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Message
re: Thinking about buying a boat. Questions to ask?
Posted on 1/30/12 at 2:00 pm to KT70
Posted on 1/30/12 at 2:00 pm to KT70
I have driven boats before but I have no experience buying one. And don't worry I won't be taking it down the diversion anyway.
I am looking at buying something like a Tahoe for skiing/cruising. For those that say don't do it, is it just because they tend to drain your bank account? My parents have a camp so I think I'd use it alot in the summer.
I am looking at buying something like a Tahoe for skiing/cruising. For those that say don't do it, is it just because they tend to drain your bank account? My parents have a camp so I think I'd use it alot in the summer.
1
Posted on 1/30/12 at 2:01 pm to Chad504boy
Check the trailer for rust. Dont buy off of craigslist. VIP & Chaparral are horrible boats. Check the hull out of the water for any damage / shitty repair. Check the spark plugs, if they look like shite you can tell the owner didn't do any upkeep at all and its probably not worth the money.. And most importantly remember BOAT stands for
BUST
OUT
ANOTHER
THOUSAND
Goodluck
BUST
OUT
ANOTHER
THOUSAND
Goodluck
Posted on 1/30/12 at 2:01 pm to PhiTiger1764
If it floats, flies or fricks, rent it.
Posted on 1/30/12 at 2:01 pm to PhiTiger1764
quote:
PhiTiger1764
If you are truly serious, i suggest you shop a minimum of 6-12 months just to get familiar with boats, boat styles, boat prices for the kind you like, keep on learning about different things... You'll develop a sense of what you may want as you get more familiar with things. And there are deals to be had in buying pre-owned boats out there, just have to be careful.
Posted on 1/30/12 at 2:02 pm to BigMike15
quote:
Does it float?" would be my first
yes it does, but its not a boat for a begginer.
Posted on 1/30/12 at 2:02 pm to PhiTiger1764
quote:
My parents have a camp so I think I'd use it alot in the summer.
make them buy a boat bro.
Posted on 1/30/12 at 2:07 pm to Chad504boy
quote:
make them buy a boat
Ha. Been trying for years. I still have siblings in college though that they're paying for.. I can afford one now and don't want to go another summer without one
Posted on 1/30/12 at 2:09 pm to PhiTiger1764
quote:
Thinking about buying a boat.
Don't.
Posted on 1/30/12 at 2:18 pm to PhiTiger1764
1st Question: How many hours on engine.
2nd Question: Can I see your maintenance and repair records
If the answer to these 1st 2 questions is "I don't know" or "I don't have them" then walk away.
If you get past that point, ask if you can perform a compression check on the cylinders(get and bring your own compression checking tool($30-$50 at an auto parts store).
Ask how old the battery(s) is/are.
Check the hull for spider cracks in the gel coat, especially along the centerline and side edges.
inspect the trailer for rust on the lugs, hubs, shackles & springs and bunk supports. Check to see if hubs have "bearing buddies" and if so, ensure they are filled with grease.
Be as informed as you possibly can. If you find a boat you like on Craigslist or Boat Trader, research the shite out of it. Look for reviews and stories from other owners. A website called "The Hull Truth" is a good forum to go to for all things boat related.
Good luck!
2nd Question: Can I see your maintenance and repair records
If the answer to these 1st 2 questions is "I don't know" or "I don't have them" then walk away.
If you get past that point, ask if you can perform a compression check on the cylinders(get and bring your own compression checking tool($30-$50 at an auto parts store).
Ask how old the battery(s) is/are.
Check the hull for spider cracks in the gel coat, especially along the centerline and side edges.
inspect the trailer for rust on the lugs, hubs, shackles & springs and bunk supports. Check to see if hubs have "bearing buddies" and if so, ensure they are filled with grease.
Be as informed as you possibly can. If you find a boat you like on Craigslist or Boat Trader, research the shite out of it. Look for reviews and stories from other owners. A website called "The Hull Truth" is a good forum to go to for all things boat related.
Good luck!
This post was edited on 1/30/12 at 2:20 pm
Posted on 1/30/12 at 2:42 pm to cdaniel76
quote:
1st Question: How many hours on engine.
2nd Question: Can I see your maintenance and repair records
If the answer to these 1st 2 questions is "I don't know" or "I don't have them" then walk away.
If you get past that point, ask if you can perform a compression check on the cylinders(get and bring your own compression checking tool($30-$50 at an auto parts store).
