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+--- Thread: Buying a small boat for the bay (/thread-2565.html)
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Buying a small boat for the bay - Guest - 07-10-2003
Hi all,
I was thinking of buying a boat for Port Phillip Bay.
What would be the best size boat? Is 4 metres OK? And what would be the cheapest tinnie I could buy?
What motor would be good value for money?
Is there any great risk in buying a second hand aluminium boat?
Regards,
Sample <img src='http://www.squidfish.net/forums/public/style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/xyxthumbs.gif' class='bbc_emoticon' alt='
' />
Buying a small boat for the bay - Jazman - 08-10-2003
Hi sample (is that your real name?!)
My dad just bought a $900 12 foot (3.6m) tinny from the trading post. The main thing to worry about with 2nd hand aluminium boats is the hull. Is it dinged up or holed/repaired? Also, stray hooks and sinkers which lodge under seats and fittings can, in time, cause a 'cancer' of the aluminium which may not be immediately obvious, be sure to check this out.
Dad put a new 15hp Mercury on his, about 2 grand or so I think, and it goes alright. This size boat is fine for the bay, and we have launched it off ocean beaches on the West coast (you need to pick your day though!). In the trading post you might be able to pick up an even better deal with a boat/motor combo, but make sure you're not paying too much (some people ask for way too much for 2nd hand stuff...tell him he's dreaming...........) <img src='http://www.squidfish.net/forums/public/style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/laugh.gif' class='bbc_emoticon' alt='
' />: Good luck
Jazman
Buying a small boat for the bay - glen - 10-10-2003
Hi Jazman, "sample" = "glen" but I think people get sick of seeing my name starting every thread! <img src='http://www.squidfish.net/forums/public/style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/tongue.gif' class='bbc_emoticon' alt='
' />Thanks for your advice. $900 sounds pretty good affordable.
It sounds like it is a good idea to buy a new motor.
Is there any way to tell if a second hand motor is on its last legs?
Cheers, Glen
Buying a small boat for the bay - aok47 - 10-10-2003
Gday Glen,
Not being an expert on outboards, and if i am wrong in any of the points i make below please tell me so i can adjust my brain accordingly <img src='http://www.squidfish.net/forums/public/style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/wink.gif' class='bbc_emoticon' alt=':th' /> , i was given a few pointers by my mechanic when i went secondhand boat hunting last time.
First off some general comments, i'd look at the general condition of the outboard and make an assessment as to whether or not it has been looked after.
Look under the cover and in particular at the powerhead and be wary of paint discolouration (burnt paint) or paint peeling from cylinder heads (indicating cylinder is too hot when running, because it is running lean i believe).
Ask to see the sparkplugs, if they are new then they wont tell you much and i would be wary but not put off. The plugs should be blackish in colour and have a bit of oil on them but nothing excessive. If they are dry and light grey in colour the cylinder is running too hot.
#1 Check compression in the cylinders. They should all be above 100psi and all within 5~10psi (10psi may be too much) of each other.
What i mean by that is if the engine has 4 cylinders then the following would be acceptable: #1@105psi, #2@106psi, #3@110psi, #4@115psi.
Whereas: #1@105psi, #2@106psi, #3@110psi, #4@120psi would not because difference between #1 and #4 = 20psi
#2 Engine noise/vibration Just make sure the motor sounds like it is running properly with no wierd rattles/grinding noises, and when running it isnt vibrating excessively.
#3 Check gear selecting Make sure forward and reverse gears can be selected for a start <img src='http://www.squidfish.net/forums/public/style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/whistling.gif' class='bbc_emoticon' alt=':lol' /> , and that there are no crunches or "sick" noises as you move the throttle and select gear. I have found that you can get a bit of a "rattling" sound while you move the throttle to selest gear which is sometimes due to adjustments required in the cables.
Those are my humble tips Glen, there is nothing more frustrating than finding the right hull but with a dud donk on the back <img src='http://www.squidfish.net/forums/public/style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/sad.gif' class='bbc_emoticon' alt='
' /> Good luck <img src='http://www.squidfish.net/forums/public/style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/xyxthumbs.gif' class='bbc_emoticon' alt='
' /> AK
Buying a small boat for the bay - glen - 11-10-2003
Thanks guys for all your help! Lots of great tips there.
How do I actually check the compression?
Much appreciated!
Buying a small boat for the bay - aok47 - 11-10-2003
gday glen,
to check the compression of a cylinder you need a pressure guage, looks like the ones you check tire pressures with. It has a threaded end that you thread in the place of the spark plug.
Make sure you disconnect all spark plug leads, so the engine won't start when you crank it over <img src='http://www.squidfish.net/forums/public/style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/laugh.gif' class='bbc_emoticon' alt='
' />: , and you take out one spark plug at a time and thread the pressure guage in its place. you then crank the engine until you get a stable pressure reading on the guage and note it down. do this to all cylinders and you will know how good the engine is compression wise. <img src='http://www.squidfish.net/forums/public/style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/wink.gif' class='bbc_emoticon' alt=':lol' /> Not hard to do but it will give you an indication on the condition of the engine.
