Never Owned A Boat Questions.....

[crankbait2009]

Report this post

Edit post

Reply with quote

As the title says, I have never owned a boat before but am looking for one. I found this boat on Craigslist and was wondering if there are any key questions that I should be asking or if there is anything I should be prewarned about if I were to buy this boat? (Other than leaks)

http://cincinnati.craigslist.org/boa/2749803086.html

what do you all think?

[fxdwgkd]

Here are a few things I would ask the seller. When buying a boat, I am always more concerened about the engine. It is easy to look over the cosmetics of a boat. Harder to tell if you are getting a good outboard.

1) Has the lower unit oil been changed regularly?

2) Have you put a waterpump in it, if so when?

3) Can you run a compression test on the engine? If a compression test was run, what are the numbers? All cylinders should be close, I am guessing they should be around 115 or a little higher.

4) Check the steering, see if it operates smoothly. It is probably a single cable for the steering and if it has not been lubed it will stick and become hard to steer.

Check the transom for any cracks on the outer edges where it meets the hull. See if you can run the boat. Not with rabbit ears but on the water, some engines may run well hooked up to a hose but then run like crap under a load.

[crankbait2009]

thank you

[Wayne P.]

With the outboard in the position pictured, lift up on the lower end, push down on the lower end, and watch the transom where the motor is bolted to it. If the transom gives any--you don't want it.

[Sfritr]

I see you are located in Ohio. What waters are you planning on fishing? For the price listed You could get a very nice John setup or depending on the lakes you will be fishing on a nice Bass Hound type boat for that price. There are better deals out there, just be patient

[NBR]

I looked at the boat. If I was looking for a fishing boat I would have absolutely no interest. No trolling motor, much space taken up by windsheid etc. This might be an okay runnabout or a middle of the road trolling craft. but as a fishing boat it would be waaay down on my list.r.

[crankbait2009]

I'd actually be on East Fork Lake 99.9% of the time.

I did see this ad as well. Which seems better for my budget

These guys also have outboards for sale as well.

http://cincinnati.craigslist.org/boa/2762516558.html

[slonezp]

Figure out what you need in a boat, and what you want in a boat. before you jump in and purchase one. The first boat: It's 35 years old, which may or may not mean a thing. The motor and transom are the main concerns, with any gouges or deep scrapes in the hull running a close second. You can add a trolling motor. The 2nd boat, you will look at spending another $400-$800 on an outboard and tank, another $150 or so on a TM, $150 or so on a fishfinder, $50-$75 on a battery. So both rigs will run about the same. Insurance on Boat #1 will be more than #2. Registration on boat #1 may be more than #2. Boat #1 you can take the family out on, and will be more stable in bad conditions, and so on.There are a ton of boats in the marketplace. If you're willing to drive you may get a better deal so check outside your metro area.

[crankbait2009]

thank you slonezp. You have given me enough to think about

[00 mod]

Hey crankbait. I bought my first tin boat (1236) and modded it myself and had less than $1000 in it. You can do the same if you have the time and want to!

Jeff

Had storage up front for all required items and seat poles! trolling motor mounted up front and was very fishable! Just make sure if you want to fish with others you at least get a 42" bottom and preferably a 48". Much more stable and easier to fish out of!

[crankbait2009]

I definitely have the time and the want to...problem is the "not so great with my hands" part of it. Things end up costing me more money than what it should have. Things never go back together the way they came apart

[surfer]

3) Can you run a compression test on the engine? If a compression test was run, what are the numbers? All cylinders should be close, I am guessing they should be around 115 or a little higher.

I agree completely. If you can change a spark plug, then you can do your own compression check. The gauge is only $15 at auto stores. All cylinders should be within 10% of each other. If not, then walk away. It needs expensive repairs.

[Brent Christian]

check make sure itpumps water, check tansom, and compression

[Nick]

That's not a good choice for a fishing boat, but it could be an ok family boat if it was taken care of. Unless you are a decent mechanic,(and you say you're not), steer clear of this.