Used Fishing Boats
Feb 18, 2021 16:13:19 #
Slant
Loc: Grove, OK
I am considering buying a used, small fishing boat. Something like a fiberglass hull bass boat. What should I be looking for on used boats beyond the obvious things like age and physical appearance?
Feb 18, 2021 16:18:26 #
Slant wrote:
I am considering buying a used, small fishing boat. Something like a fiberglass hull bass boat. What should I be looking for on used boats beyond the obvious things like age and physical appearance?
go online and look at reviews for that boat or seller. best place to see if it has any issues.
Feb 18, 2021 16:20:02 #
Slant: Well, I would never consider buying any boat without having it checked out by an expert. It will save you a ton of grief! Are you just considering a boat, or a boat motor and trailer? All of them can have different and hidden problems that an expert can catch. Just Sayin...RJS
Feb 18, 2021 16:20:35 #
Chill55
Loc: Pleasant hill California
If you get a outboard motor your probably better off the inboard/outboard motors have trouble with the boots sometime and some are hard to find
Feb 18, 2021 16:23:28 #
Slant
Loc: Grove, OK
I am looking for the whole package, boat, trailer and outboard motor. Having it checked by an expert is a good idea. For the right price, I might buy the trailer and boat, then buy a new motor.
Thanks.
Thanks.
Feb 18, 2021 16:48:14 #
Yea , definitely have it looked over.
Aside from obvious cosmetic
Have the electrical system checked out.
A marine mechanic should be able to do a computerized diagnostic on the outboard as well as compression check
and overall system check.
Very easy to sink a lot of money into outboard repairs.
Carefully and I mean carefully inspect the transom. Any sign of cracks or damage, walk away. Bad transom is like a horse with a broken back.
Aside from obvious cosmetic
Have the electrical system checked out.
A marine mechanic should be able to do a computerized diagnostic on the outboard as well as compression check
and overall system check.
Very easy to sink a lot of money into outboard repairs.
Carefully and I mean carefully inspect the transom. Any sign of cracks or damage, walk away. Bad transom is like a horse with a broken back.
Feb 18, 2021 16:54:39 #
Slant the motor is the biggest mystery. It needs careful examination. If it is faulty, it is only good for an anchor! Justr Sayin ...RJS
Feb 18, 2021 18:32:32 #
Slant, what everyone has said is great advice. First thing is to figure out what size boat are you looking for or need. Are you planning on fishing small or large lakes. Big difference in prices for a 16’ bass boat compared to a 21’ boat. Type of water dictates the size you need.
Feb 18, 2021 19:44:07 #
All the above is great advice. Don’t rush into your purchase.
Feb 19, 2021 01:03:31 #
Slant
Loc: Grove, OK
All great advice. I will take at slow and look at a lot a boats before buying. Thanks to all.
Feb 19, 2021 03:53:32 #
Slant all good advice definitely have the boat checked out by professional. yes have the boat surveyed especially the transom. Talk to different Marina mechanics around your area.
Feb 19, 2021 10:18:57 #
Feb 19, 2021 14:11:20 #
uncut6 is on the money with the trial run. If possible have an experienced boat person accompany you. A mechanic is fine but the experienced overall user is great.
Feb 19, 2021 16:45:22 #
Slant wrote:
I am looking for the whole package, boat, trailer and outboard motor. Having it checked by an expert is a good idea. For the right price, I might buy the trailer and boat, then buy a new motor.
Thanks.
Thanks.
Take that advice as the best you can get!! Depending on the size of the boat, your new motor might be about half the cost of the total package. I just bought a new Tohatsu, 40hp 4 stroke, $7000. Nothing wrong with my Yamaha, except, like me, age. I fish a lot by myself, and we have our swamp, basin, call it what you want. But if you boat motor doesn't start, well....... Let us know what you plan on getting, maybe someone here has one, and can give you something to look at, or for.
Good luck
Feb 19, 2021 23:21:29 #
Maximo
Loc: Jupiter, Fl
Electrical for sure. Compression test the cylinders. Inspect trailer leaf springs and shackles, the connections between the springs and the axle. I’ve had cracked leafs and broken shackles. Difficult to see clearly with boat on trailer.
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