BUYING A USED BOAT

[apottsuga1]

Can any one give me some advice on buying a used boat? I am looking at an 89 stratus for 3000. It has some wear on it, but motor runs well, trolling motor works, and is good condition. What would you guys do?

Thanks

 

[MagicMan72]

My best advice is to get someone who knows a little about boats to go look at it for you. There are things that boat guys know to look at that a person buying a first boat doesn't. Transom condition, cylinder pressure theres a lot to consider. It may be a great boat, but I would pay someone a little bit to be sure. I dont know anyone right off hand, but there are a lot of boat guys on here.

 

[Oldman]

have wrechin2 check it out before u buy it.

 

[wetaline]

Listen to these guys, transom condition, cylinder pressure and have someone test leakage. A $3000 boat can quickly turn into a 10,000 if not careful. Been there done that and it stinks. So be very careful, nothing worse than sitting at the boat dock watching everybody else put in and take off ya know.

 

[stumpy]

At the very least put it on the water and give it a work out. Be sure its what you expect .Like already mentioned a 3k boat can quickly turn into 10k. I've never been a big fan of swimming back to the ramp.

 

[TOMMY 20RXD]

emoEnforce WATER TEST OR YOU WILL BE SORRY!!!!!!!!!!

 

[wrechin2]

I got my start working on boats because I bought a great deal on a boat and I actually did pay someone to look at it. There were many things wrong with it and he never told me about any of them, but knowing what I know now he really didn't know much! But I did learn a valuable lesson. </p>

Again a 3K boat can quicly become a 10K project. I have an engine on a stand here that is waiting on the transom to be redone in a boat a guy just bought. I have had to rebuild several engines on boats that were just purchased. Follow everyone's advice and have someone respectable look at it!</p>