Need some help.

Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Ronald Hobbs, Jr. on April 7, 2011 at 5:14am

Tyler do your research and don't be in too big of a hurry to buy a boat, I really feal like patients is key on getting a good deal. Keep your eyes open and you will find one. If you are able to wait you will really realize the average selling price for each type of boat and then you will realize when a great deal comes along.....Good Luck!

Permalink Reply by kzoo on April 7, 2011 at 8:32am

Trackers are more well known in the bass world than Sea Nymphs.  When I was looking around, overall quality for Trackers seem better.  I've got an 01' tracker, and haven't had any issues with the boat.  When your budget is around 2500 bucks, you're looking at the older boats and/or smaller ones.  Like Cliff said, the riveted ones can leak, look for all welded.  Rotting wood decks are also issues in older boats, look for any kind of soft spot. The motor is the tough part, best thing to do is find someone who is familiar with outboards, and take them with you.  If you can't, ask for paper work for maintenance records.  Test drive the boat, see if it starts!  Look for fluid leaks around gaskets.

 

Reciting Ron and Clif, be patient.  Look for the good deals.

 

Good Luck!

Permalink Reply by Zach Chandler on April 7, 2011 at 9:30am

Patients pays for sure.  Also, go look at a bunch of boats, even some that are a little out of your price range.  It will help you when assessing deals as well as conditions of different boats.  Like it was said above, the more boats you look at the easier it will be to spot a good deal, as well as a deal that is too good to be true.  Good luck

Permalink Reply by RFatt16 on April 7, 2011 at 10:35am

Ron and the gang said it. In buying anything PATIENTS is #1.  Do not go off and buy the first boat you look at because you really want a boat. 

Check-     C-list, bbc, boat trader and little nickel.  Always negotiate(look at boats that are $3-$3,250.) I'm a car dealer and It makes shopping for something new a whole lot more fun.

Permalink Reply by Spencer Durand on April 7, 2011 at 11:37am

If you were to buy one, a jon boat can be good with a small out board. Just make sure there is room on the bow to put a trolling motor.

Permalink Reply by 0koeo85ldc9uf on April 7, 2011 at 12:00pm

put your money down as a down payment and get a loan for the rest. Welcome to being in debt!

Permalink Reply by PHILDO on April 7, 2011 at 12:08pm

Tyler do you know theres a place on westside now that can help you with your bass boat fever. There called LIMIT OUT MARINE. Check em out and tell em PHILDO sent you! Iam on there Ultra JR Semi Amature Staff .

Permalink Reply by Jake Anderson on April 7, 2011 at 12:28pm

I think people need to ask this young man a few more questions before encouraging ANY type of outboard purchase.

 

Here's some perspective Tyler:  

 

I bought my first boat 4 years ago at the age of 27 years old. I have a college degree, and an income that allows me to bring in much more than I spend, and I still get stressed about the money it costs to maintain a motorized boat.  I bought a $3,500 dollar 16 foot 1995 sylvan, with a very reliable 1996 merc 25hp, and I've had a carb clean, electrical work, trailor welding, a new axl and bearings, bearing buddies, and had to replace the trolling motor.  Also had to have the boat towed at an expensive rate when I blew a bearing. Had to buy 2 new batteries, and a new tire. Throw in tabs, insurance, life vests, fire extinguishers, anchor, and other crap.   I've spent in four years, probably over $3,000 dollars in repairs and thats on a boat in which the MOTOR....has had almost no problems.  Some of this has been my fault for not keeping up the maintenance as well as I could have like using "stabil" and greasing the bearings...but you either need to be handy, or have money to get Maintenance done, and there will always be something to fix on the boat no matter how good you are.  Some of the things that come up will keep you from being able to use it at all.   When the motor doesnt start, and you can't fix it, and you can't afford a mechanic.....your gonna be real frustrated with your $2,500 dollar investment that you can't even use.

