Boat I can get for 2 to 4 grand...All input greatly appreciated

[vikingmeatwad]

Hey guys,

What would your favorite used boat be for this price range?

Brand of motor for best reliability?

Tiller vs. Console?

I am in a predicament for what I want for myself, this will be my first boat.

My info:

It will usually be just 2 people and for these reasons I think a console boat would make me happier:

More comfortable for cruising around

maybe a bit better for trolling

easier to drive

Also I think I want a 16' with at least a 30-40 hp to get around better in places like tonka. Also easier for me to haul with my toyota truck.

Any opinions are appreciated, I searched and didn't find too many threads on this but if anyone does let me know.

[PerchJerker]

In the price range and hp range you're talking you will have more selection and newer boats and motors if you look at a tiller boat. And a tiller would probably be better for trolling too. I am 100% for console boats but that is for bigger boats and motors - with what you're talking about I would definatley get a tiller boat. There should be lots of threads re: tiller versus console for you to research through.

For the most part there are not bad makes or models of outboards. As you're looking at used rigs you will be able to see what has been taken care of and what hasn't, but the tell-all would be to get a compression or leak-down test done on the outboard. Or post a question about the specific motors you're looking at.

Pay attention to the trailer too. You won't believe all the problems and headaches a bad or under-sized trailer will cause.

A general rule of thumb is that you will get more boat for your money of you buy from a private party, not a dealer. Another rule of thumb is you'll get more if you can find something outside of the metro area.

Good luck, have fun shopping, and post more questions as they come up.

[nluchau]

The best thing to do is check the classifieds and the for sale forum on FM. Your probably not going to get anything newer for that price range for a 16 ft with 30-40 horse.

You will find something cheaper from a private party than a dealer.

The motor is the most expensive thing. Bring a compression tester with and make sure all cylinders are within 5% of each other over 100 lbs. My little 15 horse evinrude has 115 in both cylinders.

Good luck in your search.

[picksbigwagon]

keep your eyes on the want ads, this site, and if you can wait until late september, dealers. I bought my first boat last summer, a 87 crestliner, 16 ft, tiller with a 40 hp and a 9.9 kicker for 3K....my next boat will probably be a side console, but I do love my tiller, so when I am looking again, I will look for a wider tiller.....Tiller's really open up the floor space

[DTro]

If you plan on doing a majority of fishing with this boat, I would recommend a tiller. Just browsing the ads here, this one looks like a nice boat, top of your price range, but looks pretty nice:

http://www.fishingminnesota.com/forum/showflat.php?Cat=&Number=818955&page=2&view=collapsed&sb=5&o=&fpart=1

[Northlander]

I also think if you wait til fall you will see lots of boats go on the market and at a bigger savings than if you buy now. The boat listed above is a nice rig, the backtrollers have been good boats. Make a offer that you can afford and see what happens. Boat looks well taken care of.

[riverrat56]

I picked up a 89' Lund Rebel Special 16ft with a 40HP Evinrude 1990 motor and a nice duck blind for $3850, great fishing boat, tops out right around 30 mph with 2 people and gear.

Boat is a tiller and has plently of floor space but storage is limited.

[solbes]

I didn't want a new boat as my first since I knew I'd get plenty of scratches, prop hits, etc. I ended up buying from a large dealer on their used boat selection. 1991 16" Forester console (not made anymore), carpeted decking, and a 90 Hp '84 Evinrude for under $4k.

I had to add the trolling motor and the electronics, but it fishes as well as a $16k boat, and I have no payments. In four years I haven't had any engine repairs, outside of some old fuel lines that needed to be replaced. Someone had the great idea on the compression tester. Takes some of the guess work out of it.

You should be able to get the good deals after Labor day.

[vikingmeatwad]

Thanks for all the great input everyone!

I will definitely not go to a dealer, the prices I have seen at the stores has been laughable. I will have to start checking the papers outside of the cities soon. But I think the timing will get better now for me to find a console in good condition for a good price.

How are the mariner motors?

[solbes]

Yeah, dealers are high until the end of the season nears and they want to clear the lots. The positive is that they can easily fix any annoying issues you might find before you take it home.

My father in law had a mariner motor on his 2nd to last boat and he had minimal problems. I haven't heard anything else about them though.

[BigWadeS]

I was in the same perdicament last summer. I found an 18' deep V walk-thru for $3000.00

[Morquinn23]

We got lucky... we got an 18ft Searay Seville with a 140hp inboard for $1,000... we had to do some slight mechanical work and we redid every seat ourselves, and now the thing looks brand new! Thrifty shopping is the best.

[Morquinn23]

Oh yeah, and it came with an EZ loader trailer also. I say, we got dang lucky... these people just didnt want to have it on there property anymore and were originally selling it for $3,000 but sacraficed for a grand.

[renny]

I've got a great starter boat for you. look in the for sale section, a 16ft lund. i'am only owner, gave me years of pleasure, runs like a top, great fishing boat, tiller modle, very negotiable. is in very good condition.