Topic: Boat owners...things too steer clear of ? Advice needed

[greenjeans]

Grew up sailing with my pops.  Always wanted a motor boat.  a not to.

I'm only looking to spend around $4000 bucks.   I think I want a V-bottom boat.  Not sure on what type - outboard, inboard, etc.
I don't need anything too big, I'm thinking 17' - 20'.   Something with 100hp or more...not much more - something that would get decent mileage - if that's the correct term.   We'd just be doing some riding around, catching sunsets and maybe an occasional wakeboard or tube.

I know I don't want a "fishing" style boat - just a plain solid fun boat.

I'm pretty good with fiberglass and knowing when things are just beyond the limits of normal do-it-yourself stuff.   I've found several boats in my range that look pretty decent.    I'm not afraid of engine work, I just don't know how to value boats when buying.

Anything that I would buy would likely be running and able to get a test ride on the lake.

Any suggestions on things to look for ?  Types, brands of boats, motor types etc.  Any info or suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

And yes, I know boats are holes in the water, but I figure If i can keep a 40 year old bike on the road, a 20 year old boat should be too bad  

[faux fiddy]

I had honda 10's that were super dependable, everyone I knew with them also sang praises for their small twins.

The bigger ones will set you back a bit, but I have heard they are the best and most dependable, too.

[madmtnmotors]

One very good indicator of the health of a 2-stroke engine is a compression test. You are looking for compression values very close from cylinder to cylinder. Saltwater wreaks havoc on engines so you might look for something used in freshwater only.

[333]

I'm hoping your budget of $4000.00 is a typo, cause that won't buy much.  Nothing new.  100hp of new outboard approaches $10,000.00.

What I'd suggest is to look at the used want ads, look at some boats, make a decision on style.  Then start serious looking, and then ask for opinions on brand, or "is this one a good deal?".

[faux fiddy]

Don't forget California (and other states I believe) have outlawed two stroke. Bad if you own one there; good place to shop for one.

[paulages]

About a year ago, I bought an 18' Fiberform Continental hardtop for $1200- with some advice from people on this forum, actually. It is a 43 year-old boat, so it has its flaws, but easily fits what you describe. I don't know what it's like where you live, but around here $4000 could certainly buy a used boat that fits your description.

[Stev-o]

I really like the old Glastrons, they were made in Central Texas for awhile [and used in the James Bond movies]. Start surfing CL and do research, see what suits you.

Heres one in your area thats just above your budget, looks pretty decent, give him a call:

http://dallas.craigslist.org/sdf/boa/2480872480.html

One other thing, we are coming up on the best time to buy a boat: fall/winter. A lot of guys lose interest at that time of year and rather than pay monthly slip/storage fees, they dump 'em.

I've had boats, sometimes two at a time, it is a great way to beat the brutal Texas heat. And you have some nice lakes in your area, especially Lewisville.

[faux fiddy]

I actually might know where a couple project boats are up here in Norman, I think one has an evinrude 75(?).

It is a bass boat but it could probably pull a skier. If it ran of course. Put a honda on it.

[greenjeans]

Here's one I was thinking about:  http://dallas.craigslist.org/dal/boa/2513172230.html

There's a pretty good number of boats that pop up from time to time on CL down here.  I'm only about 20 minutes from Lake Lewisville and Lake Ray Roberts.    I was just thinking $4000 so I wouldn't have a payment.   It also is about what I get when I sell one of my old Hondas....that way it only feels
like I have about $1000 in it.  Won't feel too bad if it sinks.

[Duanob]

Go here:

http://www.marineengine.com/boat-forum/forum.php

Just like this board marine engines has saved my bacon more than once.

And remember B.O.A.T. = Bring Out Another Thousand so don't be surprised when you have to.

[greenjeans]

Thanks for that link.   I'll spend the next few days trying to talk myself out of it.

[Stev-o]

Greenjeans - link to the ad you posted is deleted. What was it?

[Retro Rocket]

Greenjeans - link to the ad you posted is deleted. What was it?

I think it was a Glastron Carlson bow rider Steve. My dad was a sales manager of a large boat company for over 30 years, in the early 70's we had a Glastron for weekends {didn't have to buy one because of dads job} and also a couple of Carribeans, both good boats...

[faux fiddy]

Go here:

And remember B.O.A.T. = Bring Out Another Thousand so don't be surprised when you have to.

A hole in the water you dump money into.

