Boat Suggestions

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fishON4Me
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2009/08/14 12:39:20 (permalink)

Boat Suggestions

Hello All!
 
I am looking to buy my first boat and to be honest don't know a thing about them. I am looking for a boat that I can take out fishing but still be able to take out the family for recreational events like tubing and skiing. I guess I would need a fish finder and all the necessary saftey equipment (not sure what all I need). Can anyone recommend some boats I should look at or where I could find out more information on buying one for my family and I. I found one on craigslist but not sure how much I should actually spend. My spending limit is 4 to 5 thousand. Maybe alittle more. Here is the on I was looking at...
 
http://erie.craigslist.org/boa/1317128598.html
 
Any suggestions are appreciated.
#1

12 Replies Related Threads
    rureadytofish
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    RE: Boat Suggestions 2009/08/14 13:35:12 (permalink)
    Where do you plan on using it?? That is a nice boat, but if you're willing to spend 4-5 k, you can get a much nicer/newer boat. Just be patient and keep looking. Make sure you take it for a ride whatever you buy. Stay out for a little while and ask lots of questions. I just bought a 1998 17' open bow for $3500.00. Guy was asking 5 and I talked him down. I looked for about 3 months till I found the one I wanted.
    #2
    leadmen
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    RE: Boat Suggestions 2009/08/14 13:49:54 (permalink)
    you can get by with a 19ft a cuddy will do you and a i/o better on gas than a older 2stroke and the cuddy is a must for fam members a porta potty a must for anyone you can go to a 21ft little more room and still tow easy you can get it and it will pull a tube open bows good for inland but not too good for erie a wet ride some times a must befor you plop your cash check the transom on any boat take a rubber mallot and dont pound on the hull just tap it a dull sound in areas will mean it may have problems just a heads up been there done that any questions pm me ill try to help you get a boat that needs skuddled as much as i can
    #3
    bulldog1
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    RE: Boat Suggestions 2009/08/14 14:29:34 (permalink)
    The problem with multi purpose boats is that they don't really do either great. Ski boats usually have lots of carpet and upholstery for your hooks to get stuck in and fishing boats usually aren't very plush. You should have a nice selection to choose from in your price range. If I were you I'd figure out what it will be used for most and get one that leans as far that direction without rendering it totally useless for the other purpose. Good luck and enjoy, but save some money back...... you'll need it.
    #4
    fishON4Me
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    RE: Boat Suggestions 2009/08/14 15:10:26 (permalink)
    Thanks all for your suggestions.
     
    bulldog...
     
    I wil be using it more for the family outings. But I do want to go fishing on it for sure! As long as the wife allows it. Could I get a newer cuddy for my price range or is my price range limiting.
     
    Also, does anyone know of any good boats in my price range for sale? Hopefully, I could see some pictures of them online here and check them out if I seem to like them. Thanks again.
    #5
    pxatim
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    RE: Boat Suggestions 2009/08/14 15:27:16 (permalink)
    Get a row boat.... then when the a-holes from shore cast their spoons at you, you won't lose a motor in the process.
    #6
    D-nymph
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    RE: Boat Suggestions 2009/08/14 15:29:53 (permalink)
    Save money for winterizing, storage (not sure of your situation) motor repairs, etc.  Boats can be an EXPENSIVE hobby!
    #7
    jrm45
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    RE: Boat Suggestions 2009/08/14 15:36:22 (permalink)
    boat = Bring Out Another Thousand.... Boats are great to have, but its an expensive hobbie.

    ORIGINAL: pxatim

    Get a row boat.... then when the a-holes from shore cast their spoons at you, you won't lose a motor in the process.
     

    couldnt agree more... had 2 have my outdrive resealed mid season last year after someone didnt pull their line out and it got into my prop.... cut all the seals, leaked all the fluid out...

    Good luck, hope you find something you like!
    #8
    bulldog1
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    RE: Boat Suggestions 2009/08/14 15:54:14 (permalink)
    Not a bad idea to pull the prop off everytime after the wallfishers come out of hibernation. I've even had a couple of guys not pull their lines this summer
    #9
    nwpaconcours
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    RE: Boat Suggestions 2009/08/14 17:51:00 (permalink)
    Take your time with your purchase; its easy to spend twice the purchase price getting a bad boat up to snuff. Older fiberglass boats can have rotted stringers; older aluminum boats can have a rotted transom. Either problem is solvable but not fun.

    Try to spend some time on someone elses boat to figure out what you like and don't like about it. Everyone has there own bias (for good reasons). You'll get confused with the different opinions unless you know what you like and why. All boats are a compromise. Some totally fail at certain things, but generally any boat is a compromise at something. Erring to the side of safety is wise.

    And when you find what you think you like take a friend who knows boats to give an opinion. Two or three sets of eyes are better than one.


    #10
    pghmarty
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    RE: Boat Suggestions 2009/08/14 18:42:52 (permalink)
    Check Boat NADA book online for pricing.

    http://www.boats.com/nada/nada.jsp
    A boat with wood stringers and transom might have some soft spots that get real expensive to replace.
    I had the 140HP "Iron Duke" motor in my 87 Four Winns 190 Horizon and it ran pretty good but on a heavier boat you might be a little under powered to pull a skier unless they are pretty good.
    A novice will not get out of the water.
    Bank repos and car auctions are sometimes a good place to look but bring someone that knows what they are doing.
    I bought My Checkmate on ebay- the guy was PO'd about the price but he did not set a reserve price.
    I bought my Glastron from an estate sale 10 years ago and still have it.


    #11
    Big Fathead
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    RE: Boat Suggestions 2009/08/16 13:42:06 (permalink)
    Boat that size needs more power! Especially if you are going to use it to ski.
    #12
    fishON4Me
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    RE: Boat Suggestions 2009/08/17 17:32:48 (permalink)
    thanks everyone for your suggestions. I am still in the process of looking.
    #13
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