Ok, so im officially depressed, I have been seraching craigslist religiously looking for a good deal on a cheap boat. I found this one, called the wife, got it ok'd with her and by the time I call the guy it has already sold. I was already filling up the gas to go get her! I actually was 10 minutes from being a boat owner! LoL Oh well, the search continues!

http://austin.craigslist.org/boa/1068811607.html

next boat will be better!! lots of them out there. take your time.

Be patient. Don't buy a boat that you have not thoroughly checked out or had checked out - no matter how inexpensive.

Be very careful on craigslist. There are tons of scams on there. Don't get in a big hurry and don't fall in love with anything until you have it checked out fully.

I bought one today off of Craigs list. It is an older boat but it runs good and with a little tlc it will look good also. Just a little carper and some elbow grease...$450.00

Yeah, I know I need to be patient, and I would rather be safe and make sure I know what Im getting is a good boat, not just a good bargain. I just want to get on the water so bad, especially this time of year its hard! LoL Guess its time to blow up the fishing tube again!

You sound like me about a year & a half ago right before I purchased mine on craigslist. Had one come up that was a great deal, got the loan & was second in line to look at it. The first person bought it. I was so disappointed as it was everything I was looking for at the right price, just needed to go see it & take her for a run. The one I bought was actually up for sale at the same time, was the same boat but a year newer & was about a grand & a half more. The guy worked w/ me on the price & turned out to be a great deal as well. Plus I think the boat I got is in much better shape so it worked out OK. Definitley don't get in a rush, I know what that boat fever feels like!

You need to also look in areas around Austin on craigslist...Just click on Texas in the States column and go through the cities around there...I found a great deal on a boat in Belton by looking in Waco's listings...You will find what you're looking for...

you ought to post what you are looking for in the classifieds section on this forum, surely something will turn up, probably someone that hasnt used their boat in a while or has a neighbor that hasnt might catch wind of your post....

Don't feel so bad... Last year, I thought I'd come across the exact boat I wanted at an incredible price... I got a little sick when I found out I was second in line, too... and the first guy got it after all. Later on, I found out the boat had transom problems... so sometimes those good deals aren't as cracked up as they look.

Ok, all of you have really lifted my spirits. It wasnt really what I wanted and I was willing to settle because of the great bargain. I will still be on the hunt, patience will pay off!!! thanks for all the advice!

All thing happen for a reason. I was on my way to buy a boat in Kemp and the no good guy sold it out from under me, but ended up finding a garage kept over maintained Stratos and could not be happier..