Help Me Decide Which Boat...

CMorg · 10-11-10, 08:10 AM

I am going to get another boat , and I like aluminum for a number of reasons. I notice that both of these boats are pretty close to me and have good prices ( I think ) I should say they are in my price range.

http://indianapolis.craigslist.org/boa/1989380641.html
below link , same boat differant images
http://indianapolis.craigslist.org/boa/1994874222.html

Or this one ?
http://bloomington.craigslist.org/boa/1981180626.html

Next question is , do you think these boats are priced right , or to high ? Any good or bad about either one appreciated.

lilmule · 10-11-10, 09:36 AM

The starcraft looks like the better buy,but pics can be deceiving,check it out take it for a ride,with the owner of course,If they are reluctant pass.

syd · 10-11-10, 12:19 PM

Whatever you decide make sure you get the compression on the motor checked. Any mechanic can do it and it only takes a few miniutes. If it checks out bad you have an excellent chance of major repairs bill down the road.

CMorg · 10-11-10, 01:06 PM

I will do so SYD , thanks.

CMorg · 10-11-10, 02:57 PM

Can every mechanic do this compression check ?

cody77 · 10-11-10, 05:11 PM

Yea any marine machanic can do it. I like the Starcraft too. Looks like it had a huge front deck.

bamabassman · 10-11-10, 06:13 PM

Starcraft.........nuff said.

walkeraviator · 10-11-10, 08:44 PM

Love the front deck and storage on the starcraft...

CMorg · 10-11-10, 09:09 PM

I agree with all you guys and the starcraft. I am just hoping the thing is clean. I am a freak with boats , my 99 Tracker is very clean. The Lowe actually has a higher book value , and the guy says it has less than 200 hours total use , and looks like it did the day he bought it new. Again , I think the starcraft is more what I am looking for , but if it looks rough , its time to check out the Lowe.

carolina-rig-01 · 10-12-10, 07:28 PM

I agree that the Starcraft looks like the best buy if it looks as good as the pics suggest. It also seems to have the most options. I don't know much about aluminum boats but I hear that Xpress boats are as good as they come, if the Starcraft calls through you might look into an Xpress and see what you think.

CMorg · 10-12-10, 08:03 PM

Went and looked at the Starcraft tonight. It has lots of scuffs , scratches and a dent in the front , its not as bad as it sounds and would not affect performance. He hit a post while trying to dock it ?? He has replaced the cables due to him installing the jack plate and it put the origional cables at an odd angle and messed them up ? I dont know. The boat took on water at one time , up to the middle of the batterys he said it was the plastic piece for the bilge that was allowing water in. The carpet looked good , not great , but no holes or major stains. Huge front deck , it was crazy. Seats were gray because he replaced them , the carpet is light brown , as are the origional seats.

lilmule · 10-12-10, 08:37 PM

Id pass then,the lowe boat does not have as much hp I noticed id keep looking
Years end good deals are out there

CMorg · 10-12-10, 08:40 PM

Yes , the lowe is just a 50hp. But , all ive got now is a 25Hp.

bamabassman · 10-12-10, 08:59 PM

Keep looking unless you are willing to do some work in my opion. There are a LOT of boats out there for sale ow. It is a buyers market. You have plenty of time till next spring ya know.

nobass · 10-12-10, 09:22 PM

I have the 180 lowes with 75 etech moves it real well the 50 may be a little under powered for that size it probably the smallest hp recommended . Mine is a 98 year model never had a leak at all it is well made. I think you would be happy with the boat but like was said earlier keep looking now is when boats are being sold.

lilmule · 10-12-10, 09:44 PM

Theres a 2006 lowe 175 with a 50 near me from a dealer for 7,400,considering its from a person 6 is a tad high for a 2004,when you could wheel and deal and get a 06 for 7.
Keep on looking something will catch your eye a tad better,or make an offer on the lowe if you like it.Right now more of a buyers mrkt.

CMorg · 10-12-10, 09:53 PM

Yeah , you guys are all right I am sure. I dont really want to spend more than 6k. And of course I want all I can get for that 6k....

bamabassman · 10-13-10, 09:23 AM

Cmorg, like i said buddy. You have ALL winter to go and fnd the perfect rig for yourself. Who knows, oyu may find a diamond for the price of a lump of coal. Don't do what i did, go and buy the first rig you see. I did that the first time i got a rig. Wound up going through 4 to get what i got now. lol.

lilmule · 10-13-10, 09:40 AM

Can understand the cap am on limited funds as well,but just because you can spend 6 doesn't mean you have to,if asking 6 offer 5.And all kinds of time many will go on sale just prior to xmas as need cash themselves.

On more than one occasion I've bought a boat get to get wet again only to see a better buy once the money was spent.

Kind of like house buying tell the agent you can spend 65k and that's the highest value property they will show you,tell them 80k,then expect to get it for 65.Then learn to walk away if counter offer is made and above what you wish to spend regardless of what its worth.

