Looking for help in getting my first boat

[harpoon]

Hello all, I am ready to pull the trigger on my first fishing boat. Looking for a 16' boat that is pretty stable and some raised seats. It will be for me and my two young boys so safety, stability and ease of use is of importants.

There are sooo many different makes and models and with no experience I am pretty lost. I will be fishing is small lakes around New England.

I am currently talking to a guy about a 1994 starcraft 16" fishing boat he is selling.

Do you have and thoughts, positive or negative about this brand of boat?

I look forward to everyone input

Thank you very much

Jeff

[memo43]

the taller the more stable in my opinion, same goes for with.

depending on the price range have you looked on Craiglist, you might find something cheaper, here for example

http://www.trackerboats.com/boat/?boat=3129

keep the options, as for limited exp, find a buddy that has a boat an offer to fill his tank in exchange for some hands on practice. this way when you do take the boys out, then all you have to worry about is haveing fun an fishing.

memo

[HPBB]

that is a real nice boat. It is a pike master?

as for starcraft, they are well built boats(almost over built) they can take a lot of punishment. most first time boaters learn from mistakes and starcraft boats can take some good hits .I have a 1988 15 foot Starcraft SS.(almost like that boat but tiller and red) it still looks great.

it is a very stable boat and 3 can fish out of it easy. I know the 16 is wider and longer so it should work well for your 2 kids and you. They are also easy to tow.

What size hp motor on it?

for a first time boater, I think it would be a great boat.

[harpoon]

Hey Memo43, yes I have an uncle and a brother in-law that have boats so they both said they will help me learn how to tow and launch it.

HPBB, it is a 1994 Starcraft Fishmaster 160C with a 40 HP Motor. Your comments are making me feel much more comfortable about making him an offer.  I haven't seen it yes because it is  2 hours away from me but he says it is very clean and has no issues. He lowered it down to $3400 but hoping to snag it for $2700.

how are these for numbers? again being a newbie I don't know the values of boats.

Thanks alot and keep the comments coming.

Jeff

[jack1]

I prefer deep v style boats compared to the sleek low bass boats.  Safety reasons of course since I have young kids as well.  It'll handle small to large bodies of waters in rough conditions well.  It'll also keep you dryer as well.  The wider the better for stability.  Regardless what type of boat you decide to go with there's always the possibility of someone accidently going over board, but I think having the higher side walls helps reduces that chance, especially with young kids on board.    

[Sam]

May I suggest sitting down, or while driving, and think of the places you will be fishing.

Go check out a number of boats and styles.

Then think safety and stability.

Not power or speed or how pretty the boat looks.

But safety and stability and the safety features on the boat, like a ladder.

Then think "fishing platforms" both in the front and rear of the boat.

Let your mind go free and the answer will arrive.

Then, have a compression check on the motor and invest some funds into having a boat service center check out the wiring, hull, carpet, steering, lights, well motor, bilge pump, etc.

Just keep safety in the forefront of your decision.

Merry Christmas.  

[fishfordollars]

Sam pretty much nailed it. Spend the money to have a certified mechanic(Marine) check it out. It will be the best money you ever spend.

Good luck and enjoy.

[Olebiker]

My father and I fished out of a 14' Starcraft for a long time.  It was safe, well built, and a good value.