good boat to buy?

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Jul 12, 2009 | 06:59 PM
  #1  
dry_kill's Avatar
Thread Starter
TECH Fanatic
iTrader: (12)
 
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 1,746
Likes: 0
From: houston tx
Default good boat to buy?

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

Last edited by dry_kill; Jul 12, 2009 at 07:29 PM.
Reply
Old Jul 12, 2009 | 07:14 PM
  #2  
sandovalt1's Avatar
Teching In
iTrader: (2)
 
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 45
Likes: 0
From: Sanleon, TX
Default

what will you be using the boat for play, fishing, crusing?? Salt or fresh water? Boats are very expensive, buying an old boat with a newer motor is sometimes a good idea.
Reply
Old Jul 12, 2009 | 07:30 PM
  #3  
dry_kill's Avatar
Thread Starter
TECH Fanatic
iTrader: (12)
 
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 1,746
Likes: 0
From: houston tx
Default

sorry, just edited it. it will be used to fishing. cant the boat be used in fresh and saltwater or is there something i dont know? still new to this
Reply
Old Jul 12, 2009 | 07:32 PM
  #4  
Cam72aro's Avatar
TECH Addict
iTrader: (28)
 
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 2,137
Likes: 1
From: Sugar Land, Tx
Default

Originally Posted by sandovalt1
what will you be using the boat for play, fishing, crusing?? Salt or fresh water? Boats are very expensive, buying an old boat with a newer motor is sometimes a good idea.
x2. What will the boat be used for? This is the biggest thing to consider when purchasing a boat period, whether it be new or used. I would never buy a new boat. They depreciate really bad. There are alot of used older boat in the market that can be had for a reasonable price. Are you looking for something that you can ski behind or fish?
Reply
Old Jul 12, 2009 | 07:43 PM
  #5  
dry_kill's Avatar
Thread Starter
TECH Fanatic
iTrader: (12)
 
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 1,746
Likes: 0
From: houston tx
Default

Originally Posted by Cam72aro
x2. What will the boat be used for? This is the biggest thing to consider when purchasing a boat period, whether it be new or used. I would never buy a new boat. They depreciate really bad. There are alot of used older boat in the market that can be had for a reasonable price. Are you looking for something that you can ski behind or fish?
looking for a fishing boat
Reply
Old Jul 12, 2009 | 07:44 PM
  #6  
sandovalt1's Avatar
Teching In
iTrader: (2)
 
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 45
Likes: 0
From: Sanleon, TX
Default

[QUOTE=Cam72aro;11897849]x2. What will the boat be used for? This is the biggest thing to consider when purchasing a boat period, whether it be new or used. I would never buy a new boat. They depreciate really bad. There are alot of used older boat in the market that can be had for a reasonable price. QUOTE]

very true!!!

Do you fish shallow water deep of a mixture??
Reply
Old Jul 12, 2009 | 07:47 PM
  #7  
dry_kill's Avatar
Thread Starter
TECH Fanatic
iTrader: (12)
 
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 1,746
Likes: 0
From: houston tx
Default

mixture
Reply
Old Jul 12, 2009 | 07:55 PM
  #8  
cabolew's Avatar
Teching In
iTrader: (2)
 
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 32
Likes: 0
From: League City, TEXAS
Default

pay a guide. It will be cheaper in the long run and you'll catch more fish. Otherwise, I would look for yamaha or suzuki four stroke.
Reply
LS1 Tech Stories

The Best V8 Stories One Small Block at Time

story-0

6 Gifts Neither Your Dad Nor Grad Will Shove Into the 'Trinket Drawer'

 Brett Foote
story-1

Topdon ONE vs. Artidiag 800 BT2: Which is the Diagnostic Tablet For You?

 Pouria Savadkouei
story-2

Gas Monkey Built a 6-Wheel Ferrari Testarossa With a Corvette LT4 Engine

 Verdad Gallardo
story-3

7 Most Reliable High-Performance Engines GM Has Ever Built

 Verdad Gallardo
story-4

Amazing '71 Camaro Restomod Is Modern Muscle Car Under the Skin

 Verdad Gallardo
story-5

6 Common C5 Corvette Failures and What's Involved In Repairing Them

 Pouria Savadkouei
story-6

Retro Modern Bandit Pontiac Trans AM Comes With Burt Reynolds' Autograph

 Verdad Gallardo
story-7

Top 10 Greatest Cadillac V Series Performance Models Ever, Ranked

 Pouria Savadkouei
story-8

Top 10 Most Powerful Chevy Trucks Ever Made!

 
story-9

Hennessey's New Supercharged Silverado ZR2 Has 700 HP

 Verdad Gallardo
Old Jul 12, 2009 | 08:02 PM
  #9  
GreatWhiteZ28's Avatar
TECH Enthusiast
15 Year Member
iTrader: (15)
 