 

My good pal Zach Chandler who chimed in above, got a great deal on his boat.....but if you ask him how much he's spent on it....it's a good chunk of change, albeit maybe not as much as I've spent on my boat. 

 

Tyler:   Tell us more about your situation?  Do you have a job?  do you have a vehicle that can tow this boat?  Do you live with your parents?  If so, do you want to move out, and do you know how much it costs to live on your own?

Can you afford the oil, gas, life-vests, fire extinguishers, and regular maintenance, or handy enough to do maintenance yourself?  What about batteries that will need replacing, what if your Trolling motor craps out, or the depth finder dies, or what about something as simple as Insurance for the trailer?

 

My point here tyler, is that you might be able to afford a $2,500 dollar cost....but the boats in that price range can cost a TON of money to maintain in very short order. 

 

For 8 years before I owned a boat I owned a Pontoon boat that cost me $400 dollars, and has had ZERO maintenance costs, and I have used it more this year than my actual boat.  I've caught 9 largemouth from it in 3 outings, and in my 1 day from my boat I got skunked fishing for smallies on the River.   You can fish ponds, big lakes, rivers, and you can actually cover some good ground on a pontoon boat.....and while you can't cover as much ground as you can with a boat, you can get to where some big fish live.

 

I know the idea of owning a boat is "neat" but I'm here to tell you that at 18......thats something I wouldnt do knowing how much they really cost.  I would encourage you to save your money, and get in position to buy your first home as soon as you can afford a mortgage.  Your going to live a long life....buy a pontoon boat to get you on the water, and to hone your bass fishing skills and knowledge.  Buy a boat when you have a good foundation under you.

 

Alot of guys your age think that buying a dog is a great idea.  I have one of those too, and I'm here to tell you that the vet bills, food bills, and everything else adds up to WAAAYYY more than what the dog originally cost.   Boats are 10 times worse.

 

If you can stomach all of that.....Then listen to the advice above, and do your homework.  Make sure the trailer is in VERY good condition.  Inspect the winch, the electrical wiring and lights, look at the tires for good tread, and see if the area around the bearings is rusty or neglected.   Look at the boat batteries to see how old they are, and see if there's corrosion around the terminals.  Does the boat look well taken care of? 

 

Again...just my opinion, but I think $2,500 dollar boats are that cheap because they are small, and NEED WORK.   You'd be better off saving up and buying a $5,000 dollar boat in a couple years.  Your gonna get a much better/bigger/safer/more equiped boat, and I'll bet my life that it will cost you the same amount of money when you add up all the costs in 5-10 years.

 

Good luck. 

Ps.....Sorry for the Parnicky.   My typing skills are pretty good.  

 

 

 

 

Permalink Reply by eric mccarthy on April 7, 2011 at 1:07pm

For $2500 I would do a jon boat. Even if you don't get an outboard with it you can get one later. Get the widest beam you can makes a huge difference. I owned a 1448 jon 14' long 48" beam. Had a foot controlled trolling motor and a 9.9 kicker. Had a ton of fun with it.

Permalink Reply by Spencer Durand on April 7, 2011 at 1:29pm

Jon boats are sweet, I'll be buyng one when I can do to being a duckhunter.

 

Permalink Reply by Aaron Christel on April 7, 2011 at 1:45pm

Well, I'm scared now and will be quiting fishing. I'm not going to sell my boat because I don wish that nightmare on anyone. I'm just going to put it in the backyard with police tape around it so no one can get near it.

All kidding aside, Jake is dead on right here. I have an oler ranger that I have been planing on restoring since I got it 3 years ago. Problem is, every time I have extra cash to put into I, something breaks and that money goes to just keeping it running.

Jake "The Snake" Anderson said:

I think people need to ask this young man a few more questions before encouraging ANY type of outboard purchase.

