garmin Fishfinder 160 (2 Console, Front Deck)  

Original Ranger Trail Trailer with disc brakes.  Brakes are hydraulically actuated from trailer tongue.  

Canvas trailerable boat cover.

Stereo is a Clarion Marine AM/FM/CD with two speakers.  

Swim Ladder

I offered $16.7K if he meet me half way, but he wants $17K and me to pick it up 700 miles away  :'(  

What do you think of price?

Does anyone here have any experience with the Yamaha 6J9, V150TLRB, VMAX? If so, how is it on gas mileage?  Any known issues with that model engine?

Lastly, if I go through with this I will trial the boat at a local lake close to his house before purchasing it and will have my dad check the outboard thoroughly (i.e. compression test, lower unit, etc.).  Was actually wondering if I should take it to a Yamaha dealer close to his location for inspection.

Although I have been around boats all my life. I have only owned small boats (12"-15"Jon Boats w/Outboards) so this is a BIG step for me.  

Thanks in advance

[Catt]

I like that, I like that a lot  

Sweet ride, outstanding outboard

Since he will not meet you half way I'd ask for him to have the compression test do in writing.

[Jig Man]

X2  Good looking rig.

[bocabasser]

that is a great looking boat. is that trolling motor made for salt water? i personally would not buy that boat if you intend on doing some saltwater fishing. buy a flats boat instead. a saltwater boat can handle fresh water better than a fresh water boat can handle salt. i don't mean to sound discouraging, but saltwter WILL cause problems. if you are willing to spend that kind of money on a boat, you should have NO problem finding a super nice flats boat. just my honest opinion.

[Catt]

That my friend is a saltwater bass boat; there are a few of them on the FLW Redfish Series

As for the trolling motor they all handle saltwater with no problems; the only way you could have a problem is if a seal leaks.  

I chase bass, speckle trout, & red fish all out of bass boats with absolutely no problems ever.

[South FLA]

that is a great looking boat. is that trolling motor made for salt water? i personally would not buy that boat if you intend on doing some saltwater fishing. buy a flats boat instead. a saltwater boat can handle fresh water better than a fresh water boat can handle salt. i don't mean to sound discouraging, but saltwter WILL cause problems. if you are willing to spend that kind of money on a boat, you should have NO problem finding a super nice flats boat. just my honest opinion.

Although its not a technical poling skiff.  Think of it a bay boat/technical skiff cross or a saltwater bass boat. It is a SALTWATER boat.  

It's basically a Ranger 185vs with saltwater hardware and a non-skid deck.  I rode in a freshwater version and it handles much better, rides smoother, and doesn't get you as wet as an Action Craft (Saltwater Flats Boat).  

If I get it I will most likely sell the trolling motor and get a saltwater version.

Anyone think the price is fair?

I am going to ask him if he can do a compression test.