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Need opinions about a boat

4K views 31 replies 18 participants last post by  hobiecat 
#1 ·
So I am in the market for a boat.. I have a budget of $5k(leaving me $500 for registration ect)

I will be finishing mostly with some pulling tubes and maybe wakeboards... prob be 80%fishing and 20%fun.

Only boat i have ever owned was a 12' Alum with a 3hp motor lol

I am up to any suggestions anyone has.. i honestly dont know a whole lot... I have been reading on the net about diff kinds of hulls and Outboard vs i/o ect but allot just seems to be a matter of personal pref.

However I think i am wanting to get an outboard due to what i have heard about not having to winterize them as early and ability to use them for a longer season(Whats your opinion about outboard vs I/O?)


When i go to look at a boat for purchase what kinds of things should i look for on/in the boat? (Typical boat wear vs abuse)


Here is a link to on one CL that I kinda have a liking for(guy seems to have 2 adds for the same boat):

http://denver.craigslist.org/boa/2814063517.html

http://denver.craigslist.org/boa/2844770140.html


Thanks in advance,
Ricky
 
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#2 ·
Hey Ricky, you are on the right track with your ideas on a boat. Outboards do allow you to extend your season and they have a better power to weight ratio. The boat you are looking at seems pretty good however, it states it has a 220 HP Force motor but I believe Force only went up to 125 HP, maybe 150 tops. Either way they aren't the most reliable as a whole and aren't worth a lot on the used market. That boat would be completely worth the price with a Merc or Johnrude or yamaha. When you look at a boat, get inside and really look at the floor for any signs of soft spots or rot. Also, if possible, take it out for a test run on the lake, just the way you would if you were buying a used car. My last bit of advice is to stay away from tri-hulled boats if you want to take people out for a day of tubing/skiing, their guts will be sore at the end of the day. Good luck with your search.
 
#6 ·
hobiecat said:
That is the exact same boat as mine. Looks like a good deal. If I were to sell my boat I would be asking around the same and I have a 90hp on mine. I have had this boat 6 years and it has been a great boat. Zero problems and has been in some really rough conditions weather wise.

As far as the one you posted up there it looks like a decent boat just alittle old and worn. I think for 5k you could get something alittle newer. If you did go with that boat I would definately try to talk him down. Keep in mind the main thing your really paying for is the motor. Make sure it is running good. Maybe have a mechanic check it out. Also check the rivets and seams. Get it out on the water if you can and make sure it does not take on any water. Of course electrical would be the next thing I would look at. I think it is a good idea your looking for a boat with a full windshield. When you get out on some of the high mountain lakes early or late in the year you will appreciate it. Also I beleive a deep v boat is a great choice for Colorado lakes as well. There is a reason when you go to Nebraska lakes all you see is deep v's. Much safer in rough weather. Good luck on your search.
 
#7 ·
For water sports, I'd get at least 115 HP.

Check for soft spots on the floor. Also check the transom for rot. Rotted floor & stringers are time consuming and expensive to fix.

New upholstry is very expensive. If you are looking at a boat with weathered seats, get a quote on repair before you buy.

I/O's are a little more work to winterize, but to me that wouldn't be a deal breaker. I have a boat with a 350 MAG. All I have to do to drain the block is pull four plugs. Takes less than 5 minutes. In my experience, they are more reliable than the older 2 stroke outboards, and less expensive to run since you aren't having to spend $ on oil everytime you fill the tank.
If you go with an I/O, I'd stick with MerCruiser 1st, then Volvo. It's more difficult to find parts & service for an OMC.

I agree to stay away from the earlier year Force engines. Later, they were purchased by Mercury. I have a 50 HP Force by Mercury on my 1998 Smokercraft, and it has been very reliable.

In that price range, I'd consider the following:

http://denver.craigslist.org/bod/2798077940.html 1997 Bayliner
http://denver.craigslist.org/boa/2817373872.html 1989 Sea Ray
http://fortcollins.craigslist.org/boa/2846968584.html 1987 Charger

Kind of slim pickings right now.
 
