Lookin for a used fishing boat

[Jim..47]

Right now I am fishing out of a 12 foot rubber boat and I need something a little better. I have a 19 foot bow rider but I can't load and unload it by myself because of arthritis, thus I want a 14-16 foot aluminum boat. I'm thinking a flat bottom because of the ease of walking around inside or standing up, plus that makes it safer for me, but I've never been in one and wonder about waves. It will be strictly an inland lake boat and I plan on only a small motor unless I can get a used one with electric start.

Can you guys give me some pointers and things gto think about? I can't an expensive boat because I'm recntly unemployed and not likley to get called back to work as I'm 62 years old. Is there a boat forum here? I caouldn't find it if there is.

Thanks guys

[sandman_iac]

Craigslist.com

[sirslurpee]

Look on craigslist.. Check out tinboats.net they have a lot of info on small aluminum boats. Lots of stuff for mods like decking and storage. From what it sounds like, V hull boats are more stable than flat bottoms for standing up/walking around. Something about the rounded edges on the bottom are better than square edges. I forget what they call it...
A 14foot will handle just about anything as far as waves on inland lakes.. Just don't venture out into the bay or st clair or anything by yourself. Make sure you get something with a decent trailer. I have a crummy trailer and right now it's a PITA to load but I've got an idea of what I can do to it to make it easier.
Make sure when you deal on craigslist you get a bill of sale that way you can register it in your name and be legal for having a motor on it.

[sigman]

Try the classified section on this forum. Top of page.

[Willie Tippit]

My thoughts are like this,#1 your in a 12 footer now do you fish alone?#2 how is the room and stablity and is it a v hull now?#3 do you ever plan on fishing any where else beside inland lakes?#1 This is what I think, I wouldnt go with a flat bottum for the simple realson your limited to inland lake only they dont take the waves well,a semi vee would be a better choice in this matter..#2 You have a 12 footer now,Why not jump to a 16 footer? Motor wise if you have no need for a big motor find a mid range motor that would get u on plane and keep u there..Say max HP is 50 hp go with a 30 to 40 hp motor electric starts are common now in the smaller motor's now days....Good Luck Mark

[sigman]

Theres a 16ft boat for sale for $800 in the classified right now but needs motor work. My guess is "new" motor. But not a bad looking boat.

[nowicki2005]

We have one in our shed that my dad has been talking about wanting to sell. I have no idea how much he would want but I could ask him or make your offer to him if you like. Its a 14 ft sea nymph, its literally in perfect condition. It was bought in the 80s but has seen the water less than 50 times easy. There are a lot of similar older v style boats like it all the time on the water but this one is in better shape than all of them, my dad is anal like that and im not exaggerating a bit on the shape of the boat. It also has a trailer thats in equally good condition and somewhere betweent a 4 and a 8 hp motor, I can't remember. If youd like pics, I can get them for ya if you're interested in it. Also, we live in Portland MI (I have to put MI because people always think Oregon lol)

Right now I am fishing out of a 12 foot rubber boat and I need something a little better. I have a 19 foot bow rider but I can't load and unload it by myself because of arthritis, thus I want a 14-16 foot aluminum boat. I'm thinking a flat bottom because of the ease of walking around inside or standing up, plus that makes it safer for me, but I've never been in one and wonder about waves. It will be strictly an inland lake boat and I plan on only a small motor unless I can get a used one with electric start.

Can you guys give me some pointers and things gto think about? I can't an expensive boat because I'm recntly unemployed and not likley to get called back to work as I'm 62 years old. Is there a boat forum here? I caouldn't find it if there is.

Thanks guys

[Jim..47]

Thanks bunches for the replies guys. I did check out the 2-- 16 footers in the classfieds. The Mirrocraft looks nice and I kind of agree on a 16 footer. I used to always go fishing with my son and my wife which would make good use of a 16 footer, but my wife can't be out in the sun anymore and my son likley won't fish with me all that often.

Willie, my 12 footer is an inflatable which will likley be done for by the end of this season.

Nowiki2005, thanks for the tip on your dads 14 footer. I'll keep it in my mind and thanks also guys for the tips on Craigs list and the other site. I have just checked out Craigslist and need to check the other site now.

I stopped last week at Cabelas and looked at a 14 foot Michicraft flat bottom, but it only had a max capacity of a motor and 325 pounds persons and gear. I don't know if some 14 footers have more capacity but thats almost too small for just me, especially if I want to take my Lab along with me. I weigh over 250 and my pooch weighs over 100 so I would be illegal without any gear :lol:.

[Jim..47]

One more questions guys, how stable is the boat when sitting in one of those raised bass boat style seats in a 14 footer, say if ya weigh 250 lbs :D

[kristo27]

i have a 14'5'' alumacraft with a 25 merc elec start and my fishin partner is 280lbs and im 190 and it does 26mph and is extremley stable it has live well storage and nice rubber floor (flat) it would be a perfect boat 05 i picked it up for 2500 bucks so the deals are out there and its very nice as a solo boat jigged the detroit river all season and fished 6th street dam steelheading also check it out 935lb capacity

[Jim..47]

i have a 14'5'' alumacraft with a 25 merc elec start and my fishin partner is 280lbs and im 190 and it does 26mph and is extremley stable it has live well storage and nice rubber floor (flat) it would be a perfect boat 05 i picked it up for 2500 bucks so the deals are out there and its very nice as a solo boat jigged the detroit river all season and fished 6th street dam steelheading also check it out 935lb capacity



Wow, those are some nice specs Kristo, and a really ni9ce price too. May I ask is that a riveted or welded and is that really a big deal if its riveted? I grew up fishing in a 12 foot Meyer and we never had a problem with it. Thats incredible that it has a 935 Lb payload.Thanks for the reply. I'm gettin really anxious to have fishing boat, just like a little kid waiting for his candy, or my dog waiting for his supper :D

[MSUICEMAN]

i'm looking for a 20' or so walkaround... glass... newer (2000 and newer). i/o or outboard but no force outboards.

looked at a beautiful center console pursuit, but i didn't win the argument with the wife over cuddy or no cuddy.

if anyone sees a 20' trophy walkaround or similar model meeting the specs above, lemme know.

