Is this a good deal??

I’m thinking of getting a boat this season for the family to fish out of (more than likely just me a two boys) I’m total new to this boat world and don’t know anything as of yet. So what so I look for in a used boat (5k or so) and is this a good deal??

http://fortcollins.craigslist.org/boa/5405409858.html

Thanks for any help

it seems like its about average price. if your brand new to boating and willing to spend $5000 or “so” there is a VERY big difference between a $4000 boat and a $7000 boat. i have had a few $3500 dollar boats and they tend to require a lot of work and knowledge to keep in working order. make sure to look out for- rotten transom/decks, broken rivets, leaks, old corroded wires, electrical problems, bad piston rings, stripped out helie coil, mice nesting in the motor cover! if you do plan on going with a boat that old make sure you plan on making some repairs. just my 2 cents

Worth a look IMO.

If the boat tarps are junk, that’s concerning considering it sat on a dock exposed for 10yrs

But the trailer is probably top notch, some new rubber and bearings should set that right.

I appreciate the posters candidness with the boat. Seems a conversation with him would shed more light on any more possible issues.

Good luck!

60 HP on a full-windshield 17′ boat seems way underpowered to me.

If you are new to boating I think this one may not be the best. 26 years old is going to have some issues somewhere. But then again it could have been used very little but with the hull paint like that it spent time outside atlas tied up… 4k gamble

Looks like she spent time tied to a dock for a few years by looking at the lack of paint below water line it was scrubbed hard. Alum boats that sit in water can have electrolysis issues as most are unfamiliar with anodes.

I guess it would not be my first pick, also buying now there are only a few places open to test the boat (rivers) Though I an not familial with this actual location.

I would find a friend to help you out on testing the boat you choose if this is new to you.

That is the kind of boat you show up with $2,500 cash – take it or leave it offer. You will need the other $2,500 to fix it up. (Or turn around and sell it for what you have into it after you find out its junk.)

-J.

I see the CL posting has been removed. I hope it wasn’t because you bought it because I don’t think it was a very good deal. Like the others have said, a boat that old likely has some issues that would need some attention, and seeing the rash on it (I saw the pictures before the post was removed) certainly looked like it was abused quite a bit.

It’s January, you have plenty of time to shop around. I know it’s easy to get your eyes set on a particular boat, but don’t jump on the first thing that looks decent, especially price attractive.

Aaron, being that you are looking for your first boat there is a high likelihood that this boat will simply be your training wheel boat. I bought a used boat to cut my teeth on and then upgraded to my current boat. A decade later, I wish I could upgrade one more time. Until you use a boat for a while, it is difficult if not impossible to know what your wants and needs really are. And just to warn you now, there is no such thing as the perfect boat, just ones that have more or less compromises from your perfect boat. Find something in good shape at a reasonable price and let the learning curve begin. It will all be valuable.

Guys I never bought this boat, but thanks for the info. I do have a friend who got a boat but he travels a ton for work and I only see him once in a blue moon. I do hear the best two days of owning a boat is the you buy it and the day you sell it.

If your buying a cigarette/leisure boat, agreed. For a fishing boat, the best day is the day your on the water with it and the fish are cooperating… that can be MANY !

Fishing boats are the best. I’m addicted to buying boats ask my wife. I’m 31 and I’ve owned 8 boats. Currently have 2. A kind Alaskan and a express fishing/duck boat. I just bought my Alaskan and realized a few days after I got home that it won’t fit in my garage. Now they both will b up for sale. Lol