Buying a 2nd hand boat

[Jesterarts]

Hey,

Just need some advice on what to look for when buying a boat.

I'm good with cars, but have nfi about boats.

What should I look for?

I am getting something around the 4.5 - 5m range. Looking for it to be able to be used for fishing and also towing someone on a wakeboard or ski's etc.

And is there something like the RACV Pre-Purchase car inspection service for boats?

Thanks,

[S.T.K.E]

Oooooo

Subscribed to this

I my self am looking for a boat too.

[showbags]

Hey,

Just need some advice on what to look for when buying a boat.

I'm good with cars, but have nfi about boats.

What should I look for?

I am getting something around the 4.5 - 5m range. Looking for it to be able to be used for fishing and also towing someone on a wakeboard or ski's etc.

And is there something like the RACV Pre-Purchase car inspection service for boats?

Thanks,

You looking at import or local boat?

[Jesterarts]

NFI.

I've been looking at some Haines hulls, a few Caribbean hulls and really just anything that looks nice. lol.

[Troy711]

First question should be how much your budget is. Second, fiberglass or tinny?

[vicarious]

looking from a boat dealer or private, your best bet is to get the boat in the water to see how it goes as getting a dud outboard can be quite costly and what brand of motor do you want?

[Jesterarts]

First question should be how much your budget is. Second, fiberglass or tinny?

1. Under 10k. Ideally under 8k. Something in the "cheap and cheerful" category. lol
2. Fibreglass.

Just thought of a #3

3. Planning on using it in the bay.

[Ed]

Have fun mate, my mate just bought a ski boat...already costing alot of money so gotta remember that

[Drawnnite]

first tip: dont buy a boat during summer! =P
always buy out of season if you can. = you should save a few dollars


from my own opinion you cannot really have a great fishing boat and a great boat for wakeboarding. (due to you want a big wake =P)

for those interested (off track/side info). and i probably shouldnt share this info (i want it for myself =P) but...
a great boat for skiing and wakeboarding is a ski nautique. not a brand newy (a little older).
but ive heard they are excellent for both purposes and as a bonus can be quite cheap

goodluck on the boat searching though.
let us know how you go

[Sabbath']

You want to make sure that the floor and transom (the part where the motor attaches if it's an outboard) are strong and havent gone soft. Make sure that the hull is straight and free from damage or obvious major repairs.

Get the owner to start the motor up and make sure that it shifts in and out of gears.

Make sure the trailer (if it comes with one) is in good condition, not rusted, or suspiciously freshly painted

[showbags]

Some extremely good bargains can be had if your willing to import from the states with the way the dollar is and boats come under the free trade agreement so no import duty or GST.

[gopher]

don't expect too much for under 10 k
as said earlier make sure the transom and floor are solid grab the leg of the motor and pull ande push it and see how much flex there is in the transom
start it up and make sure it starts easy and there is a steady stream of water from the water pump, put in gear
check trailer and check the keel
and the wiring
i traded in a 92 model runabout in 2010 for 7k
but it had a dodgy floor and transom and they sold it for 10 k

i've had several boats withe Evinrude & Johnson outboards
and 1 with a Yamaha (based on my experience i wouldn't rccomend a Yamaha

current 1 has a 75 Evinrude Etec best motor i've ever had but it was something like 10 k just for the motor

[Drawnnite]

Some extremely good bargains can be had if your willing to import from the states with the way the dollar is and boats come under the free trade agreement so no import duty or GST.

not exactly so.
you still have to pay shipping fees. docking fees, packing, unpacking etc
which works out to about $6000 from memory (well its $6000 for a car)

i forgot to add this last night to my last post.
it regards american boat trailers

most of them are too wide for Aus Standards/Laws.
and will not be passed for that reason.
they also lack certain lights (clearance lights i believe)
so you would also be looking at getting a brand new boat trailer made which isnt cheap.
i was told and had it clarified by a trailer body builder.

just some side info for you =P

[showbags]

Some extremely good bargains can be had if your willing to import from the states with the way the dollar is and boats come under the free trade agreement so no import duty or GST.

not exactly so.
you still have to pay shipping fees. docking fees, packing, unpacking etc
which works out to about $6000 from memory (well its $6000 for a car)

i forgot to add this last night to my last post.
it regards american boat trailers

most of them are too wide for Aus Standards/Laws.
and will not be passed for that reason.
they also lack certain lights (clearance lights i believe)
so you would also be looking at getting a brand new boat trailer made which isnt cheap.
i was told and had it clarified by a trailer body builder.

just some side info for you =P

$3700 as at November 2011. Anything under 26 feet in length will fit in a standard shipping container anything bigger than that and the price increases signifantly. That price is from when it leaves the dealer in the state to when you pick it up from the dock. Transport from there is your responsibility. As for the trailer, they come with the mud guards cut off and only two bare rims to roll it on. It's just a matter of adding lights, narrower axle(s) and mud guards to pass road worthy and reg. a much chEaper option than buying a new trailer

[PaRaDoX]

I picked up my boat for a really good price during winter.

