|
Bigger boat
#1
Posted 22 December 2017 - 11:13 PM
I'm thinking 18 or 19' don't really need a much bigger motor, but if I pick up something, I sure as heck want it to be comfortable. The old bench seats in the aluminum just don't make fishing enjoyable, so comfort is a big factor as well. Should I be looking at a bass boat vs a cuddy? Budget under $5000 is what I had in mind.
Any and all advice really appreciated.
|
#2
Posted 23 December 2017 - 11:45 AM
#3
Posted 23 December 2017 - 11:58 AM
#4
Posted 23 December 2017 - 12:21 PM
#5
Posted 23 December 2017 - 01:02 PM
#6
Posted 23 December 2017 - 01:33 PM
#7
Posted 24 December 2017 - 04:53 AM
erie.craigslist.org/boa/d/17-ft-invader/6424323734.html
Even if the interior is ugly and it needs a bit of work, how wrong could you go for $1000?
Even this one, about the right size:
erie.craigslist.org/boa/d/17-ft-invader/6424323734.html
What all should I be looking out for?
#8
Posted 26 December 2017 - 01:17 AM
If the floor is rotten and you are not a handy man or mechanical inclined , it will cost you more than $1000 for material alone to put in a new floor. I paid someone and cost me $1500 in total to get a new floor similar to bass boat flat flooring done.
I had to face some aggravation, and fishing downtime, when I got my used boat due to minor mechanical or electrical issue. I eventually figure out all necessary things that needs to be replaced after owning it for many years. It is a part of a fishing hobby! Then you need to be able to tinker with the engine and its electrical components, to trouble shoot it . Otherwise, you get gouge easily by mechanics. ..............No CAA to tow a boat when we get stranded!
Buying parts for older motor is another issue....Many parts are inexpensive to buy in USA, if you know which parts to buy!
There are tons of boat deal anywhere , take your time. Maintaining a Used boat is a hobby similar to owning a used car. Some people are more natural at having to face some aggravation of owning used stuff. I got rid of my 1991 Nissan maxima just two years ago with 425,000km on it, very minimal rust, and engine runs perfect, with original aircon still running cold. I knew how to trouble shoot and hardly had any work on it, I also do my own auto body work. Until I had to give it up since the strut mount was too rusty to replaced its original strut, and the brake cylinder was not functioning too well. I paid $4500 when it had 125,000km in 1996. So I am used to tinkering with used vehicle all my life! If the owner maintains the used items. chances are he also maintains his boat. By observing his garage, or garden, you could roughly tell if he is the type of person who takes good care of his belongings. If you do not ask the right question on the phone ,before you show up to consider it. The Owner is not obligated to reveal what was wrong with it. He might say it was working, but when was the last time he tested it running? And For how long? Some people might be happy to get anything for their piece of junk!
Due to ignorance 25 years ago, my first used 14' boat had issues after my 4th trip, where I got stranded on a lake. Even if I had a trolling motor, the second battery finally ran out of juice where my friend and i had to paddle back to shore that night. The charging system of this 14 footer had issues, the new starter battery finally ran out of juice after the 4th trip. I was impress when the owner originally told me he put in a new battery. The engine was relying on the new battery the whole time, without the charging system working properly to recharge the battery back to its full capacity. Lesson learned,,,,,,,, to never 100% trust anyone these days, and be prepared for the worse scenario if the item sounds like it is a steal. I paid $750 for entire 14' boat trailer package back then. I fixed it up, and eventually sold it after two years of owning it. To upgrade to a bigger size used boat and engine, i was very prepared with engine compression tester, Multimeter, I asked tons of question before I even showed up.
Check USA side buffalo and michigan, syracuse, Up north, etc....., lots of deals everywhere.
Not to forget, trailer bearing, springs, and axle that causes tire to loose thread easily. Then boat might have some potential leaking issue, these are all to be taken into consideration. Pay a mechanic to travel with you, if you are not mechanically inclined.
#9
Posted 26 December 2017 - 03:01 AM
|