|
|
Location: Lake Geneva, WI | I'm looking at getting my first boat and I don't really know much about them what to look for what is important. I don't want to spend a ton of money. Any suggestions? Thanks! |
|
| |
|
Posts: 2427
Location: Ft. Wayne Indiana | One suggestion for used boats:
You are going to get what you pay for.
|
|
| |
|
Posts: 1060
Location: Palm Coast, FL | Shoot me an email at my work and I will give you some ideas ([email protected]). Let me know about what you are wanting to spend, size of boat, how much you will use it, where you are going to use it, etc. |
|
| |
|
Posts: 7084
Location: Northwest Chicago Burbs | Hey MIKE, to my knowledge you've only bought ONE used boat.....that saying something about Azrael?
I mean beyond the fact that she leaked, the motor was always one step away from conking out, the trailer didnt match and the registration was wholly f****ed, and that you had to put your rainsuit on before turning the BIG motor on..... |
|
| |
|
Posts: 476
Location: WI | Since I bought Mike's Crestliner from him this spring.....I hope this boat has better luck!!!!
GotOne |
|
| |
|
| my own rule for buying anything: car, boat, house, gear...new or used, is to buy quality before quantity.
for example, when buying a boat many people try to cut corners by underpowering the big motor or trolling motor. imho, for the same price you're better off buying a smaller rig that's fully powered and has quality accessories (electronics, etc.).
also, think about what kind of water you fish 95% of the time. are your local waters big (Mille Lacs style) or couple hundred acre potholes (northern WI style)? match your boat style to your fishing/boating needs for what you use most of the time. that once a year trip to Canada is probably not the determining factor in how happy you'll be with your boat, the local Saturdays are what matters most. many manufacturers make different boats to meet different needs - spend some time at the dealer (or even better go to a boat show over the next few months) and check out the different boat styles and talk about how you'd use the boat.
Edited by lambeau 1/26/2006 1:28 PM
|
|
| |
|
Location: Contrarian Island | buy a quality boat maker and if possible try to get one that the big engines are still under warranty for another year or 2 or 3....
personally I shy away from guides boats or tourny fishermen just from the standpoint I'd rather buy one with less hours over one with more hours..
I'd take the boat into a dealer and have them look over the motor before buying too..if the seller will let you...
I'd stick with quality brand names with longstanding reputations of being good boats...and holding their value if you plan to sell down the road.....
I had a Lund for over 10 years and got more than 50% of what the sticker was in 1995 |
|
| |
|
Posts: 2427
Location: Ft. Wayne Indiana | Azrael was a top notch piece of art. She was the the snow plow of the water ways, she was a shower when you forgot to pay your utilities, she was your friend when everybody else laughed at you....Azrael was truely one of a kind....
|
|
| |
|
Posts: 2427
Location: Ft. Wayne Indiana | One more thing, when you find a boat you really like, try to find the same one only bigger, you will want a bigger boat after about 4 months of fishing.......
Trust me on this one.
When you have 16 footer, you want a 18 footer, when you have a 18 footer, you want a 20 footer and when finally get a 20 footer, you wish they made the same boat in 28 feet long!!! |
|
| |
|
Posts: 1168
| The boat I have now is my first and I got it used. Really got a crazy deal on it for what I got. The best advice I was told was first and foremost look for signs of use. Skeg marks, nicks in the keel, scratches on the side, carpet wear, etc. A boat will age alot faster than a car will in terms of wear and tear. Don't forget to inspect not only the boat but the trailer as well. That's another place you can get a feel for how the previous owner took care of his/her stuff. |
|
| |