Ask how old the battery(s) is/are.
Check the hull for spider cracks in the gel coat, especially along the centerline and side edges.
inspect the trailer for rust on the lugs, hubs, shackles & springs and bunk supports. Check to see if hubs have "bearing buddies" and if so, ensure they are filled with grease.
Be as informed as you possibly can. If you find a boat you like on Craigslist or Boat Trader, research the shite out of it. Look for reviews and stories from other owners. A website called "The Hull Truth" is a good forum to go to for all things boat related.
All good advice but there are lots of boats/engines without hour meters and lots of people who do there own maintenance. I don't think these two are necessarily deal breakers. Go look at as many boats as possible even if there out of you price range, you will be gaining knowledge.
Posted on 1/30/12 at 2:45 pm to cdaniel76
quote:
1st Question: How many hours on engine. 2nd Question: Can I see your maintenance and repair records If the answer to these 1st 2 questions is "I don't know" or "I don't have them" then walk away. If you get past that point, ask if you can perform a compression check on the cylinders(get and bring your own compression checking tool($30-$50 at an auto parts store). Ask how old the battery(s) is/are. Check the hull for spider cracks in the gel coat, especially along the centerline and side edges. inspect the trailer for rust on the lugs, hubs, shackles & springs and bunk supports. Check to see if hubs have "bearing buddies" and if so, ensure they are filled with grease. Be as informed as you possibly can. If you find a boat you like on Craigslist or Boat Trader, research the shite out of it. Look for reviews and stories from other owners. A website called "The Hull Truth" is a good forum to go to for all things boat related.
This is a good starting point.
You need to research and water test the types of boats you are interested in. What features do you want, whats a necesity vs a bonus.
You need to be familiar enough with the model boat you are looking at to understand its construction. - is it all fiberglass? does it have wooden stringers or supports anywhere? what are common failure points on the model? Owner groups / brand specific forums are great for this info.
IF you see spidercracks on the outside gel around the floor level run away from it.
Batteries ar echeap so if you have to replace them its no big deal, but use it to negotiate lower.
Ask what process the owner takes to winterize the boat - even if it never gets below freezing, it should be preped for long term storage.
NEVER BUY A BOAT WITHOUT WATER TESTING IT - if the owner wont meet you aty the boat ramp and take a serious buyer for quick trip you need to pass.
Posted on 1/30/12 at 2:48 pm to Chris4x4gill2
And Tahoes are a cheap / entry level boat. Their biggest issues are being underpowered and they tend to rattle alot after a few years from things coming loose.
Most people I know that have had them sold them after a year or two and upgraded. Buy the best you can afford and plan on keeping it a while.
Most people I know that have had them sold them after a year or two and upgraded. Buy the best you can afford and plan on keeping it a while.
Posted on 1/30/12 at 2:48 pm to PhiTiger1764
Find a friend that knows a TON about boats, and have him help you through the ENTIRE process
Posted on 1/30/12 at 2:51 pm to PhiTiger1764
You will want to try to find a quality boat. Don't buy anything older than a 2005 model, because it is likely you will have problems out of it. Unless it has low hours on it and was kept in a storage.
Any ski boat/bowrider will be good for what you want, one about 19 to 21 ft. Will hold about 8 people at that size, with a 4.3 Mercruiser engine. Good Power, not terrible on gas. Anything larger than a 4.3 will guzzle gas.
Quality bow rider boat brands are Sea Ray, Cobalt, Crownline, Chaparral, Larson.
I would stay away from Bayliner or Tahoe unless you buy them new, they are cheap made and will not last for the long run.
If you want a competition ski/wakeboard boat then go with a Malibu or Mastercraft. These will cost you more money and I wouldn't suggest you get one because they are harder to load on trailers because of the straight shaft under the boat, no tilt and trim and with your inexperience you'd probably bend the shaft.
Always when buying a boat the best thing to do is look for abuse (cracked seats, scratches on the hull, etc). And never buy it until you take it out on the lake, always set up a meeting with the owner to go on the lake and run the boat, so you can see how it drives/runs and check all the electronics.
Any ski boat/bowrider will be good for what you want, one about 19 to 21 ft. Will hold about 8 people at that size, with a 4.3 Mercruiser engine. Good Power, not terrible on gas. Anything larger than a 4.3 will guzzle gas.
Quality bow rider boat brands are Sea Ray, Cobalt, Crownline, Chaparral, Larson.
