Need to purchase used boat - Help

[Rocktrout]

I don’t have 20k to spend on a boat. I can probably afford to finance something in the 10k range, and definitely am looking for something used. I have not owned a boat before, and don’t want to blow money on the ultimate boat, before I really know what that will be for me. I know I will want a good casting area up front, and a center console. I will be using the boat mostly in and around Boston Harbor. I might make occasional trips to Barnegat Bay or to Long Island Sound, but don’t plan on taking it out into the bluewater just yet. Therefore, I am thinking something between 18-21’ will give me a good coverage of conditions. I hope to get into some shallow areas, so I hope the boat won’t have too much draft either. With all of that said, can any one recommend some boats I might search the classifieds/dealers for that have what I need and that hold up pretty well over time? Is it true that the Fall is the best time to get a ‘deal?’ Any other suggestions are much appreciated.

[rhodyflyguy]

try looking a used Maritime Skiff. I fish from a 16 and have been out in some pretty rough stuff (5'+). They have a nice ride, and aren't that expensive.

[Pauper Piscator]

My brothers and I beat the heck out of a Starcraft 18' for 10 years.

Look around. Aluminum is great. I was poking throught the want adverts and saw some nice looking rigs for well under 10k. You can prob get something brand new for about that.

Don't get too hung up on a CC. Not a terrific family boat and a pretty wet ride. There are a lot of nice "fish/ski" bowriders out there tricked out with trolling motors and the whole bit.

Lightweight Aluminum will cost peanuts to run. We used to fish all day with a 90 hp two stroke on about 8 gals of gas.

My .02.

(PS. I have a 21' Striper WA now. But it cost more than 10k :) )

[Lucky]

Check out these listings:

http://adcache.boattraderonline.com/6/3/2/67310932.htm

http://adcache.boattraderonline.com/6/6/0/66672960.htm

1988 MAKO CENTER CONSOLE 17FT., $7,495 (207) 865-4016

http://adcache.boattraderonline.com/6/1/0/67237610.htm

http://adcache.boattraderonline.com/6/5/0/52738750.htm


These are all I could find in your price range. Seached all of the major manufactures. I personally like the Mako 19 (first listing) but that's just me.

Good luck

[PeteV]

Nice list Lucky!
Each one looks great for the money. I also liked the first one but do you think the 88 Johnson will suck down the gas quicker than the newer engines?
the 17' Mako has a 35 gallon tank with a 96 evinrude (the hull is 84 but the engine is newer)

Hmmm... an interesting situation ...whats better? A new hull with older engine or an older hull with newer engine.

[Pauper Piscator]

Unless the Hull is a complete train wreck, engine, IMO, is the heart and soul.

If the Transom is sound, the deck is not spongy, gelcoat is passable, no obvious blisters, punctures cracks, structural (not cosmetic) rust/corrosion, floats reasonable well - buy it. Particularly true for Mako, Grady White, and Whaler. These hulls hold their vlaue and cachet fairly well.

Some may disagree, but in my experience, 95% of maintenance costs is mechanical / power related.

On the flipside, if your multi-year budget factors in a re-power, then your choice.

[Rocktrout]

Great.....I am learning a ton! Ok, so I want to go new/good cond. engine and can probably get away with an older hull. And it seems that I can definitely find some options out there for under 10k, which is great! Now, how about other things like basic upkeep costs, dockspace, insurance, etc??

Is it worth working through a broker? Surveyor?

Thanks for all the help!!

Adam

[ScottM]

Great.....I am learning a ton! Ok, so I want to go new/good cond. engine and can probably get away with an older hull. And it seems that I can definitely find some options out there for under 10k, which is great! Now, how about other things like basic upkeep costs, dockspace, insurance, etc??

Is it worth working through a broker? Surveyor?

Thanks for all the help!!

Adam

Adam,
Based on what you're looking for, I don't think a broker is necessary, plus you'll save the commission fee. Look through the Want Advertiser, Boat Trader (online and magazine), yachtworld.com, iboats.com, etc. You'll find plenty of 18-20' CCs in your price range through private sale. Based on your limited knowledge of boats, a surveyor may be money well spent.

