Bass Boat

[fishingmachine]

I was looking at this boat to get for my first one
Any feedback?

http://seattle.craigslist.org/kit/boa/1577467714.html

[Blackmouth]

Take your time before dropping $5k on a boat.

First, identify your wants/needs/dislikes in a boat.

Ask yourself all sorts of questions:

What's your price range?
What size boat do you want?
Do you want a boat strictly for bassing or something you can take on the sound?
What about your tow rig? What can it handle?
Do I want a smaller but newer boat (more dependable) or do I want an older, but likely bigger boat (old engine = possible problems?)

Regarding that boat: That upholstery looks a little beat up. Also, it makes me wonder why it's on a Boston Whaler trailer....???

[fishingmachine]

i want mainly a bass boat as im trying to get into tourneys
And i have a full sixe 02 chevy silverado
And this boat is in my size and price range

[Blackmouth]

One word of advice: Sit around for a while. You'll find plenty of boats for sale in the coming months.

Post a few "Wanted" ads in the boats section of CL. Often you'll get a few replies from guys who haven't put their boat up for sale yet or they haven't fully committed to selling their boat, but this way you atleast get a few more options...

[fishingmachine]

ive been waiting for quite a while
but this boat seems to offer all i need
but im gonna keep looking

[skimpy]

Nice boat, but to quote blackmouth

One word of advice: Sit around for a while. You'll find plenty of boats for sale in the coming months.

Post a few "Wanted" ads in the boats section of CL. Often you'll get a few replies from guys who haven't put their boat up for sale yet or they haven't fully committed to selling their boat, but this way you atleast get a few more options...

I've seen beeter deals

[fishingmachine]

i will keep my eyes open and see what happens
But as of right now this boat is at the top of the list for now at least

[ckim85]

sounds like you've convinced yourself that this is the boat to get.

but man...i wish I had a boat :[
a full salary job and i still can't seem to find the money saved up to buy a boat. or maybe its cuz i'm spending it like an idiot on everything else...

good job though. if you've worked hard and saved up for it, a boat sounds a well deserved treat. if mom and pop are buying you a nice present, then take full advantage of it!

[The Quadfather]

I think that it is all good advice given to you. But on the other hand it isn't that much money out of pocket.. and considering you're 17.5.... you will have plenty of other boats in the next 15 years, with the amount you fish. If you can get a marine mechanic to give it a thumbs up, I'd go for it.
Excitement is like a drug for sure. But don't ever talk yourself out of having a qualified outboard mechanic run through it.
Otherwise.... who cares about seats etc. Just my 2 cents.

[fishingmachine]

thanks quad
i want just a start up boat to start tournaments with and work my way up
Plus im not gonna be on a seat in a boat most the time
i will be standing
I would have a mechanic run through it too

[spindog]

Fishingmachine- Its a nice lookin boat, be careful its an older boat on a new trailer- makes me kinda wonder? In boat/boating topics
Dustin07 looking to buy, I would look at the advice given to him. You both are looking to buy so advice to him is advice to you
The economy is in bad shape, alot of good boats, good deals and forced to sell. Rather than jumping right into this, something,
tells me boats been sitting. You can get alot newer boat for the same amount of money. Don't be dissapointed but wait it out !
A newer boat will be more reliable and you wont have as much money to sink into her. Newer outboard, Newer bowmount and
electronics adds up to more fun and less down time and more time on the water!

[BassinBomber]

FM,..who cares if the boat has been "SITTING" on CL or anywhere else for sale,..when I purchased my BassBoat I watched it on CL for 6 months at least,..the economy sux and people are forced to sell thier toys and what not,..my advice 2 you is,..go see it,..take a spin on the lake in it,..drive it,..ask every question you can about it since it is an older boat it probly has little quirks about it,..and have the cash in hand when you do this,..also the seller is asking for a set price,..talk him down,..he'll do it trust me,..the guy I bought mine from wanted $4k initially,..I talked him down 2 $3,300.00 just because it's been for sale for soooooo long he was aching 2 sell it,..your choice looks like a great one for what you want it for,..definately have someone check compression on it and just go for it!

TGL~BB

[BassinBomber]

Also FM,..when I bought mine the seats where tore~up~from~the~floor~up so I had them re~done for a great steal of a price using Marine~Grade materials from a friend of mine who does it for a living,..if you get this boat or any boat just say the word and I can hook you up with him,..new upholstery makes a difference cosmetically speaking and you'll feel good about your investment!

BB

[lowvw]

That boat has been on and off for sale for almost a year now. If i remember correctly, he first was asking roughly 7000. Ive been looking for over a year now for what i want...and now i have the $, just need to find the right one....been checking craigslist daily....

[Rich McVey]

Looks like a decent boat. Id see if you could talk them down in price for sure. The owner is probably holding out due to fishing season coming up fast and the demand will increase.

When I bought my boat I had a few things in mind:

I have 2 boys and two dogs that will be in it (fishing and recreational), I got a boat I would not worry about or get upset if it got dirty or the vinyl damaged. I had to assume that any and every part of the boat would get stepped on, climbed on and get stuff smeared on it. It had to be easy to maintain and something I could work on with the family.


Good Luck, I look forward to seeing what you get.

[marktfd88]

FM,
Looks like a decent enough boat. As with any used boat, definitely take it out on the water for a test drive/ride. Also, get a mechanic to check the motor for you. Limit Out Performance Marine is a new dealership I am working with that could do this for you. They are located in Auburn WA.
Things to look for yourself. The transom area. Check the bolts, seals around the bolt holes, and integrity of transom. Next look in the battery box area. Check for screws, bolts, and holes in this area. Any unsealed screw hole will be a clue that water could have gotten into the hull and stringer area. Weaken the hull. Check wiring in this area also. Look under the console at the wiring. Does it look like it's been worked on a number of times? or is it still original looking.
If all else fails, take along someone with you who really knows boats and can help you out with some of this. Myself, Kevin Jones, Russ Baker, are a few guys who might be able to help you out.

Mark

[Blackmouth]

www.nadaguides.com
That boat shouldn't be more than $3000 bucks according to NADA guides...

Like I said, do you homework. You should be able to score a much better boat for $5k than that.

[mav186]

It's too late......he's a goner!

[fishingmachine]

mav 186- what u mean hes a goner?
And i will have my dad come with me to check out the boat
I am for sure gonna try and talk him down and if he wont go lower i will move on
Cause i agree that it should be about 3000

[BentRod]

I imagine Mav means your hooked and have convinced yourself that this is the boat you want (mav, please correct me if I'm wrong).

Either way, it looks nice from the outside, I agree the price is a bit high, but that is what looking at the used market is like for cars, RVs, or boats. Hope you find what you want and get a good deal, it's all about being able to barter. If the seller is too stubborn, walk away, but leave your name and number. Sounds like you've got some good advice. Happy Hunting!