Looking at my first boat Monday. What to look for?

I'm going to look at my first boat on Monday. I don't hardly know anything about outboards or boats in general. I've been fishing from a kayak for a little while now, and I'm ready to get something to take the kids out on. It's an older aluminum boat (starcaster). It looks similar to a late 80s early 90s bass tracker 17'. It's got a 60 horse mariner 2 stroke. I plan on inspecting the hull really well and checking the motor for cracks, oil leaks, and corrosion. I am also going to get a compression tester from harbor freight to check that as we as the plugs. Is there anything else I'm missing that you would look out for or be cautious of? Thanks in advance for your help.

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Good luck with your boat.
LittleJohn

If you’re very serious, ask if he’ll put it on the water for you. Sometimes there are little nuances that is good to see with a used boat that the original owner already knows.


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Definitely put it on the water for a test drive.

Congrats on deciding on a boat purchase. Good luck.

Well, how’d it go rippyro? You in boat?


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I put a shop light in my war eagle and got under it looking for light . I have filled them with water to find leaks . lol

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Originally Posted by Blackjeepjk

Well, how’d it go rippyro? You in boat?


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Sorry for the late response everyone I didn't get any notifications on replies like normal. Thanks for the responses.

I didn't get a chance to go look at it due to some family matters that came up... Unfortunately.

Hopefully I'll be able to get down there in a couple of days to see it. It's a good 1.5 hour drive from me so working out some time that fits our schedules is the trick right now. I'll keep y'all posted.

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Make sure its title on trailer/boat/motor is clear and available....esp here in Tx it can be a real pain/almost impossible,to straighten out...On water test is always a good thing....putting water in to look for leaks is really good but can be tricky...Be sure boat is supported properly on trailer..and trailer is level so water load is evenly distributed and balanced over wheels...Jack Stand under tongue and a couple under rear of trailer is helpful..
Remember water is HEAVY..and boats are not designed to be a bath tub...and boats with V can hold lots..and damage is possible...

Be careful and enjoy your Quest...Remember don't overbuy ...Payments and storage and insurance and Maint. can (Hurt For Years)

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Originally Posted by cva34

Make sure its title on trailer/boat/motor is clear and available....esp here in Tx it can be a real pain/almost impossible,to straighten out...On water test is always a good thing....putting water in to look for leaks is really good but can be tricky...Be sure boat is supported properly on trailer..and trailer is level so water load is evenly distributed and balanced over wheels...Jack Stand under tongue and a couple under rear of trailer is helpful..
Remember water is HEAVY..and boats are not designed to be a bath tub...and boats with V can hold lots..and damage is possible...

Be careful and enjoy your Quest...Remember don't overbuy ...Payments and storage and insurance and Maint. can (Hurt For Years)

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Thanks everyone for the help. As dumb luck would have it our AC went out at the house so there went a big chunk of fun money. Looks like I'll be hitting the lakes in the kayak for a few more months.

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Never never buy a boat or motor without compression test the motor.

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Originally Posted by rippyro

Thanks everyone for the help. As dumb luck would have it our AC went out at the house so there went a big chunk of fun money. Looks like I'll be hitting the lakes in the kayak for a few more months.

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That may be a benefit in the long run. My dad always found better deals on boats during the late fall/winter when folks don't want to pay storage all winter to sell in the spring.

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Originally Posted by Bamafan2277

That may be a benefit in the long run. My dad always found better deals on boats during the late fall/winter when folks don't want to pay storage all winter to sell in the spring.

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Good point. I'm gonna keep my eye out. I wasn't sure if that'd be the case for fishing boats or if that was more for ski boats and such that only get used in warm weather.

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Another thing to watch is the local paper for ad's. My dad has found some deals on boats there where a widow is selling her husbands boat and just wants to be rid of it and will cut a heck of a deal. He's bought cars and boats that way.

If it's supposed to run I will never ever buy a boat without going for a test ride. I've seen motors run perfect on the hose but when you put it under a load they don't perform. Carbs issues, wrong prop. ext. Also check the lower unit for water in the oil. Other ideas are good too

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Originally Posted by DEADEYE

Never never buy a boat or motor without compression test the motor.

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What he said

Test drive is a must

All good info. If it’s your first time, make a list. When you get looking at the boat, and start talking, your memory of things to check will go blank. Shoot copies of this list and fill them out on all that you go look at. Knock on the transom of fiberglass boats to look for rot spots. You don’t have to be experienced to hear the difference. Take your time and most of all, follow your gut. If something don’t feel right, walk and think. If it’s meant to be it will be there in a few days. Too good to be true usually is.

Almost a year to the day, but I finally did it haha

Here she is in all of her aluminum beauty. It's a 1991 Lowe 160J with a 1991 Evinrude 48SPL.

Just waiting on some drama from the trailer registration to be sorted out from the previous two owners. (All I need is a letter from the last guy to register the boat).

Excited to explore new waters in the future. Thanks for all of your input!Attachment 379592Attachment 379593Attachment 379594

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Real nice looking boat. They make boats. Get it smelling like fish and dead minnows as soon as you can! [emoji16]

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Good deal. Ready to roll now.

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Originally Posted by silverside

Real nice looking boat. They make boats. Get it smelling like fish and dead minnows as soon as you can! [emoji16]

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Can't wait. My 4 year old is fired up haha constantly wants to go sit in the boat. It's going to blow her mind when we actually get in the water and don't have to pretend to catch fish lol

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