 

Here's some perspective Tyler:  

 

I bought my first boat 4 years ago at the age of 27 years old. I have a college degree, and an income that allows me to bring in much more than I spend, and I still get stressed about the money it costs to maintain a motorized boat.  I bought a $3,500 dollar 16 foot 1995 sylvan, with a very reliable 1996 merc 25hp, and I've had a carb clean, electrical work, trailor welding, a new axl and bearings, bearing buddies, and had to replace the trolling motor.  Also had to have the boat towed at an expensive rate when I blew a bearing. Had to buy 2 new batteries, and a new tire. Throw in tabs, insurance, life vests, fire extinguishers, anchor, and other crap.   I've spent in four years, probably over $3,000 dollars in repairs and thats on a boat in which the MOTOR....has had almost no problems.  Some of this has been my fault for not keeping up the maintenance as well as I could have like using "stabil" and greasing the bearings...but you either need to be handy, or have money to get Maintenance done, and there will always be something to fix on the boat no matter how good you are.  Some of the things that come up will keep you from being able to use it at all.   When the motor doesnt start, and you can't fix it, and you can't afford a mechanic.....your gonna be real frustrated with your $2,500 dollar investment that you can't even use.

 

My good pal Zach Chandler who chimed in above, got a great deal on his boat.....but if you ask him how much he's spent on it....it's a good chunk of change, albeit maybe not as much as I've spent on my boat. 

 

Tyler:   Tell us more about your situation?  Do you have a job?  do you have a vehicle that can tow this boat?  Do you live with your parents?  If so, do you want to move out, and do you know how much it costs to live on your own?

Can you afford the oil, gas, life-vests, fire extinguishers, and regular maintenance, or handy enough to do maintenance yourself?  What about batteries that will need replacing, what if your Trolling motor craps out, or the depth finder dies, or what about something as simple as Insurance for the trailer?

 

My point here tyler, is that you might be able to afford a $2,500 dollar cost....but the boats in that price range can cost a TON of money to maintain in very short order. 

 

For 8 years before I owned a boat I owned a Pontoon boat that cost me $400 dollars, and has had ZERO maintenance costs, and I have used it more this year than my actual boat.  I've caught 9 largemouth from it in 3 outings, and in my 1 day from my boat I got skunked fishing for smallies on the River.   You can fish ponds, big lakes, rivers, and you can actually cover some good ground on a pontoon boat.....and while you can't cover as much ground as you can with a boat, you can get to where some big fish live.

 

I know the idea of owning a boat is "neat" but I'm here to tell you that at 18......thats something I wouldnt do knowing how much they really cost.  I would encourage you to save your money, and get in position to buy your first home as soon as you can afford a mortgage.  Your going to live a long life....buy a pontoon boat to get you on the water, and to hone your bass fishing skills and knowledge.  Buy a boat when you have a good foundation under you.

 

Alot of guys your age think that buying a dog is a great idea.  I have one of those too, and I'm here to tell you that the vet bills, food bills, and everything else adds up to WAAAYYY more than what the dog originally cost.   Boats are 10 times worse.

 

If you can stomach all of that.....Then listen to the advice above, and do your homework.  Make sure the trailer is in VERY good condition.  Inspect the winch, the electrical wiring and lights, look at the tires for good tread, and see if the area around the bearings is rusty or neglected.   Look at the boat batteries to see how old they are, and see if there's corrosion around the terminals.  Does the boat look well taken care of? 

 

Again...just my opinion, but I think $2,500 dollar boats are that cheap because they are small, and NEED WORK.   You'd be better off saving up and buying a $5,000 dollar boat in a couple years.  Your gonna get a much better/bigger/safer/more equiped boat, and I'll bet my life that it will cost you the same amount of money when you add up all the costs in 5-10 years.

 

Good luck. 

Ps.....Sorry for the Parnicky.   My typing skills are pretty good.  

 

 

 

 

Permalink Reply by Jerry on April 7, 2011 at 2:08pm

Jesus! No wonder I stick with my float tube. Well put.

Jake "The Snake" Anderson said:

I think people need to ask this young man a few more questions before encouraging ANY type of outboard purchase.