AK
Buying a small boat for the bay - adam - 13-10-2003
<img src='http://www.squidfish.net/forums/public/style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/sad.gif' class='bbc_emoticon' alt=':th' /> hey guys,
just been looking through the trading post, and there are alot of good looking prices in there..
i found one unbelievable add which said:
Fibreglass 3.5mtr Runabout
urgent sale, owner going o/s.
Fully reg boat and trailer,
complete and ready to go for summer.
forward control, electric start,
40Hp with service recipts.
includes all safety gear,
inc 4 new lifejackets, nav lights, radio.
First to see will buy. EC $1000ono
I was seriously thinking about buying this, but i couldnt spare the money <img src='http://www.squidfish.net/forums/public/style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/sad.gif' class='bbc_emoticon' alt=':beer' />
Good deal yeh?
Buying a small boat for the bay - aok47 - 14-10-2003
adam,
for $1K it sounds pretty cheap <img src='http://www.squidfish.net/forums/public/style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/ohmy.gif' class='bbc_emoticon' alt=':beer' />
cant get much in that price range, that doesnt require the use of oars and a bucket to bail out water <img src='http://www.squidfish.net/forums/public/style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/wink.gif' class='bbc_emoticon' alt=':th' />
AK
Buying a small boat for the bay - adam - 14-10-2003
it sounds too good to be true, especially for $1000...
hrmmm..maby there was some kind of mistake, and it was really $10k <img src='http://www.squidfish.net/forums/public/style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/laugh.gif' class='bbc_emoticon' alt=':th' />:
anyway, i hope there are some more good deals like that in the future..
- adam <img src='http://www.squidfish.net/forums/public/style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/xyxthumbs.gif' class='bbc_emoticon' alt=':beer' />
Buying a small boat for the bay - Mr_Willy - 14-10-2003
Sounds awesome - probably forgot to mention.....
ONE DARN BIG HOLE IN HULL................. <img src='http://www.squidfish.net/forums/public/style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/oops.gif' class='bbc_emoticon' alt=':th' />
Im baffed.............
Buying a small boat for the bay - adam - 14-10-2003
yeh..lol <img src='http://www.squidfish.net/forums/public/style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/laugh.gif' class='bbc_emoticon' alt=':th' />:
Buying a small boat for the bay - adam - 15-10-2003
browsing through the online tradingpost today and found another good deal in there:
SKI BOAT FIBREGLASS,
14ft, Pride Panther,
50Hp Mercury, Steel Trailer,
GC, $1500
what do you guys reccon about it?
Buying a small boat for the bay - Jazman - 15-10-2003
If the boat, trailer and a 50hp motor are $1500, I reckon the motor must be a bomb - I don't think I would rely on it.
Make sure they include oars as well!!
<img src='http://www.squidfish.net/forums/public/style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/tongue.gif' class='bbc_emoticon' alt=':th' />
Jazman
Buying a small boat for the bay - adam - 16-10-2003
yeh true, you cant trust some of them shifty people..
i dont trust it....there has to be something wrong with it! <img src='http://www.squidfish.net/forums/public/style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/xyxthumbs.gif' class='bbc_emoticon' alt=':th' />
Buying a small boat for the bay - aok47 - 16-10-2003
fellas,
being 14ft it is a safety requirement that you HAVE oars on board and can be fined if you are checked and aint got a pair onboard, keep it in mind for when you do find the right boat. <img src='http://www.squidfish.net/forums/public/style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/wink.gif' class='bbc_emoticon' alt=':beer' />
Adam, my first boat was purchased with a budget of less than or equal to $2K and i saw a number of boats before i settled on the one i bought. It is hard to find a good hull with a good motor at this price, usually either the motor will be older than 1980's with a reasonable hull or a better motor with a crappier hull. If you are prepared to compromise, fair enough, if not just be prepared to spend alot more time looking for that bargain <img src='http://www.squidfish.net/forums/public/style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/smile.gif' class='bbc_emoticon' alt=':lol' />
Good luck and keep posting your finds and i'm sure everyone here will do their best to offer their advice,
<img src='http://www.squidfish.net/forums/public/style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/xyxthumbs.gif' class='bbc_emoticon' alt=':th' />
AK
Buying a small boat for the bay - adam - 16-10-2003
i think it will be a while before i purchace a boat, ill be willing to spend about 2k for my boat, after i sort out my money & finances..
but a guy can dream.. <img src='http://www.squidfish.net/forums/public/style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/whistling.gif' class='bbc_emoticon' alt=':o' />
and ive acually been doing quite well as a land based angler recently so im doing ok without a boat..
ill keep researching and looking for the dream boat.
<img src='http://www.squidfish.net/forums/public/style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/xyxthumbs.gif' class='bbc_emoticon' alt=':th' />
Buying a small boat for the bay - adam - 23-11-2003
who here owns a boat, and what was your first boat?
how much did you pay for it?
what would make a first boat for me?
Buying a small boat for the bay - ozdevil - 23-11-2003
Gday Adam
Quote:what would make a first boat for me?
seriously no one can actually tell you what would be a good first boat for you..
