So I'm still on the quest to find the right boat. Any tips or pointers of what to do and look for when looking at boats? There are too many stories of people being screwed over with hidden problems and you doing always have a chance to run the boat on a lake. I won't buy one without at least being able to hook it up to water and running it
Tips greatly appreciated. .
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There are so many things to look at when buying a boat, I'll list a few. On a smaller boat, I can see not taking it to the lake to test it out, say a 14 alum with a 7 hp motor but on a bigger boat 16' with a 50 hp or larger, IMO you are asking for trouble when you don't take it to the lake and take it for a test run. No matter how it runs in someones drive way, there is no comparison to taking it to the lake and putting a load on the motor as it pushes the boat through the water. Unless it is a new boat, I'd say there is a problem when someone tells you there is some reason why they can't take it out for a test run. Motors are very expensive and to replace them can be too much for most used boat owner, especially right after buying the boat. Make sure the steering is smooth with it not being too stiff or hard to turn. If your buying an alum boat check for any major dents, it could mean the last owner abused the boat, small dents are normal on used Alum boats. Fiberglass boats are another issue, any cracks in the hull, should keep you from buying them, unless you are good at doing fiberglass work or don't mind shelling out the $$ to have it repaired. Make sure that all you see on the boat comes with it and the owner does not intend to remove them before you pick up the boat. Extras are nice but don't spend too much extra for them, remember they are used. Ask the owner, when was the last time the impeller was changed. Last, inspect the trailer, look for uneven tire wear and ask when was the last time the bearing were repacked. Since most boat trailers have solid axles, uneven tire wear could indicate a bent axle. Ware just on the inside or outside of the tires could be tires being over inflate or under inflated but when the ware is only on one side but not the other, thats another issue. Hope this helps.
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we need more info on what you want and or desire, budget, way of like to fish, where mostly you will be fishing,
I fish at ul a lot, if you are along way from the harbor and the wind kicks up it can be rough and scary, other lakes there is usually somewhere to hide if needed.
for your first boat I wouldn't go to big there is a big learning curve that mostly will come from experience easier in a smaller craft,
if looking on ksl for a boat be patient and have the cash ready for the good deal to show that's in your budget, make sure you have some extra cuz there is always things will need or think you need,
a test drive is always good, also don't forget to google it, there is always some kind for info on what you are looking at, try to look up a value on nada,
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Its the motors, those damn motors. Take it to a mechanic for a diagnostic test, as well as a water test. Boats, they either float, float and leak, or sink. An eye test and water test will tell you which it is. Electronics and wiring--see if they're clean. Turn on every electrical switch. Wiggle stuff around and look for poor or corroded (green) connections. Check livewell and bilge pumps and hoses. Check any fittings on a fiberglass boat for leakage.
Trust your eyes on the boat, and trust a mechanic on the motor.
And, if you live anywhere in reach of Hyrum/Logan, take it to Lee!
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Thanks for the reply.
This really isn't my first boat. I have had an old tri-hull outboard (wouldn't go back to tri-hull, not safe in rough waters) and I currently have a 1979 Fiberform with 305 I/O. I'm just looking to find something that will fit my family a little more. I know what I'm looking for and not looking for in functionality (e.g. room to fish off the sides, USCG rated capacities) I'm just looking for feedback on how to avoid getting screwed by someone looking to dump their junk as I'm not a mechanic and some sellers live quiet a distance from lakes, as do I (unless I want to try it out on the Great Salt Lake, no thanks) since Stansbury kind of frowns on motor boats on the lake.
Keep the input coming. I'm hoping to look at a couple this weekend.
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Just like tarponjim said its the motor, its easy to look in and out of a boat, its hard to look in a motor without exray vision, take it to a mechanic if you can, I would not buy it with out atleast a test drive, look at the cleanliness of the engine that will give you a idea of how is been taken care of.
and be patient
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Best boat advice is don't buy one!
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