But I still say, for people who want basic get on the water abilities, the 10hp honda is a champ. Goes out and comes back and moves forward in SE alaska tides in a 22' sailboat. Makes six naughts at slack water if not better. Makes 60 watts if you keep it from corroding.

Friend pulled one out of a dumpster, oiled it up and made it dependably useable without losening any head bolt.

If you think CB'sare impressive, look at the 86 7.5/10 hp 200cc longshafts. Can't get enough.

[Stev-o]

This could possibly be a good project:


http://austin.craigslist.org/boa/2452225844.html

[BeSeeingYou]

Things to steer clear of......well.....as someone who owns 4 boat....I would say....boats.  

Sorry, as a sailor I can't offer any advice about powerboats with the exception that I think 100hp is overkill for your intended use.  My brother has a 17 ft V hull with 75hp and it will pull a water skier no problem and get around the lake just fine.

[Stev-o]

No such thing as overkill as far as hp for a boat!

[Duanob]

I almost bought a 1970 Donzi sweet 16  last year with a 300 hp Holman-Moody 289 Ford. If I had a garage or a place to work on it it would've been mine. $2500 was a steal considering they sold for $20K+ before the recession. It needed a complete rebuild, paint, interior but wow, talk about a thrill ride.

Donzi 65 mph Lake Michigan 013

Not the exact boat I was looking at but you get the idea.

[pdxPope]

Generally, I would steer clear of things like rocks and other boats. Islands are good things to steer clear of, too (unless you want to stop suddenly). 

Seriously, I would not recommend anything smaller than 16' and probably nothing bigger than 20 or 21' (depending on the size of sailboat you have experience handling.)
Also, If I was going to spend anything north of $3,000 I would seriously consider having a survey done. Money well spent. Especially considering your relative inexperience w/ powerboats.

In your price range, I like this:
http://austin.craigslist.org/boa/2519994437.html


-JP

[seaweb11]

I almost bought a 1970 Donzi sweet 16  last year with a 300 hp Holman-Moody 289 Ford. If I had a garage or a place to work on it it would've been mine. $2500 was a steal considering they sold for $20K+ before the recession. It needed a complete rebuild, paint, interior but wow, talk about a thrill ride.

I met a guy years ago in Vancouver that had a Donzi mold. They are an awesome boat. I'll stick with my 69ishGlastron.

Here are some fine boats for sale
http://www.cheapoldboats.com/inventory.html

[Stev-o]

 Found your new boat! Appears to be a good deal at $2950.
Come down to Austin this weekend and we'll test drive it on Lake Travis!



HOMETOWN CLASSIC, BUILT HERE IN AUSTIN TX. 1988 GLASTRON CARLSON CVX 16 WITH 115 HP EVINRUDE OUTBOARD MOTOR. THIS IS A 16' CLOSED BOW SPORT BOAT WITH TRIM AND TILT. RECENTLY SERVICED MOTOR AND RUNNING VERY WELL! COMES WITH ORIGINAL TRAILER WITH GOOD TIRES. BOAT HAS 3-POINT SKI- TOW AND BIMINI TOP. TITLE IN HAND, COME SEE. CALL OR EMAIL FOR MORE PICS,512-261-8726, THANKS!

[seaweb11]

That is a good deal!

[scrapvalue]

The two happiest days of a boat owners life is, the day you buy your boat and the day you sell it.

My second happiest day will be this weekend when the new owner comes and  takes mine away.

[Duanob]

I almost bought a 1970 Donzi sweet 16  last year with a 300 hp Holman-Moody 289 Ford. If I had a garage or a place to work on it it would've been mine. $2500 was a steal considering they sold for $20K+ before the recession. It needed a complete rebuild, paint, interior but wow, talk about a thrill ride.

I met a guy years ago in Vancouver that had a Donzi mold. They are an awesome boat. I'll stick with my 69ishGlastron.

Here are some fine boats for sale
http://www.cheapoldboats.com/inventory.html

I think this clip is from the Gulf Islands.

sweet 16 donzi 540hp

You're probably familiar with some of the local PNW boat mfgrs. My Sunrunner was built by a guy in Spokane that started out working for Glasply. Took what he learned from laying up glass and applied two other boat company's styles and combined them: Donzi for their deep-V roughwater handling and Boston Whaler for their two hull foam sandwhich structural design. The faster I go the better it handles rough water. Last year we made it from Chemainus to Telegraph harbor on a pretty windy crappy day because the harbor master kicked us out in lough of a yacht (What a A-hole). AT 17.5', No problemo. Just flew across the top of the waves.