Community Forums

Durango Dave · 07-29-2017, 10:02 PM

By next spring i would like to be able to be a the proud owner of my first boat. So i wanted to go ahead and start educating myself on not only what to look for but what not to look for. Dont know if i want a V hull, or fiberglass. I would like to ski with it someday if i ever make any friends here lol But mostly its for fishing

I ran across this boat, does this seem like a good deal, price wize it seems great but sometimes im weary of that as well.

https://easttexas.craigslist.org/boa...236740446.html

This one looks nice too

https://easttexas.craigslist.org/boa...234606019.html

Any other first time purchase help would be very appreciated as well.

Thanks

BuzzWolfAR · 07-29-2017, 10:07 PM

Find out who can service an old Nissan motor. I believe parts are very limited. Make sure you give them the year of the motor.

Old-Biscuit · 07-29-2017, 10:12 PM

Boat.......

Talk about a money pit.
Hole in the water one keeps pouring money into.

YES I have had several boats. Enjoyed everyone of them.
But wasn't on a fixed income.

You think RVng is costly.......

Nice looking boat......trolling motor set up. Decent price.
IF that 70 HP motor is in good shape....pumps cooling water
No soft spots
Fiberglass not cracking
Includes trailer

Two happiest days of a boat owner
Day he buys it
Day he sells it

Durango Dave · 07-29-2017, 10:15 PM

Thanks, i guess one of my first questions should be what is a ballpark amount i should have saved to even be considered a serious buyer. Im not saying there are not great deal out there but i also know there is an median as well that you need to have to even go shopping. $1500, $3000 ?

Wow really, its that costly to have one? I didnt know that OB.

Forkyfork · 07-29-2017, 10:16 PM

+1 on checking for parts. I have an oddball evinrude OB and the service people never believe me when I order parts what its for. Last time I bought all they had cause its a rare motor.

**NLOVNIT** · 07-29-2017, 10:24 PM

Although RV owners may also own boats & be able to guide you, an RV-ing forum wouldn't be my 1st choice for advice on boats. My friends who own boats, both the fishing & waterskiing kind, don't hang out on iRV2. Just sayin'.

Lori-

saddlesore · 07-29-2017, 10:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Forkyfork

+1 on checking for parts. I have an oddball evinrude OB and the service people never believe me when I order parts what its for. Last time I bought all they had cause its a rare motor.

I have a 5 hp Nisson,(made by Tahotsu I think) no issues on getting parts... As for your Evenrude, I have an old '50-'56 3 hp troller, I think it is a '54.

Durango Dave · 07-29-2017, 10:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by NLOVNIT

Although RV owners may also own boats & be able to guide you, an RV-ing forum wouldn't be my 1st choice for advice on boats. My friends who own boats, both the fishing & waterskiing kind, don't hang out on iRV2. Just sayin'.

Lori-

That is true, thanks for that tidbit

I could also hit youtube to learn about different hull types and inboard vrs outboard and stuff like that. I dont even know the keel from the stern lmao

Scarab0088 · 07-29-2017, 10:39 PM

Long time boat owner of several type boats (see signature photo for current) and retired Coast Guardsmen (boating safety is a main mission)

First, like an RV - having some DIY skills for the power/drive is a significant benefit.

The two boats featured are rather different. The Sea Ray will fish (but not as well as the Tidecraft), pull a skier and cruise.
The Tidecraft is for fishing. Cruising and pulling a skier would be less of a joy.

An Outboard (the Nissan) would be much simpler to care for over an I/O (in-board/out-board) like the Mercury Alpha because the Outboard can be pulled from the boat for service or storage.

Boats are a luxury. Buy what you want and can afford.

There's LOT of Internet places for sailing boats. Powerboats - not so much, but there's some. However iRV2 might not be the best for lots of experiences. You might want to search around for forums about boats and boating you like.

Best luck

Forkyfork · 07-29-2017, 11:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by saddlesore

I have a 5 hp Nisson,(made by Tahotsu I think) no issues on getting parts... As for your Evenrude, I have an old '50-'56 3 hp troller, I think it is a '54.

Mine is 17 years old. The problem is its a 4 stroke 9.9 and they made very few.
I have found parts and some are interchangeable with some research. Some parts were used on that motor only. If you call evinrude parts and tell them what you have you get some pushback about how they never made a 4 stroke 9.9 and you must be mistaken. Lol There is no reason for them or anyone else to make specific parts for it.

Ernie. · 07-30-2017, 06:13 AM

I had a bass boat with a tohatsu 50 hp outboard and a 9.9 kicker, never a problem with either, 50 was a 2 stroke, kicker was a 4.
On the seamy you are looking at the new stainless prop sounds good but I'd have to wonder if the old prop had been switched out because it showed too many dings from running in too shallow...
By the way BOAT: break out another thousand

Winemaker2 · 07-30-2017, 07:31 AM

We have both DP MH and diesel single engine trawler. Have also owned 3 of each over the years.
First...decide how you intend to use it...list your Needs...Wants...Dont want
Then compare to same from DW or significant other...if applicable
If you dont agree go back to step 1

Then...talk to other boaters and find out what they like dislike about their boat. If there is a US Sail & Power Squadron in your area take a boating course. You will learn something and meet folks w similar interests to ask more questions.

Next...go looking a lot...boat shows good even if you want to buy used as you can see many in one place. Narrow the choices by comparing to your lists & budget.

Make any / all offers contingent on inspection by knowledgable inspector / engine mechanic and a "sea" trial. Any deposit...if needed...refundable based on contingencies above as well.

Good luck w the search...BTW make that fun...visit marinas etc and make a fun day of it...maybe even an onite near water. Great opportunity to talk to others.

Scottybdivin · 07-30-2017, 07:56 AM

I have migrated from racing boats flat bottom v-drive, to a jet boat, to a competion ski boat. None of which were good for more than the one thing they were built for. I never invisioned the desire to own a patio boat, but if I were in the market now, I would take a hard look at a tri-toon patio boat. They have became very versatile for skiing, tubing, and fishing over recent years and are very comfortable for many people. They are less expensive and can be had on the used market pretty cheap. BTW, after Labor Day is the best time to buy a used boat.

Tha_Rooster · 07-30-2017, 08:33 AM

When I sold my last boat I said no more boats, then I came across a 1992 hydrasport 1750 DC. It came with 120 HP Evinrude ,new foot controlled trolling motor,(2) pair of new obrien skis,(6) life jackets,(3) new fishing seats on a pole,cover,trailer,duffel bag full of ropes, box full of assorted stuff. All for the price of $1,500 just 1 season and I got my money's worth so the deals are out there.