First boat. Sub-1k. SoCal

[Rora]

Hey all, 

 

So I started toying with the idea that I want my own boat. I started looking for some 14' aluminum boats on craigslist and the like, however I don't really know what to look for. Wondering if you guys had any tips for me on what to look out for? I know I want to at least take my kids out to puddingstone and other nearby lakes/reservoirs. I think I will also have a buddy (or two?) join me on occasion. I'm hoping to get motor, trailer and boat under 1K but lower the better, which i know is a tall order, but doesn't seem out of reach as I am very patient. I'm pretty handy so i dont mind, even prefer, restoring something.

 

thanks for any help in advance.

[detroit1]

Good luck in your search, but for $1k, you will be looking for quite some time.

[MN Fisher]

This is what I got for $700 here in MN

50 year old, 14' Alumacraft.

Notice - no motor.

 

For another $750 - I got this 50 year old, rebuilt 25HP electric start.

 

To see what I've done to the boat so far, check my sig-line...by the time I'm done converting it, it's gonna run about $3500 all total.

[Deleted account]

1 hour ago, Rora said:

I'm hoping to get motor, trailer and boat under 1K

Yeah, and I'm hoping Kate Upton leaves her big league baseball husband and calls me...

[813basstard]

3 hours ago, Deleted account said:

Yeah, and I'm hoping Kate Upton leaves her big league baseball husband and calls me...

I think you got a shot bub.
I was waiting by my phone during the NFL draft for the last 18 years as well..

[Deleted account]

1 hour ago, 813basstard said:

I think you got a shot bub.
I was waiting by my phone during the NFL draft for the last 18 years as well..

Plan B is pulling my front teeth out with pliers, hockey wives and GFs are ridiculous...

[GreenPig]

9 hours ago, Deleted account said:

Yeah, and I'm hoping Kate Upton leaves her big league baseball husband and calls me...

When she shows up, feed that girl or worm her. ?

Edit - Sorry I was thinking of Kate Moss.

[ATA]

this time boats are very expensive, you might need to wait. I was trying to get a used fiberglass few weeks back and after so many researches and advice by experts here I end up buying a float tube to get on water ?. It doesn't mean I changed my mind about bass boat, I just postpone it till price get normal and I think it will happened by the end of season this year. I suggest you wait as well.

[Unk]

I have to agree with ATA . I did a quick search of boat trader and craigslist . Boat trader had NO listing in anything close to what you mentioned and the cheapest things on craigslist were $1500 and that doesn't count the work you would have to put into them . And , man , that's in Alabama . I can't imagine what prices are in your neck of the woods . You can probably find something in the price range you mentioned in the late fall or early winter months but , even then , the cost of getting it to the point that it's safe enough to take your family out in will be $$$ . Good luck .

[Bankc]

One thing I've been told about boats by many people, is to not buy one that needs to be fixed up.  They say that the amount of money you put into fixing a boat will never equal the value it adds to the boat.  So, something like $2,000 worth of repairs will only add about $500-1,000 to the value, and that's if you do the work yourself.  

 

In other words, it costs less money to buy a boat that works now than it does to buy a boat that needs work and get it into working condition.  Of course, I'm sure there are exceptions.  But there's a reason there aren't a lot of people out there flipping boats for a living, like there are with cars, houses, furniture, vintage electronics, household appliances, lawn mowers, industrial equipment, etc.  

[JustJames]

I used to own 14’ pimped out Jon boat. End up selling to my neighbor for $1400 for his bird hunting addiction. Cost to me was 2300 come with live well, trolling motor and 15hp outboard. 
I don’t really recommend this type of Jon boat where is windy or choppy wave. It is not very stable to stand on and hard to control with just a little bit of wind. It great for cruising around and can get into very shallow area, and drifting for catfish.
It was fun owning that boat but without my fishing buddy, I only use it a couple time a year not worth 150 fee for lake use and registration for my lake.
 

[Rora]

I appreciate all the help guys. I think what I got is that it’s going to cost me more than I anticipated, even if the upfront cost is low. 
 

 

[TnRiver46]

A canoe! Although in so cal even a canoe might run ya 30 grand haha

[Hammer 4]

OP, I think I saw your ad on CL. Might want to check out the L.A. section also, just to expand your search. Good Luck.