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Post by ditchdr on Oct 28, 2010 15:47:45 GMT -1
I will be buying my first boat this winter. What should I look for when checking out different boats? Are there any guidelines? Do different manufactures have different parts that tear up quicker or more slowly. Please any and all info helps.
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tinker1
Executive Member
Posts: 670
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Post by tinker1 on Oct 28, 2010 18:35:20 GMT -1
Don't know if Soretoe has that Tracker for sale still. John Nutter (Nutter rod and Reel) had a Tracker for sale for 5K awhile ago. I am a Mercury engine fan. Always had good service from mine. I like the Aluminum boats. Had a Bass Tracker for 30 years now. I got my money's worth out of it.
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Post by gordon on Oct 29, 2010 13:11:43 GMT -1
My limited experience tells me that the most important thing to consider is the engine.
I don't know whether you are buying new or second hand. Make sure if you are buying second hand that the engine is up to snuff with a good service history. Stick with well known brands - Mercury, Yamaha ect.
When I first started boating, I probably blew $2,000 not following this advice.
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Post by Fletcher on Oct 29, 2010 14:09:05 GMT -1
Test drive any used boats. Make sure that when you do test drive it that you put it through its paces, And also watch the persons reactions to how you drive the boat. If they show any worry pass it up. Hit full throttle, make sharp turns, and make sure that a good stream is coming out of the weep hole on the motor. Most important listen to how the motor sounds when your out running it on the water.
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Post by pbmang on Oct 29, 2010 15:19:52 GMT -1
Get the motor checked out. That is the thing that you will most likely have problems with, so that should be the first thing you check.
Then make sure the transom of the boat is in good shape as well and look over the hull and check for any gouges that go to the fiberglass. After that, look over the electrical and make sure it doesn't look like it's hacked together. Just because it is working right then doesn't mean it is working correclty.
Those would be the big things I would look for.
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chase <ºj))))>< <ºj))))><
Full Member
Me: Trolling with big baits:) 90% of fish are in 10% of the water. Find 'em by trolling!
Posts: 274
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Post by chase <ºj))))>< <ºj))))>< on Oct 29, 2010 17:37:07 GMT -1
I agree with everything said so far. I would add (if you are buying used) to make sure the impeller in the motor has been replaced every 100 hours or so. A lot of people don't even know that outboards have a rubber impeller that wears out and has to be replaced. That's the first thing I had done to my Optimax when I bought my boat. The cost for replacing it (on a 135 hp saltwater series Mercury Optimax) is about $200. Also if you do happen to buy a boat with a Mercury Optimax make sure to only use the Mercury Optiblend oil and add Mercury Quickleen to the gas at every other fill-up.
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Post by ditchdr on Oct 29, 2010 19:20:19 GMT -1
Thanks guys. I will definitely be test driving whatever it is when I go to buy one. As far as the transom goes am I just looking for cracks or what? And I dont know what a rubber impeller is but im sure I can find a pic of it on google.
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chase <ºj))))>< <ºj))))><
Full Member
Me: Trolling with big baits:) 90% of fish are in 10% of the water. Find 'em by trolling!
Posts: 274
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Post by chase <ºj))))>< <ºj))))>< on Oct 29, 2010 20:42:36 GMT -1
Here's a pic of some impellers. If it has been replaced, the seller should have service records proving it. Attachments:
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tinker1
Executive Member
Posts: 670
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Post by tinker1 on Oct 29, 2010 22:06:54 GMT -1
I think what you need to understand is......... NO boat, new or used is maintenance free. Plan on spending several hundred dollars per year on keeping your boat in working order. Fuel issues, engine ignition issues, hull issues, and electrical issues to name a few. With a new boat these are farther off in the boat life. If you don't work on your cars and such you need to find a great mechanic that you trust. (Another issue). The folks on here have had plenty of experience finding reliable mechanics. I am sure help is just a post away. You can't just turn the key and go. If you are buying a used boat from a sane person I am sure they will not mind you getting the boat thoroughly checked out by a reliable mechanic (more cost). Don't get in a big hurry to buy. Lots of boats for sale out there. Thousands really. As with any "Big Boy Toy" it can get frustrating and expensive. However, the pleasure I have derived from owning a fishing boat far outweighs the negative impact I sometimes feel.
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hockeyruss123
Executive Member
he shoots... he scores!!
Posts: 2,145
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Post by hockeyruss123 on Oct 31, 2010 11:04:13 GMT -1
and get a compression check.... cylinders should be 5 to 10 lbs difference..someone correct me if im wrong... if compression is 125,125,125,97 that should be sorethumb sticking out..
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Post by bassmeister on Jan 25, 2011 23:30:55 GMT -1
and get a compression check.... cylinders should be 5 to 10 lbs difference..someone correct me if im wrong... if compression is 125,125,125,97 that should be sorethumb sticking out.. Within 10% of each other.
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Post by toadfrawg on Feb 6, 2011 20:11:05 GMT -1
Hey Jr,
If your looking for a good deal on a Ranger, there is a fellow down at 6 that will hook you up. He's got a sharp one for sale. Thought you might need something to spend all that big pay increase on. ;D
Toad frawg
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