well me and a buddy of mine have been talkin about getting a boat, new seem really expensive but for the used ones, not sure what should i be looking for. Anybody got any suggestions on a good reliable boat? nothing too big, maybe a boat big enough for like 4-6 people. it will be used for fishing, mostly saltwater but maybe some freshwater. can a boat be used for both saltwater and fresh water?


also ive seen some nice sized boats but there old like, 25 years old and stuff, anything to look for when checking out a boat that old? thanks fellas

 

Boats are like trucks, it all depends on what you want to do with it. I don't know what kind of what you will on but I would say go with something around 22-26 ft and no smaller than a 350cid motor.

 

it will be used to fishing. just enough to get me out a little ways

 

Look into a 19'-23' ish ft Mako or Grady White or something similar. If you're leaning towards the used market be cautious. Finding a good used boat can be harder than finding a good used truck. Check the bottom of the boat for any cracks or damage. Walk all around the inside of the boat and feel for soft spots in the deck. If you're looking at an outboard boat, check the transom to make sure it's not rotting. (Grab the motor and shake it front to back, the transom should be rigid) Check the wiring under the console and on the motor. A little corrosion is to be expected, but you don't want a project boat. Check the propeller (if it is pitted, the previous owner may have beaten the boat a bit). Check the skeg (on outboard engines, no paint means they ran through shallow water and the water pump may be an issue, but maybe not)

Personally, I'd steer clear of inboard boats. They can be harder to work on and they take up more room in the boat. I'd say you need to look into a center console boat.

If you want to fish, check to see if the boat has a good livewell (preferably circular or oval shaped with no sharp edges, poorly designed livewells can significantly decrease the life of live baits)

I have a 17' Mako with a 115hp Mercury 4-Stroke. It'll run about 43mph and gets pretty good gas mileage. I've used it for cruising around, watersports, fishing, free-diving, sand bar hopping, etc.

As far as your question for boats going from salt to fresh, it's okay if you put a saltwater boat in fresh, but don't go the other way. Salt water is very corrosive and boats/engines designed for fresh water won't hold up very well. You should always flush your engine and wash down your boat every time after use in saltwater.

Some guys may steer you towards an inboard side console style boat. However, from what you've said I would say that a center console outboard boat will be the most versatile.

Shop around, go look at new boats, talk to people who have the type of boat you think you want. Check into boat shows in the area.

Other than what I've said, if you're gonna buy a used boat, look it over just as you would anything else. Look for broken stuff, leaks, and overall condition.

 

^^^^ what he said. I still like the alum. hull bass trackers. But if you want something with more dual purpose than that. look for about 19' hull. Seems to be good with seating and everything else. My dad bought his with a 250hp Johnson and wished he had never did to being with. Too much motor.

 

alright thanks for the info

 

found these, what do you all think

http://houston.craigslist.org/boa/1250014059.html

http://houston.craigslist.org/boa/1256588904.html

http://houston.craigslist.org/boa/1256430508.html

http://houston.craigslist.org/boa/1264759447.html

http://houston.craigslist.org/boa/1225654651.html

 

#1 23' Mako seems okay, twin engines (if in good condition) are a definite bonus. Less chance of getting stranded due to engine troubles.

#2 24' Grady seems okay, but the engine in "unknown condition" would turn me away.

#3 Boston Whalers are great boats. They don't ride the best nor are they the driest, but they don't sink. I've seen them cut in half driving along the waterways in Fort Lauderdale, FL during boat shows. One bad side to all that foam that keeps it afloat is that it can soak up water over time. They said something about needing some glass work. Whenever a boat needs glasswork, it means that somebody hit something HARD.

#4 25' Robalo may be a bit much for you to tow. My father had a 27' Robalo a few years back and it weighed near 7k. It isn't a huge boat by any standards, but I wouldn't want to tow it around with a 1/2 truck. It also doesn't have a motor on it. Finding a good used motor shouldn't be a problem, but it will cost you. Maybe 1-3 grand for the engine. Then installation and whatever wiring harnesses they might need. Just more crap to deal with.

#5 20' Robalo would probably be my top choice of all the boats you listed. That's a decent sized boat.


Look for a boat that's in good shape. Don't buy a project boat. Even if it only needs "minor repairs." Working on boats is a pain in the ***. Besides, you'll have plenty of opportunities to fix it through its life with you anyways. I've done two project boats so far, and its not looking like I'll do a third within the next 20 years. You want to go fishing and skiing, not go to the marine supply store to buy hardware, hoses, silicone, and pumps.

 

thanks for the info, ya i really like the 1st and 5th most of all. really like the 2 engines like you said incase one fails out there

 

the only big problem with having two engines versus one is the issue of having twice as many parts to replace. If you get a motor that's in good condition, you will be fine. Older two stroke engines are great simply due to their simplicity. Newer four stroke engines are pretty awesome too. They're quiet, very efficient, and have relatively no problems. My dad had Yamaha 225 4-strokes and never had an engine issue. My professor had the same engines and put 600+ hours on them with no problem. The only common problem with the motors is operator error. People can't tell if they're running and they wear out the starter gear.