 

Here's some perspective Tyler:  

 

I bought my first boat 4 years ago at the age of 27 years old. I have a college degree, and an income that allows me to bring in much more than I spend, and I still get stressed about the money it costs to maintain a motorized boat.  I bought a $3,500 dollar 16 foot 1995 sylvan, with a very reliable 1996 merc 25hp, and I've had a carb clean, electrical work, trailor welding, a new axl and bearings, bearing buddies, and had to replace the trolling motor.  Also had to have the boat towed at an expensive rate when I blew a bearing. Had to buy 2 new batteries, and a new tire. Throw in tabs, insurance, life vests, fire extinguishers, anchor, and other crap.   I've spent in four years, probably over $3,000 dollars in repairs and thats on a boat in which the MOTOR....has had almost no problems.  Some of this has been my fault for not keeping up the maintenance as well as I could have like using "stabil" and greasing the bearings...but you either need to be handy, or have money to get Maintenance done, and there will always be something to fix on the boat no matter how good you are.  Some of the things that come up will keep you from being able to use it at all.   When the motor doesnt start, and you can't fix it, and you can't afford a mechanic.....your gonna be real frustrated with your $2,500 dollar investment that you can't even use.

 

My good pal Zach Chandler who chimed in above, got a great deal on his boat.....but if you ask him how much he's spent on it....it's a good chunk of change, albeit maybe not as much as I've spent on my boat. 

 

Tyler:   Tell us more about your situation?  Do you have a job?  do you have a vehicle that can tow this boat?  Do you live with your parents?  If so, do you want to move out, and do you know how much it costs to live on your own?

Can you afford the oil, gas, life-vests, fire extinguishers, and regular maintenance, or handy enough to do maintenance yourself?  What about batteries that will need replacing, what if your Trolling motor craps out, or the depth finder dies, or what about something as simple as Insurance for the trailer?

 

My point here tyler, is that you might be able to afford a $2,500 dollar cost....but the boats in that price range can cost a TON of money to maintain in very short order. 

 

For 8 years before I owned a boat I owned a Pontoon boat that cost me $400 dollars, and has had ZERO maintenance costs, and I have used it more this year than my actual boat.  I've caught 9 largemouth from it in 3 outings, and in my 1 day from my boat I got skunked fishing for smallies on the River.   You can fish ponds, big lakes, rivers, and you can actually cover some good ground on a pontoon boat.....and while you can't cover as much ground as you can with a boat, you can get to where some big fish live.

 

I know the idea of owning a boat is "neat" but I'm here to tell you that at 18......thats something I wouldnt do knowing how much they really cost.  I would encourage you to save your money, and get in position to buy your first home as soon as you can afford a mortgage.  Your going to live a long life....buy a pontoon boat to get you on the water, and to hone your bass fishing skills and knowledge.  Buy a boat when you have a good foundation under you.

 

Alot of guys your age think that buying a dog is a great idea.  I have one of those too, and I'm here to tell you that the vet bills, food bills, and everything else adds up to WAAAYYY more than what the dog originally cost.   Boats are 10 times worse.

 

If you can stomach all of that.....Then listen to the advice above, and do your homework.  Make sure the trailer is in VERY good condition.  Inspect the winch, the electrical wiring and lights, look at the tires for good tread, and see if the area around the bearings is rusty or neglected.   Look at the boat batteries to see how old they are, and see if there's corrosion around the terminals.  Does the boat look well taken care of? 

 

Again...just my opinion, but I think $2,500 dollar boats are that cheap because they are small, and NEED WORK.   You'd be better off saving up and buying a $5,000 dollar boat in a couple years.  Your gonna get a much better/bigger/safer/more equiped boat, and I'll bet my life that it will cost you the same amount of money when you add up all the costs in 5-10 years.

 

Good luck. 

Ps.....Sorry for the Parnicky.   My typing skills are pretty good.  

 

 

 

 

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