Thread: New boat buying tips

Forgot to mention if a used boat check the battery water levels.

The golf cart batteries are bigger and heavier than most deep cycles. Too general of a question for me to answer. I use Trojan golf cart batteries. Maybe some else can chime in for ya.

Buy 4 or 5 extra transom plugs. Put one in the boats glove box, your tackle box, truck glove box, buddies truck glove box, etc. Also, a first aid kit should be high on your list. Outboard motor support for trailering keeps the motor from bouncing on the transom. Also, a second trailer jack on the back of the trailer is very handy for storage to keep from getting flat spots on the tires or even changing a tire. Check the size of the bilge pump, if it is on the small side or at max rated capacity for the boat get a bigger one. Don't forget fire extinguisher too.

Locking chains for the trailer safety chains and spare are nice if using public ramps. Same goes for keyed lug nuts. Don't discount dock lines and fenders, also a line suitable for towing or being towed, preferably polypropylene so it floats.


-Alexander

28. If optimal performance is one of your goals (as I believe it should be), then make sure you have the correct shaft length of engine, relative to the boat transom. The cavitation plate (the plate right above the prop) must be level with the lowest point of the transom. That way, you will get top performance and reduced chances of over/under rpms on your engine; thereby increasing engine life and optimizing your top end speed.

Some marinas try to stick any engine they have in stock on your boat if they have excess inventory, so it's best if you know what is needed up front.

Good points guys thanks for your contributions. I wish I had this knowledge before I had bought some boats in the past! Maybe slab will sticky this somewhere for everyone.

Keep them coming

And if the dealer/salesman is tough to get hold of or answer a question on purchase, it will be 10X's harder for service or warranty. Boat, motor, trailer brand mean a lot, but dealer reputation/service is even more important in my book.

Ditto hunting slab says. Service means a lot. Cause once you buy it you will eventually have issues to deal with and buying locally to help keep a dealer open I found is important too.

29. Buy a used boat and rebuild it the way you want it, save $10K or more and end up with a more reliable rig built for YOUR fishing needs. The Minnow Bucket is almost complete. Tested it last weekend.

Originally Posted by Hanr3

29. Buy a used boat and rebuild it the way you want it, save $10K or more and end up with a more reliable rig built for YOUR fishing needs. The Minnow Bucket is almost complete. Tested it last weekend.

I agree ^^^, I'll never buy a new boat. After you buy it go over like your 16 year old daughter is going to be driving it. Water proof military ammo cans make great storage for tools and emergency equipment. I fish in the winter alone and carry sterno fuel and several different fire starters along with emergency rain gear and a first aid kit.