CMorg · 10-13-10, 03:58 PM

All of this is great boat buying advice. I should change the title. I will absolutely wheel and deal. I never give asking price...

dave0943 · 10-18-10, 12:18 PM

The Lowe looks good in the pic. Love the deck. See how low he will go! You might be able to get a good deal on it. If not, keep lookin. There's a boat out there with your name on it.
Dave

Bob Smith · 10-18-10, 01:43 PM

CMorg, I have a couple of buddies in Texas that fish out of the Xpress Aluminum boats. Those were the best riding and fishing boats I have seen in the aluminum boat category. Have you seen any of those on craig's list? It sounds like you are trying to keep the horsepower down, but you may want to up your options a little bit and that will give you a greater range of boats to look at. IMHO

CMorg · 10-18-10, 04:12 PM

I went and looked at the Lowe , it was primo outside...however the interior was possibly the dirtiest I have seen in a boat that new. I tried to talk both of these guys down and they both were dead set at 6k. So , I passed on them both. The Lowe I notice has now been removed , I am sure he didnt sell it. I have decided to fish out of my boat another year or two , and I will buy the extra goodies I want , and can transfer to another boat later in life ( 9.9 kicker , and a SI unit ). I think this is the best choice for now. I dont need another boat , i just wanted to upgrade a bit. My boat works.

bamabassman · 10-18-10, 05:16 PM

This is when you will find the boat deal of a lifetime cmorg. When you decided you don't need another one. hahaha. Great attitude. Now the boat will come to you.

10-11-10, 08:10 AM	#1
CMorg BassFishin.Com Super Veteran Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Southern , IN Posts: 1,832	Help Me Decide Which Boat... I am going to get another boat , and I like aluminum for a number of reasons. I notice that both of these boats are pretty close to me and have good prices ( I think ) I should say they are in my price range. http://indianapolis.craigslist.org/boa/1989380641.html below link , same boat differant images http://indianapolis.craigslist.org/boa/1994874222.html Or this one ? http://bloomington.craigslist.org/boa/1981180626.html Next question is , do you think these boats are priced right , or to high ? Any good or bad about either one appreciated.

10-11-10, 06:13 PM	#7
bamabassman BassFishin.Com Premier Elite Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: cedar bluff, alabama Posts: 15,292	Starcraft.........nuff said. __________________ so many lures, so little time.

10-12-10, 07:28 PM	#10
carolina-rig-01 BassFishin.Com Premier Elite Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Webb City, MO Posts: 6,387	I agree that the Starcraft looks like the best buy if it looks as good as the pics suggest. It also seems to have the most options. I don't know much about aluminum boats but I hear that Xpress boats are as good as they come, if the Starcraft calls through you might look into an Xpress and see what you think. __________________ You only live once. But if you do it right, once is enough.

10-12-10, 08:59 PM	#14
bamabassman BassFishin.Com Premier Elite Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: cedar bluff, alabama Posts: 15,292	Keep looking unless you are willing to do some work in my opion. There are a LOT of boats out there for sale ow. It is a buyers market. You have plenty of time till next spring ya know. __________________ so many lures, so little time.

10-12-10, 09:22 PM	#15
nobass BassFishin.Com Super Veteran Join Date: Jul 2003 Location: clarksville, tn, Posts: 1,690	I have the 180 lowes with 75 etech moves it real well the 50 may be a little under powered for that size it probably the smallest hp recommended . Mine is a 98 year model never had a leak at all it is well made. I think you would be happy with the boat but like was said earlier keep looking now is when boats are being sold. __________________ the only easy day was yesterday

10-11-10, 09:36 AM	#2
lilmule BassFishin.Com Super Veteran Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: Buchanan,Tn Posts: 2,685	The starcraft looks like the better buy,but pics can be deceiving,check it out take it for a ride,with the owner of course,If they are reluctant pass.

10-11-10, 12:19 PM	#3
syd BassFishin.Com Active Member Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Rocky Mount Va Posts: 127	Whatever you decide make sure you get the compression on the motor checked. Any mechanic can do it and it only takes a few miniutes. If it checks out bad you have an excellent chance of major repairs bill down the road.

10-11-10, 01:06 PM	#4
CMorg BassFishin.Com Super Veteran Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Southern , IN Posts: 1,832	I will do so SYD , thanks.

10-11-10, 02:57 PM	#5
CMorg BassFishin.Com Super Veteran Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Southern , IN Posts: 1,832	Can every mechanic do this compression check ?

10-11-10, 05:11 PM	#6
cody77 BassFishin.Com Member Join Date: Sep 2010 Posts: 17	Yea any marine machanic can do it. I like the Starcraft too. Looks like it had a huge front deck.

10-11-10, 08:44 PM	#8
walkeraviator BassFishin.Com Super Veteran Join Date: Apr 2010 Location: Louisville, KY Posts: 1,119	Love the front deck and storage on the starcraft...

10-11-10, 09:09 PM	#9
CMorg BassFishin.Com Super Veteran Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Southern , IN Posts: 1,832	I agree with all you guys and the starcraft. I am just hoping the thing is clean. I am a freak with boats , my 99 Tracker is very clean. The Lowe actually has a higher book value , and the guy says it has less than 200 hours total use , and looks like it did the day he bought it new. Again , I think the starcraft is more what I am looking for , but if it looks rough , its time to check out the Lowe.

