So I am looking at purchasing a used center console boat, with a budget of about 5 grand.
I have read many articles on buying a bass boat, i.e. Checking engine compression, checking hull for cracks, checking the trailer.
But is there anything special I need to look for when buying a used Center console boat ?
How about the floor, if it has soft spots, is that a major issue ?
Besides Craigslist is there ant other avenues to search for used models ?
Any info is greatly appreciated.
Thanks
Dave
Posted By: Bob Landry
Re: Center Console Boat Questions - 06/11/17 11:01 PM
Boat Trader may be a good source. I assume it's still being published. I havn't seen one in a long time.
Posted By: CADD
Re: Center Console Boat Questions - 06/11/17 11:44 PM
My 2 cents....
For that amount of money I'd stick to an Aluminum boat, with a fiberglass one in that range there's a chance for rot etc in the hull and transom, even if the boat is a "no wood" boat water can get into the foam areas of the stingers etc and cause issues. With an aluminum boat, you can get issues here and there on the inside but it would show on the outside and rot is way less of an issue, and you can usually see the areas like the transom better.
Posted By: Bob Landry
Re: Center Console Boat Questions - 06/12/17 01:17 AM
With a budget of $5K, an independent inspection is very important. Any center console that an owner is willing to let go for $5K is almost certain to have some serious issues.
Posted By: Pat Goff
Re: Center Console Boat Questions - 06/12/17 02:02 PM
There are some garbage fiberglass "center consoles" out there, if you're not aware of known junk brands, it's easy to get swayed by shiny, when in reality they are cancer cases. Some (not all) to avoid at any cost:
Cajun (especially travis editions)
Sprint (ditto Travis)
Bayliner
Redfin (never seen one yet that didn't need a transom)
Any rolled edge hull in the price range you ask will have plywood decks and floors, if the knucklehead owner didn't seal up anything screwed into the decks or floor it will be subject to rot.
Plastic mallet will tell all, tapping around will instantly tell you if something is waterlogged.
Posted By: stickerman
Re: Center Console Boat Questions - 06/21/17 09:26 PM
If you are serious about a center console boat, call me. 972 215 9012 I have an 89 Boston Whaler Montauk that I have owner for 22 years and its ready to go. Its fairly close to your price range and doesn't need anything. Call John
Posted By: Bob Landry
Re: Center Console Boat Questions - 06/21/17 10:16 PM
The mallet will also show you if there are any voids in the fiberglass layup.