starter boat?

[weedeater]

I would look for a boat with tiller handle to start off, less problems to worry with and you can get something newer at better price

[bullcroaker]

Originally Posted by weedeater

I would look for a boat with tiller handle to start off, less problems to worry with and you can get something newer at better price

plus you will have way more floor space

[Crawdaddct]

My boat ran me about $4,000. 1997 18 ft kenner with a 90hp johnson. Not my first boat, but the most expensive I have ever bought. I usually buy stuff out of peoples yards with grass grown up around it. I bought this one from a online add. I knew my boat had some flaws, but I like working on it when not fishing. My boat needed the keel repaired, from the guy hitting a sandbar too hard. Also the motor was temperamental. Turned out to be the stator and power head. With the motor, make sure it has good compression. Everything else can be worked on. No matter how tempted you are, dont overspend. I see so many people buy a boat and after the first year, dont use it anymore. Make sure you actually are going to use it before you ever buy something that hurts the pocket book. Like my neighbor, he bought a 30,000 dollar bass boat and I bet he has used it three times in the last two years.

[huntin fool]

40/50 Tahustsu TLDI on a semi V hull would be ideal for a first rig. As stated, you can upgrade from there, but it'd be perfect for both fresh and salt. Can find a good used rig on Southeasttexas.com or other classified im sure.

Good luck.

[Montauk17]

I would stay away from a force engine,they are ok when they run.....but they are known for giving problems and the parts are getting hard to come by. Like others have said I would go with a 14-16' jon style boat with a 25-50 mercury,yamaha,or tohatsu. I ran a 1448 alweld with a 25 merc for years,it was my first rig. Did everything in that lil boat...fished the bay and basin...even pulled a small troll for shrimp. Wish I never sold it.

[Montauk17]

These would make a good one....

http://www.southeasttexas.com/classi...de=&distance=0

http://www.southeasttexas.com/classi...de=&distance=0

[Duck Butter]

x 2 on the Force engine, I would not have one if it was given to me. The boat itself looks nice, but for 4k you can almost be fully rigged out with a new or almost new aluminum 15' boat, motor, troll motor and trailer

[Montauk17]

Originally Posted by Duck Butter

x 2 on the Force engine, I would not have one if it was given to me. The boat itself looks nice, but for 4k you can almost be fully rigged out with a new or almost new aluminum 15' boat, motor, troll motor and trailer

More like 8k....new motors are crazy expensive. A 25 is over 3k alone.

[huntin fool]

I'd go for the last link Montauk posted.. in just minutes of work and she'll be a 50 h.p.

[Jrchip1]

Stay away from Force/Chysler OB's.

[Ray]

americanyachtsales.com

They are a repo company.
The boats price on the website is the value of the boat.
Make an offer and see if the bank takes it.
If sold at the price on the website, the bank and repo company make a big profit.
Just throw out a low ball offer, 1/2 of the price they are asking and see if they accept.
Be sure to go look at it first.

[Keywest18]

For your first boat i wouldnt go smaller than a 1648, i have a 1648 with a 25 and it runs 27mph. It has plenty of room for me to move around and has good size sides on it. I would go with atleast 16' and 25hp ideally 40hp though

[Ray]

No matter what you buy, 2 years down the road, you will want a bigger boat.
Unless you run in the marshes and canals only.
It's called footitis

[haoward]

18FT MANATEE, 150 Evinrude, 20hrs on rebuilt motor, bimini top, good condition, $2200 Was told it was a 1970 something hull

[haoward]

what about this would that be a good boat for starting off? was told it had a soft spot but he said he cover it with a new board?

[fishinpox]

That looks like a money pit if you ask me.

[redaddiction]

no such thing as a "starter boat". It's either a good boat or it isn't. Don't buy any junk or you'll just regret it.

[Spunt Drag]

Originally Posted by redaddiction

no such thing as a "starter boat". It's either a good boat or it isn't. Don't buy any junk or you'll just regret it.

This! When it comes to boats, don't try and save a buck because you'll end up spending 2. The old saying goes, when you buy quality, you only cry once.

[MathGeek]

Originally Posted by redaddiction

no such thing as a "starter boat". It's either a good boat or it isn't. Don't buy any junk or you'll just regret it.

I think of a starter boat as reduced size and horsepower rather than poor quality.

A 1648 aluminum hill with a 20-40 hp tiller motor will give a new boater a way to get around on the water, gain experience, etc. I've been happy with my 16 foot alumacraft for six years and just started dreaming of my next boat earlier this year.

[swamp snorkler]

Just remember that BOAT is an acronym for Break Out Another Thousand.

I would get something never that holds it value over something that you would have to get right and the only value is the sentiamental value that you put in it.

Pluses for boats.

Welded over Riveted

Yamaha, Honda, Suzuki some lower HP Mercury, Mid 1990's Model Evinrude/Johnson 60 or 70 HP, under 50 HP Tohatsu/Nissan over any other year Evinrude, Johnson, high HP Mercury's , Force, Chrysler, E-Tec although some people swear by them.

Uncarpeted over Carpet

Hand Control troll Motor over foot control