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Buying a new boat or restoring an older model?

Posted on 6/23/17 at 5:48 pm
Posted by ChexMix
Taste the Deliciousness
Member since Apr 2014
24732 posts
Posted on 6/23/17 at 5:48 pm
I have never owned a boat before and would like to take up fishing as a hobby. I have 8 rods and reels, full tackle boxes and a strong case of bass fever.

I have my eyes on hull that i would love to restore, but know that the cost of a new motor, wiring, etc will put me around the 16k mark. Only issue is the newer boats in my price range run around 24k.

So. Rebuild or buy new?
Posted by Polar Pop
Member since Feb 2012
10748 posts
Posted on 6/23/17 at 5:51 pm to
Split the difference and buy good conditioned used, tons of them out there.
Posted by Riseupfromtherubble
You'll Never Walk Alone
Member since Jun 2011
38360 posts
Posted on 6/23/17 at 6:02 pm to
I wish you posted like a somewhat sane individual on other boards so I could give you sound advice.
Posted by bbvdd
Memphis, TN
Member since Jun 2009
24912 posts
Posted on 6/23/17 at 6:04 pm to
How handy are you? On this boat would you be putting a lot electronics, bait wells, live wells, etc?

I'm pretty sure I could do most of the actual construction on a boat but I'd have no idea where to start on the electronics.

Also, do you want to start fishing this year?
If you buy a fixer upper you are most likely looking at next year to fish it.
Posted by QuietTiger
New Orleans
Member since Dec 2003
26256 posts
Posted on 6/23/17 at 6:20 pm to
quote:

I have never owned a boat before and would like to take up fishing as a hobby.

Listen to Pop.
Posted by bird35
Georgia
Member since Sep 2012
12123 posts
Posted on 6/23/17 at 6:34 pm to
Don't be afraid to jump into boat ownership.

I was 40 when I got my boat. It has been great for me and family.

I definitely would get a used boat for a first boat fish from it for a year or two then you will know what you really want.

Posted by tilco
Spanish Fort, AL
Member since Nov 2013
13459 posts
Posted on 6/23/17 at 6:42 pm to
Always buy used. Boats aren't a necessity and depreciate like crazy after purchase. Let someone else be the sucker.

Bought my boat for 16k. It had 70 hours on it and the previous owner bought it new 3 years before for 24k.
Posted by ChexMix
Taste the Deliciousness
Member since Apr 2014
24732 posts
Posted on 6/24/17 at 7:16 pm to
quote:

I wish you posted like a somewhat sane individual on other boards so I could give you sound advice.

Seriously? I must have trolled you to oblivion. This isnt the Rant.
Posted by ChexMix
Taste the Deliciousness
Member since Apr 2014
24732 posts
Posted on 6/24/17 at 7:19 pm to
quote:

Bought my boat for 16k.
This is about as much as i want to spend on a boat, which is why i am debating buying a hull for under 1500 and fixing it up to my liking, or buying a used boat that isnt exactly what i am looking for.


On a side note, if anyone knows of a 2004 Triton TX 186 for sale, please let me know.
Posted by ChexMix
Taste the Deliciousness
Member since Apr 2014
24732 posts
Posted on 6/24/17 at 7:22 pm to
quote:

How handy are you? On this boat would you be putting a lot electronics, bait wells, live wells, etc?

I had experience being an electrician on commercial and residential when i was younger...more of a learn as i go
quote:


Also, do you want to start fishing this year?
Not pressed for time. I have a center console that i can use whenever i want sitting in my back yard but it belongs to my uncle and father.

Posted by auburntiger4life
Member since Aug 2016
321 posts
Posted on 6/24/17 at 7:44 pm to
I will tell u imo on the first boat buy used and give it time u will learn exactly what kinda boat suits u best, then buy or build what u want, I've seen friends spend alot of money on what they thought that wanted then not be truly happy with it
Posted by Janky
Team Primo
Member since Jun 2011
35957 posts
Posted on 6/24/17 at 7:51 pm to
I just bought my first boat and I think the secret is to be patient. You will know when you find the right one.
Posted by ChexMix
Taste the Deliciousness
Member since Apr 2014
24732 posts
Posted on 6/24/17 at 8:42 pm to
quote:

I will tell u imo on the first boat buy used and give it time u will learn exactly what kinda boat suits u best, then buy or build what u want, I've seen friends spend alot of money on what they thought that wanted then not be truly happy with it

i know what you mean. I have access to center console bay boat, bass boats and pontoon boats. Grandfather had a ski boat and my good buddy had a cabin cruiser.

