Lookin at a boat... 17ft with 20HP Merc.

Jd4lfe · 08-15-08, 01:21 AM

Hey everyone..... i stopped by the local boat dealer and they have a nice 17ft starcraft with a 20HP merc on it.
Now when I say old I dont know how old exactly, but I think it might be late 80's ?
The boat looks to be in great condition and the motor doesnt look to beat up.... I guess why im writing this is because I dont know what to look for when purchasing a boat like this.
what kind of things should I go over with the dealership and what kind of things should I look for myself on the boat ?

The guy told me they give a 30 day warranty on used outboards... is that long enough ? do other dealers offer longer ?
what about warranty on the hull itself ?

The price for the boat is $2795 w/ trailer..... what do u think I should offer cash money ? I was thinking like $2200 ? maybe even $2000 ? I know its alot of work for a boat so cheap, but im young and money IS an issue!

Im just looking for a small boat to go fishin around some of the bays we have here... 20 HP is enough to navigate where I wanna go. I dont want to have to drop a tonne of money into it... I have a buddy who just bought a BAJA at a " good deal " and he has had it out about 6 times this year.... every one of which, has been either towed, or limped in to dock.... 2 engines and a whole lotta other crap... the boat is now suddenly not a good deal at all !!!!

any help would be GREAT guys ! thanx !

1FASTLASER · 08-15-08, 06:15 AM

If you like the boat then it would be worth further investigation. Above all else get that motor checked over. Compression test is a MUST as well as a run on the water. Just starting it on the muffs only tells ya that the thing will start. I can start a motor on muffs and show ya that it runs but when put in gear wouldnt pull a pissant. Look in all the nooks cranny's and corners. Dont overlook ANYTHING. Alot of things can be hidden and you dont want ANY surprises at all when buying a boat. If its a riveted boat a on the water test will show ya whether it's leaking or for that matter any boat.

zooker · 08-15-08, 12:52 PM

starcraft boats are known as a transome rotter.. get in the back check way down on the bottom if the plywood is soft you'll need to replace it all...

zooker

08-15-08, 01:21 AM	#1
Jd4lfe BassFishin.Com Member Join Date: Aug 2008 Posts: 9	Lookin at a boat... 17ft with 20HP Merc. Hey everyone..... i stopped by the local boat dealer and they have a nice 17ft starcraft with a 20HP merc on it. Now when I say old I dont know how old exactly, but I think it might be late 80's ? The boat looks to be in great condition and the motor doesnt look to beat up.... I guess why im writing this is because I dont know what to look for when purchasing a boat like this. what kind of things should I go over with the dealership and what kind of things should I look for myself on the boat ? The guy told me they give a 30 day warranty on used outboards... is that long enough ? do other dealers offer longer ? what about warranty on the hull itself ? The price for the boat is $2795 w/ trailer..... what do u think I should offer cash money ? I was thinking like $2200 ? maybe even $2000 ? I know its alot of work for a boat so cheap, but im young and money IS an issue! Im just looking for a small boat to go fishin around some of the bays we have here... 20 HP is enough to navigate where I wanna go. I dont want to have to drop a tonne of money into it... I have a buddy who just bought a BAJA at a " good deal " and he has had it out about 6 times this year.... every one of which, has been either towed, or limped in to dock.... 2 engines and a whole lotta other crap... the boat is now suddenly not a good deal at all !!!! any help would be GREAT guys ! thanx !

08-15-08, 06:15 AM	#2
1FASTLASER BassFishin.Com Super Veteran Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: crossett,arkansas Posts: 2,777	If you like the boat then it would be worth further investigation. Above all else get that motor checked over. Compression test is a MUST as well as a run on the water. Just starting it on the muffs only tells ya that the thing will start. I can start a motor on muffs and show ya that it runs but when put in gear wouldnt pull a pissant. Look in all the nooks cranny's and corners. Dont overlook ANYTHING. Alot of things can be hidden and you dont want ANY surprises at all when buying a boat. If its a riveted boat a on the water test will show ya whether it's leaking or for that matter any boat. __________________ Laser's rule with Merc's doing the pushing..........KEEP THE WETSIDE DOWN AND THE DRY SIDE UP!!!!!!

08-15-08, 12:52 PM	#3
zooker BassFishin.Com Premier Elite Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: denton nc Posts: 13,441	starcraft boats are known as a transome rotter.. get in the back check way down on the bottom if the plywood is soft you'll need to replace it all... zooker __________________ the godfather.. aml in remission since 7-20-09

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