Or at least I plan to. Never bought one before and I want to make sure I get my ducks in a row. What do you do first before you buy a boat?

It's a 2000 Triton TR20 and the guy is asking $6,000. It's looks like it's in great condition.

Compression test is a must!!! Also look hull over in detail for any cracks or repair work.

Length?

Motor size and brand?

This???

Here are a few things off the top of my head. You should get plenty of advice as folks see this.

1. You need to have the compression checked on the motor. Best thing to do is take the boat to a good boat mechanic and have them inspect it for you.
2. Crawl under the boat and look closely for any fiberglass damage. Scratches are OK. Gouges need to be inspected.
3. Go on a lake test drive with the seller. Have him demonstrate that everything works.
4. Stand directly behind the prop and spin by hand. Make sure it turns smoothly without any grinding noise. Also stare at the end of the prop shaft while it spins to make sure it's straight. A bent prop shaft can cost you a thousand bucks to have fixed.
5. Inspect the trailer while the boat is off. Crawl under to inspect the hardware that is used to attach the bunk boards.

That price sounds pretty cheap. Sounds like a good deal if the boat is in decent shape and the motor is sound.

First off... please take a reputable boater safety course. You need to make certain you are 100% clear on the laws of the waterways. Spent a few hours on Grapevine yesterday and was reminded how few people actually know what side they are supposed to pass on, how to properly overtake, and who the giveaway vessel should be in different situations.

200 Johnson. Don't know the age. I'm assuming 2000.

Is it a FICHT motor? I believe the problem engines were 99-2000 year model.

That I don't know.

As tough as it is.....if it has an engine known to have issues.....RUN AWAY FAST

Some good advice so far. Also check the lower unit oil. Crack open the lower plug just long enough to get a little oil coming out. Make sure it's not milky.

Check bearings on trailer wheels. Try to move the tires back and forth and see if they move at all.

Check everything electrical to make sure it's all functioning properly.

Well, nevermind... Thank y'all for the help though!

BTW buda13, I've been fishing for years. I have been using my dads boat for the past 6 years. I was planning on buying my own boat at last. Looks like it's gonna be gone before I get a chance to buy it!

Next time, the first thing you check is if it has a clear title, or can reasonably titled in Texas. Check this BEFORE you waste any time looking at the boat. You'll need this regardless of the motor and hull check out to your satisfaction!

Man that's a bummer, sucks when you can't get to a deal fast enough and someone won't hold it. Has happened many times to me... Good luck with finding something. Find something you will!

Last thing you want to do in buying a boat is to rush the purchase. Besides the initial expense, boats can have many hidden expensive problems. Do your due diligence before making an offer. If it means the boat sells to fast for you to get it just shrug it off and look for the next one. There are too many out there to make a stupid mistake because you felt pressured. When you find the right boat that is problem free you'll appreciate all that time spent looking for the right one.