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new or used boat
How to buy a BOAT - To buy USED or To buy NEW?
If my budget is less than $10K for a used boat, and we want a bay or flat bottom boat, how old should I go to and what brands are the safest to deal with? I am thinking 2003 and have been looking at Carolina Skiff models 19 foot DLX for 11 people max. I do not want to go out in the ocean with this boat and there is a lot of shallow water in Wilmington NC area so something like this would be perfect. I'm worried that the used motors are going to bite me on this deal. What motors are best Suzuki 90 4 stroke, Yamaha, Johnson, ??? If I do compression check then what is a good number for this on each cylinder? Is 300 hours a lot of time for a motor? Is it bad for the boat to dtay i nthe water and only come out once per year for cleaning? If I can buy a 2009 Skif for $16K and a 2003 Skiff for $10K which should I choose if it is apples to apples compared?
If you go used, I'd stick with johnson/evinrude, only cause I know they are all reliable and well-supported as to spare parts and service. merc and yammy are probably a close second and third. That's a matter of opinion kinda like Ford or Chevy.
4-stroke is heavier and more complex than a 2-stroke, meaning higher acquisition cost, less speed for the same horsepower and higher repair bills. It's also more fuel efficient, cleaner-running and quieter (above the waterline).
If you want to just climb aboard, turn the key and go, get a new boat with a four-stroke merc or yammy, or a 2-stroke evinrude e-tec. Lot of people like the new Honda 4-strokes, I don't know anything about 'em. Myself, I'm partial to the e-tec. It's a 2-stroke with the emmissions and fuel economy of a 4-stroke.
As far as hours on a motor -- the biggest problem most boat motors encounter is idle time, which is hard on any machinery. 50 hours/year is better than 10 hours/year. Properly maintained, there is really no upper limit on the service life of an outboard.
Compression: difference between cylinders is more important than raw numbers. You want to see less than 5 or 7% between the lowest and highest, otherwise walk away.
If it's on a trailer, as the owner to start it for you. If he does so without hooking it up to water, walk away. You know the motor's been abused -- it only takes about 30 seconds of dry running to damage a water pump impeller.
Good compression starts quick, both warm and cold, idles, accelerates and cruises good, is about all you can ask for in a used outboard. Some basic maintenance will keep 'em running for a long, long time (I run a '79 evinrude), but repairs are pricy unless you do 'em yourself.
On the hull -- a few are all-composite, but most have fiberglass-over-wood floors, decks & transom. Replacing floors & decks is hot messy work, but the transom is a real headache. Any soft spots in the floor/deck, either walk away or prepare for some [sarcasm] real fun [/sarcasm].
Motor tilted up, grasp the lower unit and give a good shake -- torque in every direction. Don't try to tear it off the boat -- just look for any flex in the transom. Any soft spots, just walk away.
Used boat, you won't be so unhappy every time it bumps into the dock, or you chip some gelcoat off with the anchor...yada yada yada. But, you'll have to spend more time & money on upkeep.