#14 ·
fishinlooney said:
Hey Ricky, you are on the right track with your ideas on a boat. Outboards do allow you to extend your season and they have a better power to weight ratio. The boat you are looking at seems pretty good however, it states it has a 220 HP Force motor but I believe Force only went up to 125 HP, maybe 150 tops. Either way they aren't the most reliable as a whole and aren't worth a lot on the used market. That boat would be completely worth the price with a Merc or Johnrude or yamaha. When you look at a boat, get inside and really look at the floor for any signs of soft spots or rot. Also, if possible, take it out for a test run on the lake, just the way you would if you were buying a used car. My last bit of advice is to stay away from tri-hulled boats if you want to take people out for a day of tubing/skiing, their guts will be sore at the end of the day. Good luck with your search.
Thanks allot for the input on Inboard VS outboard and on hull style. Also for the info on Force motors.. Never knew.. I had heard of it before and figured it was a lower quality product from the other brands you mentioned. Def dont want a boat thats not gunna be reliable.

setthehook said:
fishinlooney said:
...Force motor ...
Stay away from those. Although made by Chrysler they were junk.
Thanks for the input as well!! Seems i should def. stray away from Force.. And do more internet searching about boat motors LOL


hobiecat said:
Thanks Hobie! I had actually seen that one and with it being out of my price range and out of state... didnt really consider it an option :-\ With only having $5k to spend i would have to get the boat for $4700 in order to have enough gas $$ to get the boat. And it's listed at $6k Not to mention the bidding process :-\
 
#15 ·
Lew said:
hobiecat said:
That is the exact same boat as mine. Looks like a good deal. If I were to sell my boat I would be asking around the same and I have a 90hp on mine. I have had this boat 6 years and it has been a great boat. Zero problems and has been in some really rough conditions weather wise.

As far as the one you posted up there it looks like a decent boat just alittle old and worn. I think for 5k you could get something alittle newer. If you did go with that boat I would definately try to talk him down. Keep in mind the main thing your really paying for is the motor. Make sure it is running good. Maybe have a mechanic check it out. Also check the rivets and seams. Get it out on the water if you can and make sure it does not take on any water. Of course electrical would be the next thing I would look at. I think it is a good idea your looking for a boat with a full windshield. When you get out on some of the high mountain lakes early or late in the year you will appreciate it. Also I beleive a deep v boat is a great choice for Colorado lakes as well. There is a reason when you go to Nebraska lakes all you see is deep v's. Much safer in rough weather. Good luck on your search.
Bionic Man said:
For water sports, I'd get at least 115 HP.

Check for soft spots on the floor. Also check the transom for rot. Rotted floor & stringers are time consuming and expensive to fix.

New upholstry is very expensive. If you are looking at a boat with weathered seats, get a quote on repair before you buy.

I/O's are a little more work to winterize, but to me that wouldn't be a deal breaker. I have a boat with a 350 MAG. All I have to do to drain the block is pull four plugs. Takes less than 5 minutes. In my experience, they are more reliable than the older 2 stroke outboards, and less expensive to run since you aren't having to spend $ on oil everytime you fill the tank.
If you go with an I/O, I'd stick with MerCruiser 1st, then Volvo. It's more difficult to find parts & service for an OMC.

I agree to stay away from the earlier year Force engines. Later, they were purchased by Mercury. I have a 50 HP Force by Mercury on my 1998 Smokercraft, and it has been very reliable.

In that price range, I'd consider the following:

http://denver.craigslist.org/bod/2798077940.html 1997 Bayliner
http://denver.craigslist.org/boa/2817373872.html 1989 Sea Ray
http://fortcollins.craigslist.org/boa/2846968584.html 1987 Charger

Kind of slim pickings right now.
Thanks for the variety of info you guys!! This is the kinda opinions i am looking for. Seems I should wait till ice off to really look into it so i can atleast test it... Was just thinking better prices in the off season :-\ But hoping for a better selection once it starts warming up.
mogul buster said:
I'd stick to outboard motors...I've always been skeptical about a giant hole in the transom. ;) Pretty sure its much easier to "set up" a boat with an outboard...jackplate...engine height...trim...etc.
I have already set my mind to getting an outboard ;D
 
#17 ·
denverbassman said:
Get a glass boat! With a
150 or bigger! Make sure you take it out and runit for a while, like up and down p-town 3or four times, check the lower unit well, and if u can compresion. Good luck
Thanks! You think 150hp would be a minimum hp req? and why? Any idea what a mechanic charges to look over a motor before purchase and check comp. ect?