I got a Haines Hunter V133,

A few things to check for are

- soft subfloor
- cracks in the fibreglass
- does the bilge pump work
- do the nav lights work
- does the choke work
- is it hard to start cold
- do the guages work
- does it shift into gear nicely or clunk? (forward and reverse)
- does the hydraullic lift on the motor work and stay up? (mine drops slowly)
- does the tell tale have a constant flow or a trickle? (it does NOT take long to overheat a outboard engine)
- is the propeller chewed up? (they're about $300 to replace)
- turn the propeller by hand in gear, it should lock up or lock one way depending on the make and clutch design.
- I'd want to do a compression test before buying
- if another motor has been fitted that is larger than the original is the transom reinforced? my 3.9M has a 105hp on it (wayy bigger than what its supposed to have) its been reinforced with 1/2" thick steel either side of the transome.

Outboards are pretty expensive, in comparison to the boat, i rebuilt my outboard because it was cheaper than replacing it.
Haines are known for making quallity Hull's, With a boat it's pretty hit and miss, its hard to ask for a test drive in most occasions.

What you want is a run about, something that can tow a skiier but is not a dedicated ski boat. a deep V hull will be rubish for trawling but give you good results at speed and towing.

[Jesterarts]

Thanks for the input guys.

Really not looking to import anything.

I want to go see, touch, like and buy. Importing will cut out item #2 from my list and I'm not comfortable with that.

In regards to checking for a "dodgey" transom and floor.

What are some give aways that it's bad, repaired or otherwise no in good condition?

I've found a place that does pre-purchase inspections so if I am unsure I will have that piece of mind.

Yeah, I'm not expecting anything amazing for 10K.

Something with a 1980-1990 Hull, and a motor from about the same era.

There are a few boats I have found I like well within the price range I am looking. Just trying to find the ones that are old, but don't look old... lol.

For example, I was quite interested in this:
CARIBBEAN (F/glass) INVADER - Power Boats for sale - Braeside - VIC - $ 6,990.00

It ticked all the boxes and was what seemed a good price. Though when I rang them on Monday I was informed it has been sold on Sunday.

If I found something like this:
http://www.boatsales.com.au/boats-fo...spx?R=10819004

But in Vic it would basically be sitting in my front yard by now.

[quick308]

Thanks for the input guys.

Really not looking to import anything.

I want to go see, touch, like and buy. Importing will cut out item #2 from my list and I'm not comfortable with that.

In regards to checking for a "dodgey" transom and floor.

What are some give aways that it's bad, repaired or otherwise no in good condition?

I've found a place that does pre-purchase inspections so if I am unsure I will have that piece of mind.

Yeah, I'm not expecting anything amazing for 10K.

Something with a 1980-1990 Hull, and a motor from about the same era.

There are a few boats I have found I like well within the price range I am looking. Just trying to find the ones that are old, but don't look old... lol.

For example, I was quite interested in this:
CARIBBEAN (F/glass) INVADER - Power Boats for sale - Braeside - VIC - $ 6,990.00

It ticked all the boxes and was what seemed a good price. Though when I rang them on Monday I was informed it has been sold on Sunday.

My dad owns a boat business, the boats are pricey though haha. The SEAHUNTS are a top seller in the states awesome boats, no harm in having a look. Bass Boats Australia. Just in case you change your budget.

I noticed those links you put up shows two boats with the old blue band mercury on them, if it was me i'd steer clear of those, I've been told by a lot of people they were a bad motor. So you might wanna look into that in case you find another like this. Nothing wrong with getting an old one but you don't wanna buy someone else's problems.

[Jesterarts]

Thanks mate, good to know about the Mercury motor thing. I will try to steer clear.

Cheers.

[PaRaDoX]

with outboard engines, most of them are exactly the same, Most outboards fall under 2 companys. Designs are shared and parts are usually interchangable.
My Chrysler is the same block as the later Forces which is all owned by mercury now anyway. You want to pick a engine you can still get new parts for in australia, I've had a prick of a time tracking down parts and ordering them from the states rebuilding mine but i couild get EVERYTHING.

FYI Mercury rate their outboard engines at the prop, so 90hp merc is really a 100hp
Everyone else rates them at the crank.

[Sabbath']

One way to check for a soft transom is put a finger through a bung hole and feel around for soft spots. Awkward sentence is awkward

[Jesterarts]

One way to check for a soft transom is put a finger through a bung hole and feel around for soft spots. Awkward sentence is awkward

Umm... should I like... take the boat out to a nice dinner before I do that or just ruffies?

[showbags]

One way to check for a soft transom is put a finger through a bung hole and feel around for soft spots. Awkward sentence is awkward

Hmmmm, we are still talking about boats? Right?

[Rufys]

One word: Quintrex

[PaRaDoX]

One way to check for a soft transom is put a finger through a bung hole and feel around for soft spots. Awkward sentence is awkward

did you check my bung holes when we went out?

[gopher]

One word: Quintrex

did you even read what he is after?
or can you not tell the difference between fibreglass and aluminium?

In regards to checking for a "dodgey" transom and floor.

What are some give aways that it's bad, repaired or otherwise no in good condition?

Transom Test When Buying or Repairing A Boat

also the floor will feel all spongy