questions about buying a boat

[CrispedUp 10+ year member]

i am thinking of buying a boat, before the weather starts to get warmer. i have nevr bought a boat before, so what do i look for when i go to check some of them out? i do have some experience in operating them, but i will probably take another boating class again to refresh my memory. i was thinking of getting a pontoon for the family.

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[-01limited- 10+ year member]

Make sure it doesnt have any holes.

 

[09civic 5,000+ posts]

How big is your family. Is it for fresh or salt?

 

[GM4WALLS 10+ year member]

Boats are throw away items... motors are not. If you are looking at pontoon boats (presumably for lake and river use)... check the welds around the endcaps of the pontoons theirselves... and if it is a seamed pontoon, check for cracked weld there as well. Fiberglass hulled boats such as cabin cruisers orbass boats, or center consoles, check for cracking and deep dings where the fibers themselves could be exposed. Also check for signs that the boat has been holding large quantities of water. Typically the only rotting fiberglass boats experience is where there is wooden braces... such as motor mounting areas. Back to the motor... this is the most expensive part of a boat, really if the motor is no good, the boat is no good. Check for oil leaks and make sure it starts and runs well. Stay away from engine brands like Force... brands like Mercury, Evinrude, Honda, Yamaha ect. are quality brands you would be ok with for out boards. If you find something you like, get as much info as you can and research it. Remember, the best two days of a boat owners life is the day he buys it, and the day he sells it!

 

[Bettr n' Revrse 5,000+ posts]

Dont buy one if you want my advice... the only way you will ever make your money back on a boat is if you get it free lol

 

[CrispedUp 10+ year member]

How big is your family. Is it for fresh or salt?

Fresh. We have about 7-10 people in my family.

Boats are throw away items... motors are not. If you are looking at pontoon boats (presumably for lake and river use)... check the welds around the endcaps of the pontoons theirselves... and if it is a seamed pontoon, check for cracked weld there as well. Fiberglass hulled boats such as cabin cruisers orbass boats, or center consoles, check for cracking and deep dings where the fibers themselves could be exposed. Also check for signs that the boat has been holding large quantities of water. Typically the only rotting fiberglass boats experience is where there is wooden braces... such as motor mounting areas. Back to the motor... this is the most expensive part of a boat, really if the motor is no good, the boat is no good. Check for oil leaks and make sure it starts and runs well. Stay away from engine brands like Force... brands like Mercury, Evinrude, Honda, Yamaha ect. are quality brands you would be ok with for out boards. If you find something you like, get as much info as you can and research it. Remember, the best two days of a boat owners life is the day he buys it, and the day he sells it!

I was looking at this one. This place is local to me, too.

http://www.clubroyale.net/pre_owned_detail.asp?sid=05051996X4K14K2011J12I37I40JPMQ2730R0&veh=2035059

I was also looking at this one, but it seems a bit small.

http://www.boattrader.com/listing/2011-QWEST-LS-7518-XRE-Cruise-97801866

 

[09civic 5,000+ posts]

Either pontoon or deck boat.

 

[MikeofTulsa Moderator]

Another thing to consider is if you'll be using it for fishing, if so are you interested in fishing equipment such as fish finders, gps' etc.

 

[CrispedUp 10+ year member]

Another thing to consider is if you'll be using it for fishing, if so are you interested in fishing equipment such as fish finders, gps' etc.

Yes, I will be. Some of the other boats I am looking at, already have fish finders with them.

 

---------- Post added at 01:57 PM ---------- Previous post was at 01:57 PM ----------

 

Make sure it doesnt have any holes.

Good thinking, captain. //content.invisioncic.com/y282845/emoticons/wink.gif.608e3ea05f1a9f98611af0861652f8fb.gif

 

[GM4WALLS 10+ year member]

If your buying new, you should be ok... if used, be very careful.

 

[MikeofTulsa Moderator]

Yes, I will be. Some of the other boats I am looking at, already have fish finders with them. 

---------- Post added at 01:57 PM ---------- Previous post was at 01:57 PM ----------

 

Good thinking, captain. //content.invisioncic.com/y282845/emoticons/wink.gif.608e3ea05f1a9f98611af0861652f8fb.gif

Well, I work for Lowrance so if you need any advise on any of our products let me know.

 

[-01limited- 10+ year member]

Yes, I will be. Some of the other boats I am looking at, already have fish finders with them. 

---------- Post added at 01:57 PM ---------- Previous post was at 01:57 PM ----------

 

Good thinking, captain. //content.invisioncic.com/y282845/emoticons/wink.gif.608e3ea05f1a9f98611af0861652f8fb.gif

Lol, Just tryin' to help. Good luck on your find, I enjoy a nice boat ride.

 

[submoofer1 10+ year member]

boats=money pits but so worth it if you use them alot

 

[09civic 5,000+ posts]

boats=money pits but so worth it if you use them alot

their even bigger money pits if used in saltwater...i would know //content.invisioncic.com/y282845/emoticons/crap.gif.7f4dd41e3e9b23fbd170a1ee6f65cecc.gif

 

[CrispedUp 10+ year member]

before, if you were over 18, you didnt need a license, but i just looked on the web, and saw this for my state.

Persons born after December 31, 1978 shall not operate a personal watercraft unless they obtain a boating safety certificate.

does that apply to all watercrafts?