I would stay away from Bayliner or Tahoe unless you buy them new, they are cheap made and will not last for the long run.
If you want a competition ski/wakeboard boat then go with a Malibu or Mastercraft. These will cost you more money and I wouldn't suggest you get one because they are harder to load on trailers because of the straight shaft under the boat, no tilt and trim and with your inexperience you'd probably bend the shaft.
Always when buying a boat the best thing to do is look for abuse (cracked seats, scratches on the hull, etc). And never buy it until you take it out on the lake, always set up a meeting with the owner to go on the lake and run the boat, so you can see how it drives/runs and check all the electronics.
Posted on 1/30/12 at 2:51 pm to CadesCove
quote:
If it floats, flies or fricks, rent it.
To the OP. Man I live on a big fricking lake. Kentucky Lake to be exact. I have two boats. A 26 footer and a 58 foot houseboat. I picked both up off auction and did some repair. Best know what you're looking at and have a best friend whom is a outboard mechanic. If not your will be frustrated and broke. Good Luck!
Posted on 1/30/12 at 2:55 pm to deltaland
quote:
Don't buy anything older than a 2005 model, because it is likely you will have problems out of it.
I have a friend with a MasterCraft that is about 20 years old with a ton of hours on it and we still wakeboard behind that beast every summer. A good engine can make it a long arse time if it's properly taken care of.
Posted on 1/30/12 at 3:16 pm to NawlinsTigah270
Mastercraft is a rare exception. Those older Mastercrafts are solid, and very well built. I'm not referring to the engine, as any engine will last with proper maintenance.
I was referring to the fact on average, with his limited knowledge of boats, he shouldn't buy older than 2005. There are a few exceptions, but you have to know what you're looking for to get and old boat in good shape.
After about 7 or 8 years most boats start to have electronic problems, upholstery problems, etc. Some will have engine problems and drive problems because majority of people don't know how to take care of shite. That was the reasoning for my advice on the year model he should get.
I have a old 1998 18 ft. Dynasty, cheap as frick boat that my grandparents gave me when I was 15 and they moved off of Lake Ouchita in Arkansas and they had no need for it. I do my own mechanic work and it runs like brand new, all I've ever done to it was get the seats redone last year. But i know how to take care of stuff unlike most boat owners. I also have a 15 ft aluminum fishing boat from 1992 with a 25 merc that runs good, and a 23 ft Yamaha ski boat, which I really like the jet propulsion that yamaha uses as opposed to props... it's more fun to drive and gets up to speed quick.
I was referring to the fact on average, with his limited knowledge of boats, he shouldn't buy older than 2005. There are a few exceptions, but you have to know what you're looking for to get and old boat in good shape.
After about 7 or 8 years most boats start to have electronic problems, upholstery problems, etc. Some will have engine problems and drive problems because majority of people don't know how to take care of shite. That was the reasoning for my advice on the year model he should get.
I have a old 1998 18 ft. Dynasty, cheap as frick boat that my grandparents gave me when I was 15 and they moved off of Lake Ouchita in Arkansas and they had no need for it. I do my own mechanic work and it runs like brand new, all I've ever done to it was get the seats redone last year. But i know how to take care of stuff unlike most boat owners. I also have a 15 ft aluminum fishing boat from 1992 with a 25 merc that runs good, and a 23 ft Yamaha ski boat, which I really like the jet propulsion that yamaha uses as opposed to props... it's more fun to drive and gets up to speed quick.
Posted on 1/30/12 at 3:21 pm to deltaland
quote:
23 ft Yamaha ski boat, which I really like the jet propulsion that yamaha uses as opposed to props... it's more fun to drive and gets up to speed quick.
I've heard those things are a pain to get on the trailer if the wind is blowing
Posted on 1/30/12 at 3:22 pm to PhiTiger1764
What kind of boat? Penis boat? Fishing boat? Ski boat? Whatever it is it will be a huge money pit that you will use 15% as much as you think you will.
Posted on 1/30/12 at 3:30 pm to NawlinsTigah270
Stock they are hard to get on trailers, because it won't steer in neutral, like a jet ski. You have to give it gas to steer it, because of the lack of a rudder or foot to steer it.
They sell fin attachments that bolt on to the bottom of the jets that help out a lot with this problem though.
They sell fin attachments that bolt on to the bottom of the jets that help out a lot with this problem though.
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