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Started By
Message
Lookin at aluminum boats
Posted on 3/18/14 at 9:26 pm
Posted on 3/18/14 at 9:26 pm
I have been thinking about getting a small aluminum boat.I live about 5-6 miles from Lake Okhissa and the kids always want to go fishing.I dont want to spend alot on a boat that will just sit most of the time.I was thinking about the alumacraft 14ft and trailer from Academy.I have a trolling motor already and a buddy has a little outboard thats for sale.Anbody have any experience with those boats?
This post was edited on 3/18/14 at 9:28 pm
7
Posted on 3/18/14 at 9:47 pm to pdubya76
If I was buying a 14' tin boat I would go to a dealer. You looking at about $2,000 for a 14' boat w/trailer not motor bare hull
Posted on 3/18/14 at 10:13 pm to CHEDBALLZ
I did the same thing years ago, buying 14footer from academy. Bought boat and trolling motor, hauled it around in back of truck to places I wanted to fish. Then ended up getting a trailer from academy and fished like that for a while. then got a killer deal on an outboard from Cajun outboards and eventually sold it for a nice profit. Like chedballz said look at a dealer first.
Posted on 3/18/14 at 10:14 pm to pdubya76
The Aluminum boat from academy look like there made from beer cans. 
Posted on 3/18/14 at 10:21 pm to pdubya76
Also look at the riveted jons at Cabelas (Lowe boats) and Bass Pro (Tracker). None of the boats in this price range are super durable, but for running around a local lake, they would probably by perfect.
Posted on 3/18/14 at 10:21 pm to pdubya76
I would spend the extra money on a welded boat, especially if you'll be using a trailer, and definitely if you're putting an outboard on it a lot.
Vibration from the motor and slapping the water surface will eventually loosen rivets, causing leaks. Transoms are also not nearly as reinforced, so an outboard will sometimes "dig in" and really weaken the transom.
Riveted boats are good for small ponds and trolling motors.
Welded will last a lifetime without leaking and will not decrease in value like a riveted boat. (nobody wants to buy a used leaky boat unless it's dirt cheap) The welded boat will pretty much flake paint as it ages, but that's it.
Go at least 42" wide on the bottom whether welded or not. Much much more stable and less draft.
You should be able to find something in this range used on some local classifieds and talk them down. Make sure you get papers (the title) transferred.
*From a dealer, it should still be in the $2000 range with a trailer.
Check out LINK
to get an idea of pricing.
Vibration from the motor and slapping the water surface will eventually loosen rivets, causing leaks. Transoms are also not nearly as reinforced, so an outboard will sometimes "dig in" and really weaken the transom.
Riveted boats are good for small ponds and trolling motors.
Welded will last a lifetime without leaking and will not decrease in value like a riveted boat. (nobody wants to buy a used leaky boat unless it's dirt cheap) The welded boat will pretty much flake paint as it ages, but that's it.
Go at least 42" wide on the bottom whether welded or not. Much much more stable and less draft.
You should be able to find something in this range used on some local classifieds and talk them down. Make sure you get papers (the title) transferred.
*From a dealer, it should still be in the $2000 range with a trailer.
Check out LINK
to get an idea of pricing.
This post was edited on 3/18/14 at 10:28 pm
Posted on 3/18/14 at 10:37 pm to ultralite
I know riveted boats get a lot of hate, but I used to have a 12ft 1980 something riveted Lowe about 5 years ago. Had a 16 HP go devil on it and went everywhere I shouldn't have, but not one rivet ever leaked. Maybe they're made cheaper nowadays, but I take the rivet-haters with a grain of salt.
Posted on 3/18/14 at 10:44 pm to tight lines
Not necessarily hating on riveted boats, some people have great experiences with them and some find they fall apart.
I don't know if that's the case, but their quality can vary drastically.
Welded boats are all pretty much built to a pretty rugged standard. For one, they inherently have to use thicker aluminum for the welds.
quote:
Maybe they're made cheaper nowadays
I don't know if that's the case, but their quality can vary drastically.
Welded boats are all pretty much built to a pretty rugged standard. For one, they inherently have to use thicker aluminum for the welds.
Posted on 3/18/14 at 11:17 pm to ultralite
quote:
Welded boats are all pretty much built to a pretty rugged standard. For one, they inherently have to use thicker aluminum for the welds.
No arguing this. All depends on the OP's needs and how much he wants to spend
Posted on 3/18/14 at 11:56 pm to pdubya76
Wish I could help you mr p
Posted on 3/19/14 at 1:49 am to pdubya76
For what you want to do that would be fine. If you went the used route you will save a lot of money. Just look on craigslist or something. They are everywhere.
Posted on 3/19/14 at 4:41 am to ultralite
Welded boats are also much heavier because they require thicker aluminum sheet, which in turn requires a larger motor. If I understand the issue properly, this fellow wants inexpensive and light just to take the kids on the water at a local lake. He'll be fine with a riveted boat. Just pay attention to the rivets and reseal as needed. Maybe look for a better made riveted boat, like a Lowe. For your use, I'd even consider the Lowe utility boats, which have more of a V hull. Of course the choice of hull depends upon the depth of the lake.
This post was edited on 3/19/14 at 5:02 am
Posted on 3/19/14 at 8:45 am to LouisianaChessie
quote:
For what you want to do that would be fine. If you went the used route you will save a lot of money. Just look on craigslist or something. They are everywhere.
Trust me...I have been burning craigslist up looking.Some of the listings are downright comical for used boats.Alot of boats on there have no paperwork on boat or trailer which is a must for me.One guy I called said he didnt have any paperwork but checked with the police and pawn shops when he got it to make sure it wasnt stolen.I politely thanked him and wished him luck selling it.There are some good ones but they go QUICK.
Posted on 3/19/14 at 8:48 am to pdubya76
quote:
I was thinking about the alumacraft 14ft and trailer from Academy
You could drive around and find a boat for sale for 1/4 of what you will pay at academy. For instance, I recently sold a poster here a 12 foot with trailer and 9.9 for a deal that amounted to about $900
Posted on 3/19/14 at 8:56 am to Motorboat
quote:
You could drive around and find a boat for sale for 1/4 of what you will pay at academy. For instance, I recently sold a poster here a 12 foot with trailer and 9.9 for a deal that amounted to about $900
Posted on 3/19/14 at 9:01 am to pdubya76
yeah. someone got a really good deal IMO and his name might have been Slickback
Kidding, it was fair.
Kidding, it was fair.
Posted on 3/19/14 at 9:03 am to Motorboat
Hey SLick...Ill give ya 950 and let ya come turkey hunting on my place.
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