Advice on boat purchase

[chromedog]

I have been researching getting a boat, nothing fancy, used boat to get me out there without relying on others. I came across what I perceive as a good deal and since I have gotten great advice on other things here, figured I would ask the "brain trust" what they thought.

1980 15'6 " Skeeter Bass Boat

70 HP Evinrude with tilt trim

clean trailer with new tires and wheels and updated wiring and safty chains

40lb thrust Minn Kota bow mounted trolling motor

two Minn Kota Depth Finders, one bow one center

livewell and bilge pump

new waterproof CD player and speakers

newer wiring harness and batteries

decking only a few years old

two pedestal seat and two center seats, no rips or tears

rod saver. life jacket and net

lights, paddle, and more

$2600 OBO

I talked to the guy and he seems straight up. We talked a little fishing etc and he seems like a stand up guy. Everything works and is in good condition from his statements.

Any input would be appreciated. Thanks in advance.

[-HAWK-]

That is a sweet boat for $2600. Have the owner take you out on a test drive to make sure everything works ok. Otherwise thats a really nice starter boat.

[cart7t]

Looks good.  $2600 seems a touch steep but if it checks out should be a good starter boat.  

[chromedog]

I thought the same about the price.  I am thinking that if a test drive shows everything works and has been well maintained that 2200 would be a nice open to negotiations.

[Shane J]

That's Tpayneful's (BR Member) boat! I knew I saw it on the "show your ride" thread! Seems like a nice starter boat to me!

[Ellesar]

I thought the same about the price. I am thinking that if a test drive shows everything works and has been well maintained that 2200 would be a nice open to negotiations.

Test drive won't really show you how well maintained it is, especially the motor. You need to have a qualified mechanic check it out, compression test at a min, leakdown test is even better.

[chromedog]

Thanks for the advice.  I figured a test drive would expose any loss of power issues.  I have been on boats since the time I was little and I have done a lot of work on my buddies boat but this will be my first and I wanna make sure I get what I want, as well as, if not more important, get a realiable boat.

[chromedog]

I believe Tpayneful sold the boat to a guy in Kirkwood NY.  I think the picture that is on here even has a for sale sign.  I really like the boat, so far, but wanna make sure that I don't have a constant headache.  A 30 year old boat is a little scary but if it was well taken care of I think she will have several more years of fishing left in her.

[fishfordollars]

Just check the motor and all the wood for rot. Other than that it looks great for a 29 year old boat.

[JuniorFisherJJ08]

not a bad boat at all from the pics.  

If your willing to travel down to eastern ohio. Were selling our 1998 18ft procraft. with a 1998 125hp mariner motor for 5500 obo. Its a great starter boat. Runs very nice. Were selling because were upgrading on thursday with a 2002 triton tx21 with a 225hp efi. We just don't have the need or storage for 2 boats.