[uofmguy68]

whats wrong with the force outboards?

ive been eyeballing a couple open bow boats but a couple of them had 120 force outboards....

[MSUICEMAN]

nothing really inherently wrong with them, just a personal preference. their lineage going from chrysler to bayliner to mercury makes it a little confusing sometimes to work on.

a lot of people have used them without issue, though I do hear that they may have had a powerhead issue with their 150s at one time.

but again, just personal pref.

I did find a 2002 (model) trophy for sale and am going to take a look at it soon. Probably not today as the weather is shady, but I'm going to contact the guy and see if we could combine a test drive too.

[Ara]

whats wrong with the force outboards?


They are junk

[East Shore Jon]

They are junk

I've had zero problems with my 40 hp Force.

[Mapes]

if you are seriously looking and are willing to drive, I know of two in Holland...they both have motors and i think are both 14 footers...

[Jim..47]

I am looking for sure, but I need to find funds right now, may take month or so, not sure. Thanks

[Ahill2climb]

I recently listed my 14ft Cadillac aluminum boat with trailer and it comes with a 10hp Johnson outboard and a 1 year old trolling motor and many other extras all for only $1300.00 obo. Everything is in good working order. Check out the link on craigslist if you are interested and give me a call. 248-953-4323 Adam

http://detroit.craigslist.org/boa/1199308625.html (https://webmail.evigna.com/exchweb/bin/redir.asp?URL=http://detroit.craigslist.org/boa/1199308625.html)

[brdhntr]

I've had zero problems with my 40 hp Force.

Same here with my 85HP. If you find a Force that is running, now, it is a good one. The bad ones won't be running well at this point. Mercury stocks most parts you might need. I've never had a major issue, but small parts like the tilt/trim relays were easy to find and fix. It is, also, considerably quieter than a lot of 2 stroke outboards from other manufacturers. Would I rather have a new etec? Darn sure, but this one is all paid for and gets me to and from where I want to fish without any problems.

[JJ Mac]

Same here with my 85HP. If you find a Force that is running, now, it is a good one. The bad ones won't be running well at this point. Mercury stocks most parts you might need. I've never had a major issue, but small parts like the tilt/trim relays were easy to find and fix. It is, also, considerably quieter than a lot of 2 stroke outboards from other manufacturers. Would I rather have a new etec? Darn sure, but this one is all paid for and gets me to and from where I want to fish without any problems.

Well said...brdhntr has explained this well. There has however been a long standing saying in the boating world.....

"May the Force be with you, but hopefully not behind you."

[jumbojake]

I have a 1442 g3 jon boat all open with carpeted floor.It also has a 2003 18 4 stroke nissian perfect for river small lake fishn askn 2000.

[sigman]

whats wrong with the force outboards?

ive been eyeballing a couple open bow boats but a couple of them had 120 force outboards....
You can always tell whe a force starts at the dock they have a distictive sound to me anyway. I have been running Mercury's for 20yrs and I should not say this but never have had a failure yet. Blew up a Johnson and put a Mercury on my Tracker after that nothing else. Have a Lowe boat now and love the welded hull. Had a 1990 tracker that leaked like crazy. rivets are ok but if you can get welded your better off.

[flinger]

We have a 14'9" aluminum boat, trailer, motor for sale on here that would fit your needs. Holds alot of weight and is solid. Search under Aerocraft. Located Downriver.

[Jim..47]

Thanks for letting me know about your boat. I'm hoping to have mine ready to sell by next week, once sold then I'll have a little money.

[ready2fish]

They are junk


this guy is seriously thinking about buying a boat and asked a question about a motor and your reply gave no insight why, i to may need to know some day to.

so why you say this, curious minds need to know

thanks

[UkiahDog]

I just bought an 05 smokercraft jon boat, 1436, w/5.5hp johnson, 40lb minnkota bow mount, battery, and a custom deck on top w/ hatches and 2 seats, also a trailer. Great condition, had to tune the motor up a little, guy had no idea how to adjust the fuel screws on an outboard, and bought a new fuel line with the hand primer, changed plugs, adjusted fuel screws and it runs like a raped ape! Paid $1000. Off of Craigslist, found in Mio. Craigslist is great, just look all over and when a good deal pops up, be ready to jump on it. They can go quick. Don't overpay because you want to get it quickly, there are some really good deals right now, be patient. S lot of people don't realize what this market is really like and actually think that what they paid has something to do with what it's value is right now. Those are the boats you see on there for months. The people that want or need to sell them, they sell them...

Don't need a bill of sale to register, just the old registration for boat and trailer. They have a form you fill out declaring the value. A bill of sale is nice, but I forgot to get one and registered it just fine.