Thanks in advance, Ricky
 
#18 ·
RVinson said:
denverbassman said:
Get a glass boat! With a
150 or bigger! Make sure you take it out and runit for a while, like up and down p-town 3or four times, check the lower unit well, and if u can compresion. Good luck
Thanks! You think 150hp would be a minimum hp req? and why? Any idea what a mechanic charges to look over a motor before purchase and check comp. ect?

Thanks in advance, Ricky
Call around. I got my 2000 bombardier Johnson checked out by Alan at Atown marine for $100 and some change. He was very helpful.

You are so close, may as well wait at least 3 weeks until lakes open up for the reals this time so that you can test it out on the water.
 
#19 ·
Call around. I got my 2000 bombardier Johnson checked out by Alan at Atown marine for $100 and some change. He was very helpful.

[/quote]

I would second the Allen @ Aurora Marine recommendation. Damn, I miss Aurora Marine already - good group of guys who understand the core concepts of how to run a business!!!!!!!!
 
#20 ·
I think dbm said 150 hp minimum because that's the hp it takes to push an 18' glass boat and make it perform correctly. My boat is 18'4" and has a max rating of 175 hp. It has a 150 and it pushes the boat just fine. Normally though...I'd say to always have the max hp motor for a given boat. Putting a 115 on my boat would be like putting a 4 cylinder motor in a corvette...pointless.
 
#22 ·
RVinson said:
denverbassman said:
Get a glass boat! With a
150 or bigger! Make sure you take it out and runit for a while, like up and down p-town 3or four times, check the lower unit well, and if u can compresion. Good luck
Thanks! You think 150hp would be a minimum hp req? and why? Any idea what a mechanic charges to look over a motor before purchase and check comp. ect?

Thanks in advance, Ricky
150's are V6's vs 115 which are 4 cylinders... Less tq with the 4.
 
#23 ·
I've bought a couple good boats on auctions for way cheap, sold one after a couple yrs and doubled my $ and still have the other.
I agree with the others on the HP, glass will take some more for the same sized boat but I think they track better in the wind when running electric.
My 17' alum. has a 90 merc on it and runs between 35&40 at Powell and about 30 at Blue but goes a long ways on a gallon of gas and the deep V is nice when it gets rough. If I can find a 2000 or newer 115 I will switch out my 90 and put it on my pontoon so I can get it moving a little faster. If $ was no object I would probably have a 19'+ Ranger Deep V but it is so I have a 17' Starcraft.
 
#24 ·
Any thoughts, comments, opinions on this boat??
Think a 120hp on a 18'4" boat would pull a wakeboarder?
Any opinions on Shallow V hulls? and/or aluminum boats?
Think it is worth the asking price?

Thanks in advance, Ricky

http://denver.craigslist.org/boa/2882222003.html

This is an 18'4" aluminum shallow V fishing boat model #184GSF, comes with easy loader roller trailer, you can load and offload this boat single handidly. comes with travel cover. 110hp Johnson outboard with power trim and trolling plate, 24v trolling motor with 3 batteries plus 1 house battery (keeps you out all day on the lakes that do not allow gas engines,even in the wind) Comes with 2 fish finders one which is a brand new( last year) Hummingbird 798c side imaging dual beam plus sonar combo (this unit alone was $1000.00). Comes with 4 swivel pedestal chairs, live well, bimini top, walk thru windshield, 4 personal flotation devices (adult size) 4 rod holders, fish net and is equipped with running lights. Please call 303-908-3389. serious inquiries only please





 
#26 ·
You could do alot worse that boat will csatch fish, safe boat for CO lakes. Maybe a little underpowered. If the motor checks out and you can get it for under 4K then I'd say you did pretty well. As far as pulling a wakeboarder, you will be too busy fishiing. ;)
 
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