16-17 foot Tiller

I am in the market for a 16-17′ tiller that will fit into a garage that is 21’deep and 106″ wide door (alley…). Ideally I would like to spend around $5k but am willing to stretch that up a bit for the right boat. I am looking for something that comes with a trolling motor, electronics and is steady in the water. I am not as concerned about the electronics as I am the boat being steady and having a solid trolling motor. Does anyone have recommendations or know of a boat that fits this description?

Like these?

http://chicago.craigslist.org/nwc/boa/4494472788.html

http://lacrosse.craigslist.org/boa/4468015253.html

http://waterloo.craigslist.org/boa/4484694686.html (needs a swing tongue kit)

http://minneapolis.craigslist.org/ank/boa/4476569189.html

HRG

Those are some nice boats there, although wish you wouldn’t have posted, got me looking again, and haven’t even had my rig for 6months

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Those are some nice boats there, although wish you wouldn’t have posted, got me looking again, and haven’t even had my rig for 6months

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No matter what you have you’ll always look, it’s an addiction, period.

What are some of the things to look out for when buying a used tin boat? Would you guys advise waiting until fall or buying now?

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What are some of the things to look out for when buying a used tin boat? Would you guys advise waiting until fall or buying now?

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I wouldn’t focus much on a specific time of year as much as knowing exactly what you want and always being on the lookout and ready to buy on a moments notice if you run into a great deal.
Spring is obviously a busy time of year for boat sales. People also get premium prices.
When I got my Pro V I wasn’t “actively” boat shopping but always had an eye open. I had very specific criteria and it took about three years for it to happen.
I still look at boats for sale all the time. It’s become a hobby of sorts, but you also get a good handle on the market and the value of boats. This will help with negotiating.

I truly feel the definition of a good deal is that you’re happy with what you payed for a certain boat, not what an outsider says you should have paid.

Good luck!

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What are some of the things to look out for when buying a used tin boat? Would you guys advise waiting until fall or buying now?

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and always being on the lookout and ready to buy on a moments notice if you run into a great deal.

I truly feel the definition of a good deal is that you’re happy with what you payed for a certain boat, not what an outsider says you should have paid.

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Exactly! Spring tends to bring higher prices, guys have been to Boat & Sport shows, and are ready to buy. Fall is when sellers are looking to avoid storing for the winter.

Happy shopping, HRG

Good advice, thanks guys. As far as the boat what are the red flags I should be on the look out for?

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Good advice, thanks guys. As far as the boat what are the red flags I should be on the look out for?

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Depending on the time of year you should be able to get it out on the water. Check how the engine starts when cold, you can always have a compression test done. Look in the bilge and other compartments and if they’re dry make sure they stay dry, if a little wet ,stay a little wet etc..
Not sure your price range but if it’s fairly low focus heavily on the motor. As long as the rivets are good carpet and stuff can be cleaned/replaced.

Transom! If there is wood in it, make sure it is not wet. Other than motor issues, this would probably cause the greatest amount of head aches.

Don’t forget to look the trailer over.

FDR