Thinking about buying a boat

Definitely sounding alerts  when a outboard or even inboard is having problems. I would think with a good mechanic, that same sounding alert would be able to be wired to a light on a dash panel. Wouldn't think that would be to expensive with the right electrician.

Always good to have a large rear view mirror as well. Might seem funny, but they definitely help. You would be surprised how fast other boaters can up on you without noticing.

   Definitely do yourself a favor and get something with at LEAST a sunshade.

Small back up motors are always good. 10 to 15 hp.

Oh ya !  Water pump ! Water pump !!!!!   Change them every other year. They can stop working and ruin a good engine. Always check that they are flowing good.
Alex

A pee can too. You can't always hang ten. 

A pee can too. You can't always hang ten. 

Personally, I only need to hang one.

I was a bit concerned buying a used boat, since I have very little experience and wouldn't know whether I'm getting a good deal or not.

Right now I'm leaning towards freshwater only. I can't really imagine myself doing much ocean fishing on a boat. But overnight lake trips with my brother and dogs? Definitely can see myself doing a ton of that.

At first I didn't think I cared about being protected from the elements. But I might want to at least avoid some wind and get some shade. A bass tracker type boat  with a sun shade I can take down would be good. Wind... it doesn't seem like it'd be tough to add wind protection but I don't think I'd be out that much in the wind.

There are no perfect boats, every one is a compromise. Figure out where you guys will be spending the majority of your time, look at the style of fishing you want to do and buy the boat that fits the needs of what you will likely be doing the majority of the time. 

Really look at the style of boat pickerel posted, that type of crossover boat will work for dunking bait, trolling and get the job done adequately for bass.....and with both the Delta and Clear Lake being world class bass fisheries it's hard to imagine that you wouldn't give it a shot.  Good protection from the elements also. Doesn't sound like a big deal but once you're out there in extreme heat or wind/cold you literally feel beat at the end of the day.

In your price range, you should be able to find something turnkey.  Have the engine checked out at a shop to verify the hours and do a leak down or compression check.  If it's an aluminum boat look for corrosion around transducers, through hulls, and along trailer bunks.

From your parameters it does sound like the 16-17' range will be optimal. You can modify most any trailer in that size for a swing away tongue, you just need a coupler. 

Make sure the trailer is in good shape as well, free of excessive rust, bubbled paint, unevenly worn tires, grease oozing from bearing buddies, dings or bent frames. 



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Very well stated, AG!

Now I'm looking at boats, too. But just for RBark, I'm not thinking about it for my family trips or anything like that, no.

fold away tongue, good size 4-stroke power, talk him down to 20K?
https://sfbay.craigslist.org/nby/boa/5980123770.html

Right on Ryan, good luck in your search. Thanks for posting too, because other people learn from these types of questions (like me). Because I'll own a boat eventually.
I would echo what Ben said about taking into consideration your lack of hearing. I'm not aware of any potential issues other than the things he mentioned...but it's worth looking into...there could be other things that we don't even consider that could be worth noting. Not being able to hear the engine or vhf could be problematic, but there are probably already some type of accomodation of work-around to solve those types of issues.
With that said, here are my votes. This is my vote for used (mostly bcuz the new merc & electronics): http://slo.craigslist.org/boa/5897399113.html And this is my vote if you go new...this place seems like has good deals: http://www.asfbmarine.com/m/showcase_unit.htm?id=923593&status=2

Was trying to find info in regard to a deaf person navigating a boat. Not finding anything. Weird. Anyways, the only thing that I did come across which makes sense. Call or visit your local coast guard office. I would hope they would have info regarding info to helping you with safe boating.

Of course there are more than enough members here that would be more than willing to go fishing and boating with you and your crew, including myself 

I call , "SHOTGUN" !

Alex

Out boards give you more interior seating.  I need it when the big girl decides she wants the seat.

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Interesting thread. I know nothing about boats but it seems to me that a lot of the used boats being suggested here are pretty old, like decades old in some cases. Is age not a major concern?

I ask because way back when I was a kid, we had a boat. I don't remember too much about it, other than it had a fiberglass hull and 60 hp Mercury outboard. After about a dozen years of fairly limited use, the hull cracked and it nearly sank. At the time, everyone seemed to blame that on the age of the boat.

If Ben offers to take a trip to San Pablo pump house to chase sturgeon... agree ASAP. Sturgeons are thick as of now.

Interesting thread. I know nothing about boats but it seems to me that a lot of the used boats being suggested here are pretty old, like decades old in some cases. Is age not a major concern?

I ask because way back when I was a kid, we had a boat. I don't remember too much about it, other than it had a fiberglass hull and 60 hp Mercury outboard. After about a dozen years of fairly limited use, the hull cracked and it nearly sank. At the time, everyone seemed to blame that on the age of the boat.

My whaler is a '65, my dad had a 60's era glasspar that we ran into the 90's before letting go of it.  Both solid boats.

It's got alot to do with the company building it and the construction techniques they used.  Additionally, how well it's maintained and the attention to detail when rigging matters as well, you can turn a great boat into a pos.

Also, any time you're buying a used boat it's best to research not just the builder but the era in which the boat was built.  You find out alot of specifics that could make or break a purchase.


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Right on Ryan, good luck in your search. Thanks for posting too, because other people learn from these types of questions (like me). Because I'll own a boat eventually.
I would echo what Ben said about taking into consideration your lack of hearing. I'm not aware of any potential issues other than the things he mentioned...but it's worth looking into...there could be other things that we don't even consider that could be worth noting. Not being able to hear the engine or vhf could be problematic, but there are probably already some type of accomodation of work-around to solve those types of issues.
With that said, here are my votes. This is my vote for used (mostly bcuz the new merc & electronics): http://slo.craigslist.org/boa/5897399113.html And this is my vote if you go new...this place seems like has good deals: http://www.asfbmarine.com/m/showcase_unit.htm?id=923593&status=2

That's a nice looking Clean Olympic center console. They are a well regarded boat in the northwest.

Here's a Wellcraft with a fresh repower that looks pretty sweet too.
http://sfbay.craigslist.org/nby/boa/5977171983.html

-Eliot

I just measured my garage. I have exactly 21' length and 76" height at the lowest point to work with. Matt and I are going to a boating store to look at what we want. If you have a recommendation between Vallejo and San Jose I'm all eyes. We just want to look at a variety and get a feel for what works for us.

Good luck, Ryan.

I owned two boats prior to buying a kayak, and neither one ever made it into the water due to various mechanical issues...  I'm done!