Boat buying advice

[Jason F-18]

OK, so now that I have my boat sold, I can get down to business finding a replacement.
I have been looking at fish and skis ranging from 1991- 2002. Hopefully I can get some feedback here:

This will be my first fiberglass boat, so any input on what to look for would be great. Also, what to look for in the motor. Would like to have a 125- 175. Ideally I think an 18-19ft with a 150 would suit us perfectly.

I have seen a few boats that look promising:

1991 Ranger 397V- 175 Evinrude

1999 Astro F/S- 115 Evinrude

1998 Fisher F/S- 150 Merc

1992 Stratos 290 FS- 200 Johnson

Any thoughts on any of the boats mentioned?

Thanks for the input. I hope to get out and see a few of these this week

 

[GAfisherman]

JT, I have a 20 foot stratos fish and ski for sale. It is a 1989 but has a new floor and is in the process of getting new carpet installed now. It has a 200 johnson, hummingbird gps, onboard charger and 12/24 volt trolling motor. If interested let me know. $3500 The main thing to look at with any boat is that the transom is solid and the motor compression. Those are two important factors.

 

[cast4bass]

Bass Cat!

 

[Jason F-18]

cast4bass - 7/11/2011 1:35 PM

Bass Cat!

LOL, I know Bill. We're just not quite at Bass Cat territory yet, maybe my next one. We are really trying to avoid having payments on a boat.

 

[fredsharky]

Without seeing any of those and just going by past experience the Ranger 397 is an awesome boat and was a head of there time with that model. My uncle had one for years and he loved it.

 

[Auburnwes]

Go over ever inch of the boat looking for any signs of issues, check the hull and pad for any bad gouges or sign of repair

Check the transom by tapping on it at all over, you want a nice solid sound if it sounds like its hollow then its a no go.

As for the engine make sure you get a leak down test done that will tell you the true health of it.

Here is the long version of why not to rely on a comp test alone...

http://www.chattanoogafishingforum.com/forums/thread-view.asp?tid=50110&posts=10&start=1

At the end of the day make sure you go to the lake with it and see how it runs and drives! Good luck!

 

[Auburnwes]

Double post....

 

[[email protected]]

better stick with the 1 that has the 150 merc not had 2 good of luck with the OMC brands