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 525
Likes: 0
From: Spring,Tx
Default

you can find alot of Fish and Ski boats priced really reasonable, been looking at boats myself, and usually see some older Kingfishers, Skeeters and a few others in a good price rang of around 10k for ones that aren't really old,( like 97's and newer) if you look for a used Bass, Fish/Ski type boat, always check out the deck work for rotten boards especially if it's been in salt water, as well as corrosion in the compartments
Reply
Old Jul 12, 2009 | 08:17 PM
  #10  
Cam72aro's Avatar
TECH Addict
iTrader: (28)
 
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 2,137
Likes: 1
From: Sugar Land, Tx
Default

Get a center console. I would get a fiberglass boat without any carpet in it. The aluminum boat around saltwater tend to corrode. Yamaha and mercury make good motor. I am partial to them both. What is your price range?
Reply
Old Jul 12, 2009 | 11:20 PM
  #11  
TLUZLS1's Avatar
TECH Enthusiast
iTrader: (6)
 
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 669
Likes: 0
From: College Station/La Porte, TX
Default

Originally Posted by Cam72aro
Get a center console. I would get a fiberglass boat without any carpet in it. The aluminum boat around saltwater tend to corrode. Yamaha and mercury make good motor. I am partial to them both. What is your price range?
Yeah price range is the big thing. You want a good 4 stroke motor for sure, otherwise you will be too worried about spending 50 bucks a fishing trip for gas to ever go out. Sounds like you want a ~21 ft bay boat with a 10-12" draft.
Reply
Old Jul 13, 2009 | 12:01 AM
  #12  
sandovalt1's Avatar
Teching In
iTrader: (2)
 
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 45
Likes: 0
From: Sanleon, TX
Default

if price is a big deal kenners, key west, sea hunt, and blue waves are alright bay boats for the price. for shallow water scb, south shore, triton, yellow fin, nautic star,and majek. all around fishing boats boston whaler, robalo, sea hunts, are not bad. just depending on what you want and the use.


check iboats.com they some times have some good deals or hit up the boat show when it comes to town. Its like buying a car lol once you make your decision you will find a better deal a week later
Reply
Old Jul 13, 2009 | 11:34 AM
  #13  
dry_kill's Avatar
Thread Starter
TECH Fanatic
iTrader: (12)
 
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 1,746
Likes: 0
From: houston tx
Default

price range is about no more then 8k, thanks for all the info
Reply
Old Jul 13, 2009 | 02:10 PM
  #14  
dry_kill's Avatar
Thread Starter
TECH Fanatic
iTrader: (12)
 
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 1,746
Likes: 0
From: houston tx
Default

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
Reply
Old Jul 13, 2009 | 02:43 PM
  #15  
TLUZLS1's Avatar
TECH Enthusiast
iTrader: (6)
 
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 669
Likes: 0
From: College Station/La Porte, TX
Default

Sounds like you want a deeper boat than i thought. Those are jetty boats. The 20' Robalo is nice but that motor is really thirsty (ask me how i know lol).
Reply
Old Jul 13, 2009 | 11:06 PM
  #16  
Cam72aro's Avatar
TECH Addict
iTrader: (28)
 
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 2,137
Likes: 1
From: Sugar Land, Tx
Default

Any 2 stroke is gonna be a thirsty ****. The 20' Robalo with the Johnson looks nice and might be a pretty good deal. I would stay away from the boston whaler that needs fiberglass work. The cabin cruiser is kinda old and might be more than what you want, unless you plan on going out 40-50 miles and staying overnight. Even so, I wouldnt trust an older boat like that. If you are looking for just a bay boat then of those the robalo is my choice, but I am sure there are many many more out there.
Reply
Old Jul 14, 2009 | 01:10 AM
  #17  
no_more_z28's Avatar
On The Tree
iTrader: (2)
 
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 179
Likes: 0
From: south side
Default

My pops is selling his center counsel for 6,500 but I may be able to get ya an ls1tech discount! Bad *** boat is all white has TWO live wells one one the front of the counsel that has a seat on the lid (large live well) and one in the rear of the boat (small one for live bait)... Its a 90's model with a 115 merc on it! Just had a new lower unit installed fishing line in the prop is no good pn any out board) it gets wrapped around the prop and tears up the seal witch causes the water to go in and the gear oil to come out in the end is a load of money down the hole... Anyways... He had a 1500 dollar ttop built for it from a place out of san antonio and it has a built in storage up top with a lockable door and has a marine cd player in it... Boat has four marine speakers for jammin out...

