Anyone know much about boats ?

[No-One]

My wife wants to use her bonus this year to buy a BIG Christmas present for everyone in the family .... A boat . She is looking in the 2-3K range and there seems to be some really good deals out there right now but I know next to nothing about boats . Anyone know much about boats that can help point me in the right direction ? She wants something like this ..... http://boise.craigslist.org/boa/1935374225.html

[Precise]

If this boat is in great shape, the engine runs flawlessly, and the i/o part of the engine raises without a problem, then this appears to be a great deal. I'd have it looked over by a mechanic at a local boat shop for an hours time. And remember the axiom: "A boat is a hole you throw money into."

[J Mack]

"A boat is a hole you throw money into."
This is all I know about boats..... Sorry

[No-One]

I keep trying to tell her that B.O.A.T. is an acronym for "Bust Out Another Thousand" but she wants something to go do with the kids during the summer .

[pv74]

You want the truth from a FORMER boat owner.

Take the 2-3K and put it in a shoebox with a few lead weights.
Walk to the end of the pier and toss it in the water.
Or just give me the money...
Seriously...you'll save a ton of money this way.
If it flies, floats or.... RENT IT!!!!

But if you are set on getting one:
AVOID ANYTHING OMC...especially a "stringer drive"
STAY FAR FAR away....don't ask me how I know.

If your going to go with an I/O go with a Mercruiser or a Volvo setup.
Parts are available and they have been around forever...
This, and you can find someone willing to work on them.

Read up on winterizing your boat too...
If you want a boat to be worthless quick, don't bother with winterizing.


I replaced my 18' OMC Stringer drive with an aluminum canoe...it doesn't break and I need the excercise anyways...

[J Mack]

I keep trying to tell her that B.O.A.T. is an acronym for "Bust Out Another Thousand" but she wants something to go do with the kids during the summer .

Tell her MGPTS is an acronym for Modular General Purpose Tent System!

[9Shooter]

I've never owned but I've always thought having a boat would be great family fun.  Like a few others have already posted, I've heard from more than a couple boat owners who have told me the real cost is in maintenance and repair.  Even if you find a good deal, you can count on spending more in the long run.  You just have to expect it up front and budget for it.

[kc62]

18' foot is a decent size for lakes, avoid bayliners, ask about or look at hours meter. also take a good look at he hull bottom and bow - on fiberglass especially for cracks, holes and wear from rocks and running up on beaches and previous repairs. most that size will have a v-6 in them v-8's cost more to run. $2-3k is going to get an older boat that may need a lot of work. might be worth spending more now on the buy and less on repairs/maint that has been needed. dont know much about i/o's go to a boat forum. good luck

[Nomad]

 Had a ski boat and a jet boat all that is posted is true........
 No matter what you get take it out and give it a test run with
the owner some tricks in its use and how it does run will be useful.
 Stay away from jet boat unless you can weld and are a mechanic
fuel cost in running it is extremely high, rocks in the rivers wait for you......
 As for the vehicle that pulls your boat change your final drive vent tube
front and transmission and transfer case to a much higher position on the vehicle
so that the water stays out of them. Checking them regular for water will save you a
very costly repair and a break down on the road.
 The same holds true for the wheel bearings on the trailer keep them greased.
 Now is a good time to look for a boat toys are getting cheap people are hurting....
 If you have a friend that has a boat ask him to help look at them. Good luck to you
 Get a old tire to put under the bow to reduce damage when beached.

[kc62]

good stuff nomad. especially the tranny breather tube and buddy w/ a boat for help ideas!! reminds me... bearing buddies will help save the trailer hubs. if fiberglass hull, there are hull protectors - heavy duty adhesive plastic to adhere to center of bow so if/when you beach it, youre not ruining the hull.