Boat Buying Advice???
- Thread starter Macloney
- Start date
They’re just trying to keep the numbers down at the lake!
I went to Big Creek Friday morning to fish and at 9am there had to have been 25-30 boats there. It’s nuts, everyone is picking up new hobbies.
Anybody catch any fish? I was there the week before and there were about 30 boats and no fish.
I was watching close and I didn’t see anybody putting any fish in the boat. Other than me....maybe.....as far as you know.
The boathouse is on a river between 2 lakes and one is Lake Winnebago, which is the largest lake in Wisconsin. This also gives access to the Wolf and Fox Rivers and several other pretty large lakes. Boathouse is just under a grand a year and you can store all year there. I figure that if I really love boating and want to bounce around I could just buy something to tow it with in the future.
You need to know what you are getting into. Is this a fiberglass boat? Is the hull solid everywhere. I would definitely want to have a test drive for that kind of money. Borrow a battery from someone if you have to. Lots of people have a battery or two in things that don't get used a lot, like campers or old trucks. Make sure that the engine sounds good, the gears shift good. A lot of inboards are killed by not draining the water out of the block before winter. If it doesn't idle very good, run away.
I have recently bought an 16 foot fishing boat for $2000. 89 Sea Nymph. It seems like a decent deal so far, but I have spent an additional $300 upgrading stuff and adding some features like headlights, radio etc.
I have recently bought an 16 foot fishing boat for $2000. 89 Sea Nymph. It seems like a decent deal so far, but I have spent an additional $300 upgrading stuff and adding some features like headlights, radio etc.
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Before I bought mine, I was told-- "A boat is a hole in the water where you throw money."
Spent hundreds of hours on Tablerock Lake in my Glastron/EvinrudeOB. Had tons of fun and only cost was gas and a new prop.
Most concerns have already been covered. My only statement would be is that a 3.0 mercruiser can be an absolute dog in a heavy boat (which Sea Rays are). I’ve been around boats whole life and owned many. As a boat to pull tubes, skiers, etc I’d only own a 4.3 or the 5.0 from that era of boats.
It’s a fine I/O if you are just cruising and pulling small kids. Beyond that the boat will struggle IMO. Prop choice will have a huge impact.
It’s a fine I/O if you are just cruising and pulling small kids. Beyond that the boat will struggle IMO. Prop choice will have a huge impact.
This. Even if it does cost you money, what doesn’t? Is bar hopping or golfing free? We all choose to spend our money how we want. My boat wasn’t cheap, but it’s my entertainment, my fishing vessel, and family time. I don’t go to Disney. To me that’s throwing money in a hole.
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Boats are always going to be both a pain in the a**, and a pleasure experience you can't imagine being without. Either just accept that, or don't and move on to another hobby. We bought last year. Love it. Hate it. But can't see right now being without one.
The closer I get to having enough money to buy a boat, the more expensive of a boat I want.
It's a very odd supply/demand graph that I've come upon.
It's a very odd supply/demand graph that I've come upon.
I echo the following sentiments:
- Buy the batteries and make sure the boat runs. I've had buddies get screwed with assuming things are ok, only to find out later the seller was a giant POS.
- If you want to buy a boat, go buy it. Have a great time with your family, and worry about the money when you're dead.
- Buy the batteries and make sure the boat runs. I've had buddies get screwed with assuming things are ok, only to find out later the seller was a giant POS.
- If you want to buy a boat, go buy it. Have a great time with your family, and worry about the money when you're dead.
And if you have the extra money for a nice boat, why not get one? Boats can be pricy, but if you make enough to cover the expenses it’s worth the fun times.
That’s the best advice when it comes to buying a boat.
Maybe after spending the day on one 4 or 5 times then you think about maybe buying a boat
