Boat buying advice - Ford Forums - Mustang Forum, Ford Trucks, Ford Focus and Ford Cars

Futura97 · 08-10-2004, 22:21

In the market to buy a boat and wondering if anyone has any good tips, or know's of a site that has good info? I'm looking at getting a 17-18' boat. It'll be my first boat, and want to get as much information as possible.

I'm kinda like the robot in short circuit 2.... mmmmm information!!!

Cheers

Matt

will_ · 08-10-2004, 22:31

make sure the hulls ok, thats the most important if its 2nd hand check for cracks repair jobs etc too see if its had a hard life. You could probably get someonr to look at if when you find one too like a marine mechanic or something. good luck dude

edit: the deeper the hulls V the better, means better turning, going through swell etc. unless you waterskiing or wakeboaring behind it than you want it flatter which is generally a little more stable

santoitaliano · 08-10-2004, 23:36

first work out whether u want a fibreglass or an ally boat... if ally work out whether you want to go plate or pressed...

new or secondhand?

work out your budget and then start looking...
trading post...

if you're going secondhand there are a few mags reviewing old models...

another important thing is whether u r using it for cruising, fishing or watersports?

Peuty · 08-11-2004, 01:08

Make sure it floats

EED-250 · 08-11-2004, 02:54

you have to be more specific. what do you want to use it for?

dodge · 08-11-2004, 03:00

my advice, is ther is 2 good days in a boat, the day u buy it and the day u sell it, LOL
always buy a boat in winter too. get trade a boat and look for what u want, either a show boat or a fishing boat, outboards seem to better options . i have a 20 ft regal 5 ltr v8. how do i upload pics?

Futura97 · 08-12-2004, 05:28

Thanks for the tips guys. I'll be using it mainly for fishing. Don't need anything real flash, and its mostly gonna be used in protected waters (cockburn sound, geographe bay etc) though I might do a bit in the rough stuff.

I've pretty much made up my mind on a fibre glass boat, I like the looks and the way it cruises in the water....

Thanks for the replies guys

Matt

Gunns · 08-12-2004, 15:14

Do you have a budget? & are you after a new or used boat?
Make sure you take it for a spin before you buy, cos it is a lot of money and you would test drive car so do the same with a boat. Get a marine engineer to have a look at the motor if the boat is second hand, it costs about $90.

will_ · 08-12-2004, 16:39

not knowing how much you want to spend makes this kinda hard but i reakon i you want like a runabout sort of boat go a Haines Signature like a 520 or something. really good i have one and it does everything, ive even had it out in 5m swell

dave_au · 08-12-2004, 16:54

What is your price range - this will be the key to the boat you want to buy.