Maintenance costs will fluctuate based on how much you do yourself and how much you let a mechanic/marina do. Slip fees vary by location, but in MA you're looking at $100-110 per foot average. Insurance is a good idea, if not for replacement value but for the liability coverage. If you finance the boat, you'll probably have to carry some type of insurance. Check with your agent.

I definitely agree with the older hull, newer power approach. Stick with a quality older boat like the Makos posted above and you'll do well for yourself.

[Pauper Piscator]

Ditto What Scott said.

Insurance? Get a quote. For 10k you are prob looking at something like $300 year? Boat US is an obvious starting spot though make a few calls.

On a similar, note, if you are at all concerned about the reliability of your engine, towing insurance is not a bad idea. $100 year for unlimited towing at B-U.S.

Lastly, make sure you budget registration fees (boat AND trailer) and sales tax. Ouch.

[PeteV]

For what its worth.
My decision to buy my boat was very much influenced by all the things associated with NOT using it.
Things like:
-- where will I keep it. (both summer & winter)
[I'd feel like a fool if the slip & storage fee's (winter & summer exceeded the value of the boat.]
-- Will it be nothing more than a gaudy lawn ornament
-- How will I move it around (towing it)..by the way Towing has its advantages: Mobility & the chance to enjoy new spots, & CHEAP GAS!!!
-- Will I be able to keep it running & maintain it.

I know it sounds defeatist but I think its kind of like the same process if your considering getting a dog or a better example is a horse. Sometimes it just doesn't work out.

[mansfieldsign]

Someone on this site made a good point a while back on buying a used boat/trailer.
Have the seller make 2 Bill of Sale slips. 1 for the boat, other for trailer.

[PeteV]

I found the used boat process to have a bunch of steps so I tried to write them down as I went through it.. This how I stumbled through it.

http://www.reel-time.com/forum/showthread.php?t=31071

I know Sam recently went through the process with his very nice Parker. He may have some other ideas.

[mansfieldsign]

Ah PeteV, you're too organized you hot ticket. Didn't realize it was you.

[ScottM]

I completely agree with PeteV's comment about factoring in ALL expenses and situations. So many times people buy a boat and at the end of the first season, sell it because a) it became too expensive; b) the family didn't enjoy it; or c) all of the above. Notice how many current-year and 1-year old boats there are in the classifieds come September/October?

Although I've grown up with boats my whole life (thanks Dad!), I finally purchased my own in November. If I didn't live 100 yards from the water with the ability to moor it, I probably wouldn't have bought it. Not that I couldn't tow and store it in my yard, but to me towing is too much of a hassle, especially with a 23 footer.

[gf2020]

RockTrout:

You didn't say where you live, but I saw a pretty nice boat in last week's Want Advertiser.

It's a 21' 1986 Sport-Craft center console with a 2001 Tohatsu 140 and a 1996 Magic Tilt aluminum trailer. Looks good in the picture, definitely worth checking out.

The guy is asking $11,900; you can call Scott in Boxford at (978) 352-7728.

[Rocktrout]

This is great, thanks for the continuing info. Luckily, I DON'T have a family to worry about, so it's just about fishing. I do realize there are going to be a bunch of incidental costs, that's why I am trying to get a handle on them before I get into this. It is also not a matter of should I or shouldn't I, it's is really a matter of when. I live in Somerville, in an apt, so keeping a boat on the trailer isn't really an option.

[Pauper Piscator]

That is not too good. And yes, $100/ft is about right. 2k to slip a 10k boat...?

Look at some "rack storage" facilities or hunt around for somebody/someplace with a yard to park the toy.

[Rocktrout]

Any thoughts on a 17' McKee Craft Backwater??

[gf2020]

Any thoughts on a 17' McKee Craft Backwater??

Great boat! I have the new 196 Marathon, mine is the first one north of Boston.

If you're looking at that used one down at Millway, it's lightly used and in good shape.