buying my first boat

[KevO]

So, now that I have a stable job it's time to buy my first boat.  I've looked and saved $ for about a year now and I think I have found the one.  It's a 98 triton Tr-18 DC w/ an evinrude 150.  What should I look for that would tell me not to buy this boat?  What kind of questions should I ask?  I know I need to check the compression and see if there is any water in the lower unit but what else do I need to know.  Also, he's asking $7500 which seems about normal for a bassboat of this size and age.  The only thing is it doesnt have any electronics he said they was stolen.  I can use that as a bargaining chip but how much really?  Any advice would be great! Thanks

[Jig Man]

The main thing that I would want to know and would probably have to have a mechanic check out, has that motor been blown and rebuilt.  Many of the OMC engines of that vintage blew.  If it never has then it was one of the good ones.

As for value, go to the NADA guides and look up the boat motor and trailer and get an average retail value.

[BassChaser57]

There are many things that need to be looked into. I am NOT a boat technician but I do know what I would look for if I were buying.

(In no particular order)

1. Have a mechanic check the engine - top and bottom. - Compression check,Clean the carbs, replace water pump, pressure check lower unit and replace oil.

2. Check Transom for rot.

3. Check bilge pumps.

4. Check Livewell valves to make sure they work and

    are free when you move them.

5. Check Livewell pumps and drains.

6. Check Batteries. (you could spend$300+on new 

  ones)

7. Check all lights (boat and trailer)

8. Check Trolling Motor for speed and direction.

9. Check Dash Instruments for operation.

10. Check Hinges and locks on compartments

11. Check under hull for damage from rocks, ect.

12. Check the Bow and Stern tie down rings are tight

   and secure.

13. Check tires for wear AND dry rot.

14. Check the bearings for wear (grab the top of the

   tire and try to move it in and out - it should not

   have much play.)

15. Check condition of carpet on bunks.

16. With no electronics the price seems about right

   and normally a boat of that age will not have

   anything you would want to have to pay for

   anyway.

17. Check boat cover and condition.

18. Check Carpet and upholstery condition.

19. Check title for legality.

20. Should be 1st -- MAKE SURE TO GET A BILL OF SALE SIGNED BY SELLER with sellers contact information on it.

Many times boats are not abused but if the owner falls out of love with it, they easily become neglected and many of the items listed above will show signs of that. The carbs will be gummed up, the valves on fuel, livewells, drains, ect. will seize, tires will dryrot, cover will rot.

PLEASE do not think I am dogging a boat of that age as I have a 1996 Stratos that is in TOP shape and hopefully the seller has kept your Triton in great shape also.

Give careful examination before you buy and you will enjoy it for many years.

Good luck and show us photos.

[KevO]

Thanks for the advice!  I'm going to check it out tomorrow and take it for a test run.  I'm taking my buddy who does some outboard motor work along with me too. 

[opie]

There are many things that need to be looked into. I am NOT a boat technician but I do know what I would look for if I were buying.

(In no particular order)

1. Have a mechanic check the engine - top and bottom. - Compression check,Clean the carbs, replace water pump, pressure check lower unit and replace oil.

2. Check Transom for rot.

3. Check bilge pumps.

4. Check Livewell valves to make sure they work and

are free when you move them.

5. Check Livewell pumps and drains.

6. Check Batteries. (you could spend$300+on new

ones)

7. Check all lights (boat and trailer)

8. Check Trolling Motor for speed and direction.

9. Check Dash Instruments for operation.

10. Check Hinges and locks on compartments

11. Check under hull for damage from rocks, ect.

12. Check the Bow and Stern tie down rings are tight

and secure.

13. Check tires for wear AND dry rot.

14. Check the bearings for wear (grab the top of the

tire and try to move it in and out - it should not

have much play.)

15. Check condition of carpet on bunks.

16. With no electronics the price seems about right

and normally a boat of that age will not have

anything you would want to have to pay for

anyway.

17. Check boat cover and condition.

18. Check Carpet and upholstery condition.

19. Check title for legality.

20. Should be 1st -- MAKE SURE TO GET A BILL OF SALE SIGNED BY SELLER with sellers contact information on it.

Many times boats are not abused but if the owner falls out of love with it, they easily become neglected and many of the items listed above will show signs of that. The carbs will be gummed up, the valves on fuel, livewells, drains, ect. will seize, tires will dryrot, cover will rot.

PLEASE do not think I am dogging a boat of that age as I have a 1996 Stratos that is in TOP shape and hopefully the seller has kept your Triton in great shape also.

Give careful examination before you buy and you will enjoy it for many years.

Good luck and show us photos.

Great post, I just made a copy!

[KevO]

The motor is an Evinrude Intruder 150... any opinions on this?  It's not a Ficht, which is really the only reason I'm even considering an Evinrude.  I would really prefer to have a Merc or Yamaha but they are hard to come by.

[Bass_Fanatic]

I'll be honest...$7500 sounds a little steep, especially with no electronics.  I just bought a 1995 20' Nitro w/ 200 Mariner EFI in top notch shape for $5000.  The boat checked out great and has ran great since I bought in last July.  I think the Evenrude motors that had all the problems were the 175 and 225s, so a 150 should be safe.  But, like I said, I think if your patient you can easily find a better deal.

[Bigs]

Ok so Im going on my 6th bass boat in two years so I have been thru this my fair share. First off I wouldnt touch a triton from back then but to each their own. They did some of the worst gel coat work of anyone back then. Little things that need to be added or replaced add up fast too. That 7k dollar boat could turn into 9 grand real fast. Add new batteries, cover, depthfinders, trolling motor, livewell pumps, the list goes on .

Also keep in mind that most ppl who buy a boat wth a 150 get tired of it fast. Get the biggest boat you can find with at least a 200 on it. It's better to spend more on a bigger nicer boat that doesnt need much work then to buy something smaller or older and then dump thousands into it. If I were you I would try to find a stratos 295 with a 200 on it. You wont get tired of it anytime soon. Plus that setup will haul the mail and handle rough water like a champ, not to mention the casting decks are massive. Better boat then the triton in every aspect and will hold its value better then the triton which are a dime a dozen.

use this site, you're welcome

http://boat.jaxed.com/cgi-bin/boat.cgi

Also this is worth looking into

http://springfield.craigslist.org/boa/2227289484.html