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| | 285fpb Pro Inflatable Pontoon Fishing Boat Package $899 The unique U-hull configuration of this one man fishing boat provides the maximum fishing space with the least amount of hull weight. It can be used two ways - in it's lightest configuration, without a wooden floor using the inflatable Pro Angler Seat and rowing with the included oars or fully rigged, with wooden floorboard for standing and casting, pedestal swivel seat for 360° fishing while sitting, motor mount for small gas or electric engines. Weighing only 38 lbs, with the Pro Angler Seat this is a super lightweight, super portable fishing craft. Even when equipped with floorboard, motor mount, and swivel seat this boat weighs only a total of 72 lbs. The NEW Hunter Green 285fpb is a stealthy inflatable boat that's perfect for fishing or hunting. It goes anywhere, sets up in just 5 minutes and can fit in the trunk of a car. |
| | 285fpb Deluxe Inflatable Pontoon Fishing Boat Package $649 The unique U-hull configuration of this one man fishing boat provides the maximum fishing space with the least amount of hull weight. It can be used two ways - in it's lightest configuration, without a wooden floor using the inflatable Pro Angler Seat and rowing with the included oars or fully rigged, with wooden floorboard for standing and casting, pedestal swivel seat for 360° fishing while sitting, motor mount for small gas or electric engines. Weighing only 38 lbs, with the Pro Angler Seat this is a super lightweight, super portable fishing craft. Even when equipped with floorboard, motor mount, and swivel seat this boat weighs only a total of 72 lbs. The NEW Hunter Green 285fpb is a stealthy inflatable boat that's perfect for fishing or hunting. It goes anywhere, sets up in just 5 minutes and can fit in the trunk of a car. |
| | Stealth Stalker 10 Deluxe Inflatable Pontoon Fishing Boat Package $999 The Hunter Green Stealth Stalker 10 is a new kind of fishing boat equipped for use in various fishing conditions... on rivers, lakes, bays...in calm or rough weather. Comfortable for two, easily handled by one! This roomy, portable, light weight boat features a fully enclosed hull for use on almost any body of water. Wide sectional floorboards provide plenty of fishing space and a conveniently located stow bag makes for easy access. The NEW Hunter Green Stealth Stalker 10 is a stealthy inflatable boat that's perfect for Fishing or Hunting. Lightweight and portable it goes anywhere and sets up in under 15 minutes! Utilizing a round-hull configuration with an inside cockpit this enclosed boat gives anglers a safe secure feeling while fishing in calm or rough seas. A truly stable and functional fishing craft that can be used in a wide range of fishing and water conditions. |
| | Stealth Stalker 10 Pro Inflatable Pontoon Fishing Boat Package $1249 The Hunter Green Stealth Stalker 10 is a new kind of fishing boat equipped for use in various fishing conditions... on rivers, lakes, bays...in calm or rough weather. Comfortable for two, easily handled by one! This roomy, portable, light weight boat features a fully enclosed hull for use on almost any body of water. Wide sectional floorboards provide plenty of fishing space and a conveniently located stow bag makes for easy access. The NEW Hunter Green Stealth Stalker 10 is a stealthy inflatable boat that's perfect for Fishing or Hunting. Lightweight and portable it goes anywhere and sets up in under 15 minutes! Utilizing a round-hull configuration with an inside cockpit this enclosed boat gives anglers a safe secure feeling while fishing in calm or rough seas. A truly stable and functional fishing craft that can be used in a wide range of fishing and water conditions. |
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| | SE 8 Fisherman's Dream Inflatable Boat Package $549 The New Redesigned Sea Eagle 8 offers an I-beam constructed floor for increased strength and rigidity. This floor has a single conveniently located deluxe fill valve that coincides with a thru floorboard valve cut out for easy and convenient valve access. Although newly redesigned the SE 8 still remains a lightweight, affordable, inflatable fishing boat that is super stable, easy to row, and works great with small gas or electric motors. |
| | Boat Carry Bag $49 The real time saver of this bag design is the way it wraps around the boat hull. You don't have to spend time folding the boat to the exact proportions of the bag. Just roll up the boat and place on the open bag, and wrap the flaps around it. This bag is compatible with our 10.6sr. |
