Comments on buying a used boat from experienced boaters (especially DIY boaters)?

Looking to buy a 17-20 foot used boat. To give you an idea of what style I like, a Sea Ray 180 or Bayliner. Not really into the center consoles like the Mako and Boston Whaler. Boat to be used in the ocean on weekends and stored in a garage on its trailer.





Would you go with the straight outboard engine or is a inboard/outboard ok? Have heard the outboards are more designed for saltwater use and the in/out are car engines (and more difficult to work on.



What are some things to look for and how old is too old?



Been focussing my search on 1998 to current and trying to be under the $12k range with a trailer and the normal accessories.Comments on buying a used boat from experienced boaters (especially DIY boaters)?
I/O is harder to steer at slow speeds. I/O may have leakage problems causing the boat to sink at dock. Be sure to check the gaskets on an old boat. I/O or outboard may be used in salt or fresh. It is a good idea to clean the salt off after use in salt, including running water through it. If it is raw water cooled, check the system. You probably should get a survey
no matter the boat, on a used boat the engine is the main consideration. the outboard is the eassiest and cheapest to maintain. fuel is less with outboard. any motor used in saltwater can have interior corrosion damage. before you buy i suggest you get an experienced marine mechanic to check the engine. the small cost can be well worth it. searay is the top of the line. bayliner is bottom line.Comments on buying a used boat from experienced boaters (especially DIY boaters)?
If you can buy a boat that has been in fresh water all its life, you will sqve yourself from some potential problems. There are lots of both outboard and inboard/outboard, they have different advantages but either will be fine. The I/O's in salt water might be equipped with an exchanger so the sea water does not circulate directly through the engine block, not necessary but probably a desirable thing. Just look for overall corrosion, and condition. There are lots of boats that people buy and dont have a lot of time to use and so have relatively few hours. With boats, there are fewer possible defects than in automobiles, especially with fiberglass boats, very little chance of dry rot or hull damage. I think condition and hours of use are more important than age.

For the amount you are wanting to spend you should be able to buy a very nice boat, good luck.
just my 2 cents worth... a 5.7 litre engine has at least 250 hp. complete in the box sells for $6200 ready to go. check out the price of a 250 hp outboard and think about it a little.Comments on buying a used boat from experienced boaters (especially DIY boaters)?
would be good to tell us the area of residence .. you need to go to a boat dealer and let the salesman educate you about various boats and motors ... the easiest to care for are the outboards (they ain't cheap but are the most dependable) and your preference of the sea ray for off shore is good .. also look for the Caravelle brand fibreglass boats (best hull in the biz) the fibreglass is easy care and no painting... do not buy a bayliner..... ccheck out a wellcraft ... the salt water is hard on all three---- boat .. trailer .. motor .. water sports are WORK if you want to keep playing ---- go by the car wash on the way home and soap it up .. better to rinse with the hose if home is close ..... happy boatin/
Whatever you get, I'll tell you from experience! Check out the transom before buying. We had one that was bad, we didn't check it out beforehand, HAD to be replaced. It would have been awful to be boating and have your motor fall off and sink in the water due to a rotted transom! Good luck!
1) Bayliner's are "CRAP" (The Ford Pinto of the Bay)

2) Don't buy an I/O (or you will owe), it combines the worst of the Automotive world, combined with the worst of the Marine world. The drive line on I/O's change direction of power too many times, this creates "WEAR POINTS". There is only a thin rubber seal on an I/O between you and the bottom.

3) Outboards are better because, they can be easily bolted off to re-power, ask to see the maint. records for the water pump, they should be replaced every two years, check transom for cracks, don't buy an outboard over 3 years old on a boat.
Your getting a lot of answers here, some are arm -chair, it makes one wonder if they've ever been on a boat.



I have a twenty-five foot (25) MSI fiberglass with a 270 Merc I/O it's 13 years old and like new. I would bet my life on the engine and the way the boat handles, by the way, at a slow speed or fast, the handling is like a fine car.

I have never heard of a boat sinking because of leaking in the transom, this of course may happen but, if you maintain your boat and, keep up the maintenance, then you shouldn't have any troubles.



I have an axillary cooling tank or "sea" tank that aides in the cooling so the water doesn't get into the engine area. You have in essence two water coolers.

I have had the main cooler go out but, the secondary cooler if going slow will keep the engine cool enough to get you back.



I wouldn't get an outboard unless it's a 250 Honda or Merc, the big four stroke. I love the I/O for less maintenance and easy to get at, like a car engine.

And, the Bayliner is one of the best boats on the water. My son has a forty foot, that's all he's owned through the years, he holds a captains license and has owned four Bayliners.