10-12-10, 08:03 PM	#11
CMorg BassFishin.Com Super Veteran Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Southern , IN Posts: 1,832	Went and looked at the Starcraft tonight. It has lots of scuffs , scratches and a dent in the front , its not as bad as it sounds and would not affect performance. He hit a post while trying to dock it ?? He has replaced the cables due to him installing the jack plate and it put the origional cables at an odd angle and messed them up ? I dont know. The boat took on water at one time , up to the middle of the batterys he said it was the plastic piece for the bilge that was allowing water in. The carpet looked good , not great , but no holes or major stains. Huge front deck , it was crazy. Seats were gray because he replaced them , the carpet is light brown , as are the origional seats.

10-12-10, 08:37 PM	#12
lilmule BassFishin.Com Super Veteran Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: Buchanan,Tn Posts: 2,685	Id pass then,the lowe boat does not have as much hp I noticed id keep looking Years end good deals are out there

10-12-10, 08:40 PM	#13
CMorg BassFishin.Com Super Veteran Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Southern , IN Posts: 1,832	Yes , the lowe is just a 50hp. But , all ive got now is a 25Hp.

10-12-10, 09:44 PM	#16
lilmule BassFishin.Com Super Veteran Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: Buchanan,Tn Posts: 2,685	Theres a 2006 lowe 175 with a 50 near me from a dealer for 7,400,considering its from a person 6 is a tad high for a 2004,when you could wheel and deal and get a 06 for 7. Keep on looking something will catch your eye a tad better,or make an offer on the lowe if you like it.Right now more of a buyers mrkt.

10-12-10, 09:53 PM	#17
CMorg BassFishin.Com Super Veteran Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Southern , IN Posts: 1,832	Yeah , you guys are all right I am sure. I dont really want to spend more than 6k. And of course I want all I can get for that 6k....

10-13-10, 09:23 AM	#18
bamabassman BassFishin.Com Premier Elite Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: cedar bluff, alabama Posts: 15,292	Cmorg, like i said buddy. You have ALL winter to go and fnd the perfect rig for yourself. Who knows, oyu may find a diamond for the price of a lump of coal. Don't do what i did, go and buy the first rig you see. I did that the first time i got a rig. Wound up going through 4 to get what i got now. lol. __________________ so many lures, so little time.

10-13-10, 09:40 AM	#19
lilmule BassFishin.Com Super Veteran Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: Buchanan,Tn Posts: 2,685	Can understand the cap am on limited funds as well,but just because you can spend 6 doesn't mean you have to,if asking 6 offer 5.And all kinds of time many will go on sale just prior to xmas as need cash themselves. On more than one occasion I've bought a boat get to get wet again only to see a better buy once the money was spent. Kind of like house buying tell the agent you can spend 65k and that's the highest value property they will show you,tell them 80k,then expect to get it for 65.Then learn to walk away if counter offer is made and above what you wish to spend regardless of what its worth. Last edited by lilmule; 10-13-10 at 09:45 AM.

10-13-10, 03:58 PM	#20
CMorg BassFishin.Com Super Veteran Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Southern , IN Posts: 1,832	All of this is great boat buying advice. I should change the title. I will absolutely wheel and deal. I never give asking price...

10-18-10, 12:18 PM	#21
dave0943 BassFishin.Com Active Member Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: Iron Mountain, MI Posts: 174	The Lowe looks good in the pic. Love the deck. See how low he will go! You might be able to get a good deal on it. If not, keep lookin. There's a boat out there with your name on it. Dave

10-18-10, 01:43 PM	#22
Bob Smith BassFishin.Com Super Veteran Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Cartersville, Georgia Posts: 1,472	CMorg, I have a couple of buddies in Texas that fish out of the Xpress Aluminum boats. Those were the best riding and fishing boats I have seen in the aluminum boat category. Have you seen any of those on craig's list? It sounds like you are trying to keep the horsepower down, but you may want to up your options a little bit and that will give you a greater range of boats to look at. IMHO __________________ Bob Smith a.k.a. "Porko" (vintage Strike King variety!)

10-18-10, 04:12 PM	#23
CMorg BassFishin.Com Super Veteran Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Southern , IN Posts: 1,832	I went and looked at the Lowe , it was primo outside...however the interior was possibly the dirtiest I have seen in a boat that new. I tried to talk both of these guys down and they both were dead set at 6k. So , I passed on them both. The Lowe I notice has now been removed , I am sure he didnt sell it. I have decided to fish out of my boat another year or two , and I will buy the extra goodies I want , and can transfer to another boat later in life ( 9.9 kicker , and a SI unit ). I think this is the best choice for now. I dont need another boat , i just wanted to upgrade a bit. My boat works.

10-18-10, 05:16 PM	#24
bamabassman BassFishin.Com Premier Elite Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: cedar bluff, alabama Posts: 15,292	This is when you will find the boat deal of a lifetime cmorg. When you decided you don't need another one. hahaha. Great attitude. Now the boat will come to you. __________________ so many lures, so little time.

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