Opinions on boat upgrade please!

[Upland]

Well, I would tell you to hold off on buying a boat for two more months if you were in a "want" situation. As better deals are right around the corner with the fall coming and guys wanting to sell their boat so they don't have to store it over the winter as they plan on getting a new one in spring. HOWEVER, you seem to fall more in the "Need" side as you currently don't have a boat. Personally, I too would keep the school debt in check. But, as was said, it is your $$, so, have at it.
I don't deal with wheels, more of a tiller guy, but the biggest thing I learned when traveling to look at boats, is you need to be ready to say no and walk. Most people selling things want to get the best price they can. even if that means understating conditions. and hiding things with the pictures they choose to send you. (Who leaves a cover on in pictures when selling a boat?) know your motors, do your research before you leave to see it, and don't be afraid to inspect the heck out of it. hoses, fitting, pumps, carpet, floor, transom, hinges and inside storage boxes. Test drive a must. . There are alot of great boats out there for that$$. Also alot of dumpers too.

[bugler05]

Guys, I can't tell you how much I appreciate all of the responses. I will take all of this into consideration. I only have one semester left of school, so I want to have a boat before I start paying back my debt. Once that starts, I can't see myself being able to afford a boat for a couple years until I get settled in with a job and my loan payments. I understand about waiting to buy come fall. I really don't NEED one right now, and I do have another boat. Not quite the same, 1648 mod-v jon wit 50 hp jet (my duck boat). Actually caught some eyes last weekend on the Missouri out of it. Also archery season starts here tomorrow for antelope with elk and deer to follow in two weeks, so I suppose fishing can take a back burner. Going to have to practice some serious patience, and probably tuck that money away for a bit until the right boat comes along. Thanks again guys, and please post any boats you might come across or any other places to search.

[oldschooltiller]

Originally Posted by fishingfrenzy

Buying a boat thats a '90 or '95 like you have listed are fine and dandy, but they have reached the down hill cycle of their longevity.

Um NO.

There are guys fishing out of perfectly serviceable Starcraft boats that were originally built in the late 60's

Among lots of other folks fishing out of boats every weekend that are late 70's on up.

[fishingfrenzy]

Agreed. However used engines can be very problematic depending on the care from the original owner. Caution is the word. Water test.

[bugler05]

So that supposed 17ft Lund with 135 that I had a lead on is actually a 1997 1850 Lund Tyee Gran Sport with a merc 150 and ss prop (didn't find out the year, but newer than boat) and a merc four stroke 9.9 kicker with power tilt, remote controls and steering. Really didn't have much time to really look the boat over as it was during my brief lunch break from work but it looked ok. There is a quick release plate on the bow but no trolling motor attached when I looked. The guy that showed it was a friend of the owner and said that the seller has one laying around somewhere. The hull has scratches, couple dents, and could use a major wash, one seat has a rip, interior seems to be in decent shape, both motors look clean. I forgot to check the hour meter but the boat has not seen the water once this year, and only a few times last year. It was apparently used heavily a few years after the owner bought it and has since sat in the garage.

Regardless, I have yet to hear a set price from the owner but it seems like it may be a good deal as far as I know. My girlfriend and I are close friends with the sellers children and the buddy deal might be somewhere between 7500-8500, and maybe cheaper. I have yet to see a similar setup for less than 11k. I plan on taking the boat will be taken to my mechanic to look over and see if it is all in good working order. Then taking it for a test drive to see if I like the layout. Significant difference from my old beast. I was sold almost immediately when I heard the price thinking that I could likely sell it for the same I paid it for after using it a couple years. What do you guys think of a setup like this?

[winchester jack]

Look on bismanonline.com, there is a nice older skeeter for $9000 that may fit your criteria and may not be too far from home. Also keep looking in the WC classifieds, best out there.

[Duckjunkie194]

I like my Lund and my wife wont let me look at other boats because she knows I'll become a pain about 'needing' a new boat......One thing about the speed, just keep in mind the lakes that you will be tourney fishing on. Will they stay calm enough to make long runs at 50 mph? On the other hand, having the extra power is nice in an emergency if its needed to get back on solid ground safely. Just a thought.