Any Suggestions Where to Test Drive a Boat

[NAG]

I am selling my boat this upcoming weekend and the guy would like to test drive it before we close the deal. Does anyone know of a good place to get it on the water around the cities? I know it is early, but just seeing if anyone has any suggestions or if I have to wait a couple weeks.

[polarsusd81]

Mississippi River, Pool 2. Bring a rod along and catch a walleye or two. Just make sure you put them back as it is open to C&R year round.

[Flaco651]

You can get on the MN or the 'Sippi rivers around the metro right now.

[NAG]

any access better than others? I am up in Elk River. The closer the better.

[eyebjim]

can you get it in the river in Elk River?

[NAG]

I know there is a boat ramp at Babcock Park right off Hwy 10 in Elk River, but I have never seen anyone use it. I am not too familiar with the river.

[eyebjim]

It's probably flowing quite good right now so that may not be the best option.

[St_Croix_Banks]

If you can't get on the water, in your Purchase Agreement set aside some $$$ based upon a positive water test to be done at a certain date. That dollar amount should be enough to cover any minor issues that come up motor related. You collect all the money up front except for the money that was set aside. The buyer doesn't take delivery until the water test is done. At that point, the remaining money is released and both parties go away happy. That's what I would insist on if I was the buyer. It really protects you as the seller as well down the road in the event an issue comes up with the boat.

[polarsusd81]

The stretch of river in Elk River is a prop eater. Good portion of the river 10 miles north and south of there is less than two feet deep. Don't test it in that stretch. Best bet is to trailer it to Hidden Falls boat ramp on Pool 2 of the Mississippi. Launch and give it the test there. That or wait a week for some smaller lakes to open up. It wont be long.

[tunrevir]

You can barrel test it and run the motor in a barrel and let them see how it runs. If hard pressed then I'd look to the rivers near you depending on the current and debris and such or like somone else has said put some money by the wayside and wait out the sale untill they can testdrive it. Rivers are going to be tough right now due to the flow volumes and the debris both seen and hidden so that may not be the best test right now either but if he just wants to see it run then put the muffs on or barrel test it for him. If you have a bill of sale from the last time the motor was maintained, that may help sway the buyer as well. Just some thoughts.

Tunrevir~

[benbosh]

lake superior

[Pherris]

I visited most of the river ramps around the metro this last weekend. They all looked fine but there was far more debries floating above the dam then down by the hidden falls launch so I would go to there for less chance of hitting a floater. Also had lot of rain this week may change things.

[2thepointsetters]

lake superior

You cant get a boat in now. All the ice blew back. It will be two weeks or more before there is a landing that can be used.

[vern]

Hidden Falls is a tricky landing with high water because it sits in the middle of an eddy. Watergate Marina is about a mile downstream & might be a better option because it's protected from the current. It'll cost you a few bucks but it's worth it. There were lot's of boats in that area of Pool 2 last weekend. Keep an eye out for debris & ice chunks once you're on the river though.

[Black_Bay]

It looked like Island Lake in Shoreview was open yesterday.

[Hafnutz]

I was thinking Island Lake also. (694 & Victoria) Decent boat launch there too. I haven't been by there in a few days but it looked like it was about ready to open.

[Sandmannd]

If Island is open, it is a great lake to go out and test on.

[SapperACE]

I'd say a lake or a river somewhere. Some place with water would be the best.