Out of all of those, a bass boat is what suits my interests on the water. And tbh, the only reason i want to restore a boat is the model hull that is available. Its a rare saltwater version bass boat which is perfect for my needs living in the Mobile area.

It will be a money pit for sure, but it will be my money pit
Posted by auburntiger4life
Member since Aug 2016
321 posts
Posted on 6/24/17 at 9:31 pm to
I've built a few money pits myself but if it's what your wanting then go for it, sometimes you gota say screw the budget and build it right the first time lol
Posted by bigbuckdj
Member since Sep 2011
1830 posts
Posted on 6/24/17 at 9:53 pm to
If you buy a true used one like 8+ years old you should put a ton of thought into the purchase. When you go look at the boat, be prepared to really check out the motor and condition of the hull. A lot of people are just unloading their problem onto someone else.
Posted by ChexMix
Taste the Deliciousness
Member since Apr 2014
24732 posts
Posted on 6/24/17 at 10:30 pm to
quote:

If you buy a true used one like 8+ years old you should put a ton of thought into the purchase. When you go look at the boat, be prepared to really check out the motor and condition of the hull. A lot of people are just unloading their problem onto someone else.


which is why i would rather buy the hull and get a brand new motor. Peace of mind may cost me in the long run, but it also may save me thousands if I can get the hull i want
Posted by bigbuckdj
Member since Sep 2011
1830 posts
Posted on 6/24/17 at 11:00 pm to
quote:

which is why i would rather buy the hull and get a brand new motor. Peace of mind may cost me in the long run, but it also may save me thousands if I can get the hull i want

I just did this exact thing. I knew the exact hull I wanted and I waited forever for the hull at the right price. It had a motor that came with it that was a complete terd(I don't even know what to do with it), but the hulls great and my new motor will be here next week.
Posted by keakar
Member since Jan 2017
29825 posts
Posted on 6/25/17 at 11:21 am to
restoring a boat is non stop headaches, hard work, frustration, and always cost more then twice what you think is the absolute most it could cost you.

DO NOT ATTEMPT IF YOU EVER EXPECT TO USE THE BOAT

its something to do in spare time like whittle wood where in the end you never "really" expect to get anywhere.

buy a good used boat, you sure don't want to buy a new boat since 95% of people who own a first boat find out its not what they want from a boat as in too big, too small, sits too deep in the water, rides too rough, costs way to much to operate, etc, etc.

if you are set at having one particular hull then just buy it new or bring it to a professional to have it redone. its not a job for someone to do themselves if you want to use it rather then just look at it in the driveway for 5 years making excuses why your not working on it.
This post was edited on 6/25/17 at 11:26 am
Posted by ChexMix
Taste the Deliciousness
Member since Apr 2014
24732 posts
Posted on 6/25/17 at 10:26 pm to
quote:

restoring a boat is non stop headaches, hard work, frustration, and always cost more then twice what you think is the absolute most it could cost you.
sorry you had such a bad experience
quote:

DO NOT ATTEMPT IF YOU EVER EXPECT TO USE THE BOAT
I am not going to spend 15k+ to decorate my lawn.
quote:

if you are set at having one particular hull then just buy it new or bring it to a professional to have it redone.
I purchased the hull today. It is a discontinued saltwater bass boat model by Triton. The only other saltwater bass boat is by Ranger and it costs more than i am willing to spend
quote:

its not a job for someone to do themselves if you want to use it rather then just look at it in the driveway for 5 years making excuses why your not working on it.
That's just not who i am.
Posted by Wtodd
Tampa, FL
Member since Oct 2013
67478 posts
Posted on 6/26/17 at 6:31 am to
quote:

have never owned a boat before

Then don't do this
quote:

restoring an older model


Buy a new one, load it up with your stuff and enjoy
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