What you have to do is sit down and work out what style of angling you wish to do
Also think about what sort of style boat you want fibreglass aliminum
do you wish it to be open boat,centre console, cuddy,half cabin
consider how much freeboard you wish to have
consider how much beam you want in a boat
Also what you are going tow the boat with
look at the end of the day your the one who has to be happy with the boat you purchased
other things to worry about is maintanence on the boat and trailer
anyway the list can go on but seriously work out what style of fishing you want to do first
but i myself do recommend if you have not been around boats and have had no experience around boats i would suggest you start of with a small boat
cheers
ozdevil
Buying a small boat for the bay - sea-dog - 24-02-2005
[quote name='adam' date='Nov 23 2003, 12:12 AM']who here owns a boat, and what was your first boat?
how much did you pay for it?
what would make a first boat for me?
[right][post="946"]<{POST_SNAPBACK}>[/post][/right][/quote]
I bought my first boat from a car yard that had taken it as a trade-in.
Fibreglass 15' Huntsman runabout with Square-cowling Chrysler 70 Hp on the back and Evinrude 6 Hp Aux. Cost about 4 Grand. About 10 years ago.
All seemed OK (nice detailing job) but................
When I finally got it onto the bay (PFB) the whole boat shuddered when at revs.
It turned out to need some fairly expensive surgery. (Replacement of main shaft or something similar, as well as new impeller, etc. etc.) About $800 to fix. <img src='http://www.squidfish.net/forums/public/style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/mad.gif' class='bbc_emoticon' alt=':au:' />
An annoying thing was that the motor was a long shaft model without power tilt. When leaving from the ramp, had to get into fairly deep water before I could lower the main motor to get going. Bottom of skeg (bit on bottom of outboard) reached more than 18" below bottom of boat. (If memory serves correctly) Boat would churn up sand in anything approaching waist deep, so had to hand tilt motor and use aux for manouvering if traffic was busy near ramp.
The long leg did have one advantage. If the weather was a bit lumpy, I could still go fairly hard without the prop sucking any air when bouncing over the waves. <img src='http://www.squidfish.net/forums/public/style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/tongue.gif' class='bbc_emoticon' alt=':th' /> YeeHaa!
A piece of advice in relation to auxillary motors: Don't ask your dopey mate to tilt up the auxillary motor if he doesn't know what he's doing....
I did once, and he seemed to be having a bit of trouble. I asked him if he wanted me to do it. ( I was driving the boat in some lumpy weather and the aux motor was occasionally coming into contact with the water and sending spray forward into the cockpit).
After some time, he seemed to have accomplished the job and the spray ceased coming into the boat. About 15 minutes later, when approaching the Patterson river, I looked behind us to see if any other boats were behind us. Something looked odd. I could see the auxillary motor mount. Unfortunately, there was no motor sitting on it... <img src='http://www.squidfish.net/forums/public/style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/mad.gif' class='bbc_emoticon' alt=':au:' /> <img src='http://www.squidfish.net/forums/public/style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/mad.gif' class='bbc_emoticon' alt=':th' />
My dopey mate had not only tilted the motor, but loosened the mounting screws <img src='http://www.squidfish.net/forums/public/style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/oops.gif' class='bbc_emoticon' alt=':th' /> and the *$^%$#%#$ motor had come off and was now sitting somewhere at the bottom of PFB.
My mate didn't have much to say on the ride home, <img src='http://www.squidfish.net/forums/public/style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/whistling.gif' class='bbc_emoticon' alt=':th' /> the atmosphere was decidedly icy.
Needless to say, he never got invited out in the boat again!
Anyway, back to the boat recommendations........
I would rather have had a tinny when trying to single handedly put it back on the trailer when there was a crosswind.
Usually, the only other occupant of my boat had four legs and tail, so it was useless asking him for help. ( He did like barking at fish and seagulls though)
Line her up, clamber back to the winch, start cranking. Bow comes off rear roller as boat blown sideways. :blink: Stop cranking, slacken cable, wade back to boat, straighten her up and start again. Gurus with flashy ski boats waiting their turn on ramp to launch, but just standing and watching. No offers of help. :geek
So I slow down my efforts. If they don't want to offer help, why bust my gut trying to get out of the way for their convenience. <img src='http://www.squidfish.net/forums/public/style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/innocent.gif' class='bbc_emoticon' alt=':au:' />
My advice for a first boat would be a 12' tinnie with 9.9Hp - 15Hp short shaft outboard.
Could get one of those roof rack loaders for the boat if you don't want to have the boat on a trailer. Depends on how much work you want to put in when going fishing <img src='http://www.squidfish.net/forums/public/style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/rolleyes.gif' class='bbc_emoticon' alt=':th' />
That's only if you don't intend in going in anything approaching rough weather. Room enough in a 12 footer for 3 adults or 2 adults and a couple of smallish kids.
I have nearly convinced myself to go and buy another one myself. I just have to convince the missus that it's a good idea!
Buying a small boat for the bay - glen - 24-02-2005
thanks for all that info sea-dog! its about time i got a boat. been thinking about it for a long time! i would like to chase those schools of salmon in the bay.