Is a 1956 aluminum vhull/"jon boat" boat with trailer for $400 a good buy?
Aug 3, 2020 13:22:39 #
Is this a good buy? 1956 14 ft alumacraft vhull boat with trailer for $400? No motor
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by boogjz
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by boogjz
Aug 3, 2020 13:22:58 #
If it’s water tight I’d say it is. The trailer, if it’s in good shape, is worth at least a few hundred and the aluminum is probably worth a bit as well. Even as scrap.
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by JesusWasALibertarian
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by JesusWasALibertarian
Aug 3, 2020 13:23:12 #
Aug 3, 2020 13:23:19 #
Aug 3, 2020 13:23:23 #
Aug 3, 2020 13:23:27 #
A new 15 will cost you between 2500 and 3000. Tohatsu will be around 2500+ and a yamaha will be slightly closer to 3000. Also dependent on your starter method and shaft length. Check offerup and craiglist for used motors for half that much.
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by bassacre
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by bassacre
Aug 3, 2020 14:05:47 #
IMO a 23hp surface drive air cooled mud motor would work best for load carry and fuel economy and be able to take you into shallow waters where the fish are. The surface drive mudmotors offer resonable speed and ease of operation in the rough stuff and are easily maintained. Check them out on their webb site at MudBuddy Motors to watch their videos and see their product line Thinking it’s a light weight boat
Aug 3, 2020 19:27:52 #
FS Digest wrote:
Is this a good buy? 1956 14 ft alumacraft vhull boat with trailer for $400? No motor
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by boogjz
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by boogjz
Is the trailer a '56 model also? It does't sound like a very good deal to me. Is the Alumacraft a model A, F, or a Deep C?. If it is a Deep C, take it, an F, ?, an C, leave it. (MHO)
Aug 4, 2020 13:01:59 #
FixorFish
Loc: SW Oregon
You gotta choose which it is, before good advice can be given.
If it's a "V Hull"....it ain't a "Jon Boat".
Flat bottom Jon boats often get some major abuse up front from beaching, etc.
Welded or riveted ?
Look at the bottom for staining from leakage.
Check out the trailer's bearings if you can. And take notice of wear on tires, to check for alignment.
Good luck, sounds pretty reasonable, if all is sound.
Motor-wise....Definitely check out CL, boat parts section, for deals. Be sure to see it run, buyer beware of lame excuses not to be able to... take gas and a trash barrel with you to look at it !
If it's a "V Hull"....it ain't a "Jon Boat".
Flat bottom Jon boats often get some major abuse up front from beaching, etc.
Welded or riveted ?
Look at the bottom for staining from leakage.
Check out the trailer's bearings if you can. And take notice of wear on tires, to check for alignment.
Good luck, sounds pretty reasonable, if all is sound.
Motor-wise....Definitely check out CL, boat parts section, for deals. Be sure to see it run, buyer beware of lame excuses not to be able to... take gas and a trash barrel with you to look at it !
Aug 4, 2020 14:31:49 #
5 yrs ago or so I picked up a 70s Johnson 9.9 two stroke for $100 on Craigslist. Used it as a kicker motor. Ran like a champ all day every trip. Sold it with boat. You never know what you can find on Craigslist! But I agree it's risky.
Always hear and see it run first. Woul love to see a pic of that old boat and trailer!
Always hear and see it run first. Woul love to see a pic of that old boat and trailer!
Aug 4, 2020 14:32:07 #
fishfinder
Loc: Phila , no, eastern shore va
I recently bought a Suzuki 15 horse 4 stroke for 2500. Went with Suzuki since there are no,carbs to,gum up if not used frequently. I don’t think you’d go wrong with 400 for boat and trailer
Aug 4, 2020 14:47:55 #
Rayz
Loc: North West N.J. and South Hero Vt.
If you r using on a small lake u make get by with a strong electric motor.
Aug 4, 2020 15:45:14 #
Jon boat and vee bottom are mutually exclusive terms. Jon boat means flat bottom, shallow smooth water.
Aug 4, 2020 18:31:49 #
Before you buy a used motor, google "what to check when buying a used outboard motor".
Compression! This isn't optional, take along a gauge!
Is there water or milky oil in the lower unit? Pull the drain screw for a look.
Look carefully for corrosion. Was it used in salt water a lot?
If you can't see it run before buying, don't take it unless you can do the work on the engine yourself. If you know how to do this stuff, you'll know what to look for. For instance, is it complete? Does it have spark? Stuff like that.
As for the boat: If it's riveted, keep looking for a boat. If it's welded, look for corrosion, creases and cracks. Is the transom solid?
Compression! This isn't optional, take along a gauge!
Is there water or milky oil in the lower unit? Pull the drain screw for a look.
Look carefully for corrosion. Was it used in salt water a lot?
If you can't see it run before buying, don't take it unless you can do the work on the engine yourself. If you know how to do this stuff, you'll know what to look for. For instance, is it complete? Does it have spark? Stuff like that.
As for the boat: If it's riveted, keep looking for a boat. If it's welded, look for corrosion, creases and cracks. Is the transom solid?
Aug 4, 2020 21:19:53 #
FS Digest wrote:
Is this a good buy? 1956 14 ft alumacraft vhull boat with trailer for $400? No motor
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by boogjz
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by boogjz
My personal opinion is bring someone who knows boats and trailers with you to look at it. It sounds like you have 0 experience, and there are lots of things that can burn you. NEVER take the seller's word for anything unless you know him well. JMPO Good luck.
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