Has 2 batteries big tank under the counsel...
The seat for driving has an ice chest built in that is removable and the back part swivels back n forth so u can sit on either side of the seat...
Has a storage area under the front and has I swivel seat up front as well... Also has a trolling motor and gps fish finder...

He's not pushing to sell he's just lookin into gettin more of an all out off shore boat... This boat works off and off shore with no issues...

Boats loacted in surfside tx and we wouldn't have a problem droppin it in the water and lettin ya cruise it.... Hell could even take ya out fishin on it...

Just thoight ide throw it out there cuzz it soundes like exactly what yall would be interested in.
Reply
Old Jul 14, 2009 | 08:23 AM
  #18  
tommy21's Avatar
Registered User
 
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 3
Likes: 0
Default

Sounds to me u need a bass boat... I own a lil skeeter 18ft and me and my dad have probs bumping into each other but were both above 6'4 lol.... fitting 4 people on a bass boat to fish shallow waters is gonna be a magic trick... Best advice learn how to catch suspended fish and get a lil party boat lol
Reply
Old Jul 14, 2009 | 11:27 AM
  #19  
Phil8616's Avatar
TECH Regular
iTrader: (11)
 
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 411
Likes: 0
From: Texas
Default

Most good center consoles come with a galvanized trailer. It'd be worth getting if you are going to do a lot of salt water fishing.
Reply
Old Jul 14, 2009 | 09:35 PM
  #20  
alexv6camaro's Avatar
On The Tree
iTrader: (1)
 
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 102
Likes: 0
From: College station/ Spring
Default

Try to find an older boston whaler they are by far one of the best fishing boats out there.. There quality really cant touch the these boats especialy some of the older ones. The price on the will be a little higher but With boats you really do get what you pay for. Either way what ever you get check the fiberglass for any cracks put it in water first... check for leaks, easy way to tell if the boat is well maintaind is run your hand under the botom of the v... check to see how smooth it is, boats require being waxed just like cars to keep them in good shape.!
Reply




All times are GMT -5. The time now is 11:50 PM.

story-0
6 Gifts Neither Your Dad Nor Grad Will Shove Into the 'Trinket Drawer'

Don't get dad new socks or a grill brush this year.

By Brett Foote | 2026-06-09 14:55:56


VIEW MORE
story-1
Topdon ONE vs. Artidiag 800 BT2: Which is the Diagnostic Tablet For You?

Slideshow: We take a close look at the ONE and Artidiag 800BT2 diagnostic tools from Topdon and the reasons to buy one over the other.

By Pouria Savadkouei | 2026-05-28 11:05:11


VIEW MORE
story-2
Gas Monkey Built a 6-Wheel Ferrari Testarossa With a Corvette LT4 Engine

Slideshow: The controversial Ferrari F6 swaps its original flat-12 for a Corvette Z06-derived LT4 V8 and sends power to four rear wheels through a custom-built drivetrain.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-26 18:23:54


VIEW MORE
story-3
7 Most Reliable High-Performance Engines GM Has Ever Built

Slideshow:These GM engines didn't just make huge power, they survived abuse, boost, track days, and six-digit mileage with a reputation for refusing to quit.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-21 16:45:27


VIEW MORE
story-4
Amazing '71 Camaro Restomod Is Modern Muscle Car Under the Skin

Slideshow: This heavily modified 1971 Camaro mixes classic muscle car styling with a fifth-generation Camaro interior and modern LS3 power.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-12 18:06:42


VIEW MORE
story-5
6 Common C5 Corvette Failures and What's Involved In Repairing Them

Slideshow: From wobbling harmonic balancers to failed EBCMs, these are the issues that define long-term C5 ownership and what repairs typically involve.

By Pouria Savadkouei | 2026-05-07 18:44:57


VIEW MORE
story-6
Retro Modern Bandit Pontiac Trans AM Comes With Burt Reynolds' Autograph

Slideshow: A modern Camaro transformed into a retro icon, this limited-run "Bandit" build blends nostalgia with brute force in a way few revivals manage.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-21 13:57:02


VIEW MORE
story-7
Top 10 Greatest Cadillac V Series Performance Models Ever, Ranked

Slideshow: Cadillac didn't just crash the high-performance luxury vehicle party, it showed up loud, supercharged, and occasionally a little unhinged...

By Pouria Savadkouei | 2026-04-16 10:05:15


VIEW MORE
story-8
Top 10 Most Powerful Chevy Trucks Ever Made!

Slideshow: Top ten most powerful Chevy trucks ever made

By | 2026-03-25 09:22:26


VIEW MORE
story-9
Hennessey's New Supercharged Silverado ZR2 Has 700 HP

Slideshow: Hennessey has turned the Silverado ZR2 into a 700-hp off-road monster with supercharged V8 power and a limited production run.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-03-24 18:57:52


VIEW MORE