First Time Boat Buyer

[Chris Musick]

Im a first time boat buyer.... I really got into fishing the last couple years and amm getting tired of trying to schedule fishing days with boating friends lol. Anyways, the boss (wife) gave me a limit of 2k to spend. i know im not looking at an amazing boat for that price but was curious if anyone had any good pointers. I know NOTHING about boats. i know that i like having lots of storage, and decent sized fishing areas. I found a pretty good 1978 ranger with a good working 115 hp merc, 82# thrust troller, and lowrance fishfinder and good trailer with the electricals all redone this past year. Its aged but this guy keeps a cover on it when not using it and stores it in his pretty good sized work shop. So should i go with this once i get my tax money or keep looking for better? Open to any and all advice and thanks so much!

[jmes]

Sound like a pretty good deal. Ask if they will meet you at the lake for a test drive if they can. You will find several boats around that age and even newer

I would stick with a main brand boat and motor if you can. It's easier to get parts for if you need anything. I have seen boats in the 80's and even the 90's around your price range on Craig List. Good luck

[fishinwrench]

For 2k you're not gonna do much better than that. I'd grab it before he changes his mind !

[KCRIVERRAT]

What kinda fishing you wanna do? What lakes are you planning on fishing? Do you river fish at all? Do you have wife and kids that might want a day of fun on the lake? Many factors to consider...

[Chris Musick]

ive got a wife who might go twice with me, and i have two kids. A 2 yr old girl and a 3 month old boy....i guess you could say this will be daddy's toy!

I plan on fishing table rock mostly, possibly stockton and even lake of the ozarks since i have family there. I hope to fish for everything. My favorite is crappie. But i fish for cats and bass as well and would like to try for walleye!

[dtrs5kprs]

ive got a wife who might go twice with me, and i have two kids. A 2 yr old girl and a 3 month old boy....i guess you could say this will be daddy's toy!

I plan on fishing table rock mostly, possibly stockton and even lake of the ozarks since i have family there. I hope to fish for everything. My favorite is crappie. But i fish for cats and bass as well and would like to try for walleye!

With those preferences it would be hard to beat a 16' aluminum vee with about a 25-50hp tiller, something with decks, or the ability to add them yourself. Not really anything in that price range that is LOZ safe. Not even on the U.S. Navy's budget either.

[BATCAB27]

I've got a 1993 16' aluminum vee with a 40 horse johnson for sale. $2500 if your interested.

[Sore Thumbs]

That ranger is just fine. Well made boats. That trolling motor is about $800 new. Plus you have depth finder. Make sure and check compression on the motor. Not sure the psi on a motor that size but prolly needs to be 100 or higher. Make sure all are within 5 psi of each other. If so that would be a great first boat. In my opinion.

[fishinwrench]

That ranger is just fine. Well made boats. That trolling motor is about $800 new. Plus you have depth finder. Make sure and check compression on the motor. Not sure the psi on a motor that size but prolly needs to be 100 or higher. Make sure all are within 5 psi of each other. If so that would be a great first boat. In my opinion.

The old tower of power will probably show 130-145, and a 10-13psi difference is acceptable.

Look over all the motor harness wiring and replace any that are loosing the insulation.

[Sore Thumbs]

Thanks Wrench. I wasn't sure on those motors. I'm not an expert by any means. He definitely needs to do a compression test before he buys. Listen to Wrench he knows what he is talking about. Good luck I hope it works out for ya.