Starter boat... used motors - what to expect?

[Burnbeard]

If I drop about a grand on a used bass boat in good condition with no motor, what size motor should I be looking for and what can I realistically expect to pay for a used one? Price is an issue but time isn't, so I'll be looking for the best deal I can get.

Is it a bad idea to buy the boat and motor seperately with no boat experience? I don't see a way to test out either one without the other.

I do not want to show off or go speeding around the lake, just reliably get to fishing spots in a reasonable time frame. My wife and my mother will likely be frequent passengers and I do not want to take either of them out very fast. What is decent HP for my needs as a starter boat?

Thanks

 

[Burnbeard]

Also, if I get an older motor that starts but is problematic and needs to be worked on... how much can that be?

Itching to pull the trigger on a deal but these concerns are keeping me from doing it.

 

[xrfoxracer]

boats stand for break out another thousand B.O.A.T.

If you get an outboard with problems it could cost you as little at 30 bucks or as much as 2-4 THOUSAND depending on whats wrong...just make sure to have the motor check out by a marine mechanic and make sure does a compression check AND a leak down test! these are two test that can save you ALOT of money

 

[Pop-R]

I would keep checking this site, craigslist ,Tennessee Trader paper or even search ebay locally for a boat with a motor. I have seen all kinds of deals the past few months for $800 - $1500. I did buy my boat with a bad motor and the first year i fished just using the trolling motor. The repair was more than I could spend at the time. Then found another boat with a bad transum and switched the motor and cables over. It isn't the easiest thing to do if you don't have the knowledge. It took me a while to get it set up correctly. The 150 I bought turned out to be a 175 with a 150 cowling. Definantly pay some one to check it out before you buy. HP depends on the boat you could get an aluminum boat with a 20 hp that will move you along fine.

 

[Bomber 175]

i have a 93 bomber v-hull bass boat with a 150 mercury the boat is 17.5 ft. with matching trailer s.s prop 55 lbs trolling motor 24-v hummingbird 525 fish finder good livewell built in cooler am-fm-cassett factory radio. good boat ready to fish. i have found a newer boat i am thinking about buying. i would sell it for 4500.00 firm.

 

[Burnbeard]

Thanks guys for the helpful responses. A ready to fish boat would be ideal but I feel like I have to weigh my options. I plan to get alot of use out of this boat and want something I will still feel happy about owning a couple years from now.

For example I was looking at a late 80's 18' fiberglass bass boat rated for 150 HP, garage kept, very sharp looking and clean. Has everything except a motor... I'd want something for it not slow but not fast. Everyone in the boat would have to feel comfortable, even those with handicaps or other health problems. Don't want anyone white-knuckling.
150hp is probably too much
20 hp sounds small but can it be practical in my situation?
what about 50 or 75hp?
Can a dependable outboard for that boat or one like it be obtained for $500 or less?

sorry, $4500 is way way out of my range.

 

[BustinBass197]

I can't tell u the size of motor unless we have the size of boat. If you are buying something with age it will cost u some money immediately or down the road.

 

[Burnbeard]

BustinBass197 - 2/9/2011 6:06 PM

I can't tell u the size of motor unless we have the size of boat. If you are buying something with age it will cost u some money immediately or down the road.

I posted the size just seconds before you posted 18' fiberglass rated up to a 150hp
From what I understand, it's going to cost me down the road no matter what. This is a gift from my parents for my birthday, and I'm trying hard to save them some money here on the initial cost. Maintenance and upkeep is all on me but I'd like to know what I'm getting into before we buy. I want something that I can enjoy for awhile before needing a tow or a major repair or a new motor.
Thanks

 

[AreTheyBiting]

I would advise against putting a small motor on that big of a boat. You will easily grow dissatisfied with it.
Once you learn to handle the boat you will want more speed. Almost everyone does.
Boats are not that hard to drive if you take your time learning safely.
I understand you want every one in the boat to be comfortable, you can always go slower. A big motor properly rigged doesn't hurt anything going slow. (although it might be a bit of a gas hog)
You're biggest problem with putting a small motor on that boat will be getting it to run and handle properly rather than just plow water.
There is also a money consideration, generally bots that are under powered like that are much harder to resell.
18 footer is probably rated for 150-175 stick in that range

 

[SNUFFY]

unless you`re getting the boat for free you`d be better off to buy a boat and motor together that`s already rigged and ready to go. You won`t save anything byt trying to piece together a bunch odds and ends.
What brand of bass boat is the 18footer....and 85 or 115 johnson or even some Mercs will get it on plane and down the lake . Some of those old motors are dependable as heck . a 500$ dollar motor of any size would be a chance. That`s a good price for an older 25hp that runs good ....but they are usually more. Tell us the brand of boat and the money you want to spend and we can help you better.

 

[mark]

my dad has a tracker alum boat with a 70 hp could use carpet and seats but runs great i think he would sell for about 2500 to 2800 some where in that range

 

[Burnbeard]

The one I'm most interested in is a Vision. It just seemed like a good deal for a good boat, one that I hate passing up.
Haven't seen it in person to knock around on the hull or floor but it looks nice.
There is also that venture someone is selling on here for $800, no motor.. needs buffing.

Not really trying to save a buck by buying it seperately, as I'd rather get one complete. That's why I'm checking with you guys to see if it's economical or wise to get a nice boat without a motor. I guess I'm trying to find out how much money my parents can expect to pay for a motor. We certainly don't want to pay any more for the motor than we pay for the boat if bought seperate. If I get a boat for a grand with no motor.. I'd have to be able to get a motor for much less than that for it to be worth it.

 

[dtw2]

I would say you could find a motor for around 1500 to 2000 dollars, i had an 1987 18' 180 vision before and 150hp motor on it handle the boat just right not to fast top speed was 52 loaded, the boat handle better than any boat i have ever owned you could turn that boat around on a dime. great boat sat low in the water not so good on ruff water, and it would soak you with water coming over the bow, but for a first boat i didn't care.

 

[Burnbeard]

Ok. It's not worth it for us then to buy seperate like that. Guess I'll keep looking for those good deals that have been around lately for ready to fish boats. That way atleast I can pay someone to look it over for me first.

Thanks everyone! If you have any other info that you think can help me, I'd appreciate your input.