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| | 12.6sr Deluxe Inflatable Boat Package $2099 The 12 ft. 6 inch long Sport Runabout is a mid-sized inflatable sport boat with plenty of room. Large enough to be considered a serious transom boat yet light enough to be placed inside or on top of an average vehicle. Best of all there's no trailer required. The rounded bow shape increases cargo space, buoyancy, fuel economy and makes for a softer ride. The inflatable Drop Stitch Floor Package keeps the overall hull weight at just 108 lbs. verses 147 lbs. with plastic floorboards. That's over 25% lighter while still able to carry up to 6 adults or 1600 lbs. |
| | 14sr Deluxe Inflatable Boat Package $2499 The 14 ft. Sport Runabout is sure to be a favorite of larger groups as well as police and fire departments alike. This rugged boat can carry up to seven adults and gear and is able to accommodate up to a 40 hp/long shaft engine. So this boat can really move! The 4" inflatable external keel allows it to cut through chop with ease and the rounded bow design has increased buoyancy, fuel efficiency, cargo space and provides for much a easier ride. |
| | 10.6sr Deluxe Inflatable Boat Package $1649 The 10 ft. 6 inch long Sport Runabout makes for an excellent, lightweight ship to shore tender and all around great boat. The rounded shape maximizes interior space for cargo, creates less drag on the water, provides a much smoother softer ride and improves fuel efficiency. The inflatable Drop Stitch Floor Package keeps the overall hull weight under 100 lbs. while still able to carry 5 adults or 1200 lbs. with ease. |
| | 10.6sry Deluxe Inflatable Boat Package $1449 The 10 ft. 6 inch long Sport Runabout now in high visibility yellow makes for an excellent, lightweight ship to shore tender and all around great boat. The larger vessels are sure to see you coming and going, especially at night and the bright yellow is easily seen from above. The rounded shape maximizes interior space for cargo, creates less drag on the water, provides a much smoother softer ride and improves fuel efficiency. The extra wide 6" Rubbing Strake provides an added layer of protection and the inflatable Drop Stitch Floor Package keeps the overall hull weight under 100 lbs. while still able to carry 5 adults or 1200 lbs. with ease. |
| | 12.6sry Deluxe Inflatable Boat Package $1899 Now in high visibility yellow, the 12 ft. 6 inch long Sport Runabout is a mid-sized inflatable sport boat. Large enough to be considered a serious transom boat yet light enough to be placed inside or on top of an average vehicle. Best of all there's no trailer required. The extra wide 6" Rubbing Strake provides an added layer of protection and the rounded bow shape increases cargo space, buoyancy, fuel economy and makes for a softer ride. The inflatable Drop Stitch Floor Package keeps the overall hull weight at just 108 lbs. verses 147 lbs. with plastic floorboards. That's over 25% lighter while still able to carry up to 6 adults or 1600 lbs. |
| | 12.6sr Drop Stitch Deluxe Inflatable Boat Package $2099 The 12 ft. 6 inch long Sport Runabout is a mid-sized inflatable sport boat with plenty of room. Large enough to be considered a serious transom boat yet light enough to be placed inside or on top of an average vehicle. Best of all there's no trailer required. The rounded bow shape increases cargo space, buoyancy, fuel economy and makes for a softer ride. The inflatable Drop Stitch Floor Package keeps the overall hull weight at just 108 lbs. verses 147 lbs. with plastic floorboards. That's over 25% lighter while still able to carry up to 6 adults or 1600 lbs. |
| | 10.6sry Drop Stitch Deluxe Inflatable Boat Package $1449 The 10 ft. 6 inch long Sport Runabout now in high visibility yellow makes for an excellent, lightweight ship to shore tender and all around great boat. The larger vessels are sure to see you coming and going, especially at night and the bright yellow is easily seen from above. The rounded shape maximizes interior space for cargo, creates less drag on the water, provides a much smoother softer ride and improves fuel efficiency. The extra wide 6" Rubbing Strake provides an added layer of protection and the inflatable Drop Stitch Floor Package keeps the overall hull weight under 100 lbs. while still able to carry 5 adults or 1200 lbs. with ease. |
| | SE 9 Startup Inflatable Boat Package $349 This lightweight, affordable, inflatable fishing boat holds up to 4 people, is super stable and works great with small gas or electric motors. |
| | SE 9 Fisherman's Dream Inflatable Boat Package $599 This lightweight, affordable, inflatable fishing boat holds up to 4 people, is super stable and works great with small gas or electric motors. |
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Boating Basics for New Boat Owners
{ 1 comment }
After reading Alas, Babylon and On the Beach in about seventh grade, a friend and I stocked his playhouse with canned goods and water, and tried to outfit his twelve foot boat (with a 6 hp engine) to sail to Bermuda when the warnings came. When his mom found out, she sent him to counseling and we weren't allowed to hang out for six months.
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