used boats?

isucrazy · Jun 21, 2005

Would anyone here at TBN know or recomend a boat site along the same lines as TBN? Maybe a FOUR WINNS group maybe? The son is looking at a 89 22' sundowner made by four winns that looks outstanding for such an old boat. Any help would be much appreciated . I dont have a clue what to look for as in tell tell sighns of something about ta swarm on it. Out side of looking and checking for a rusted gas tank and basic engine check up I aint much help to him. 4K seams like a deal on this good looking rascal! Thats what scares me most! Any help from the boat folks here would be greatly appreciated for sure. /forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif

Bird · Jun 21, 2005

( 4K seams like a deal on this good looking rascal! )

Yes, it does, but I'm sorry I can't help with your question.

hazmat · Jun 21, 2005

Try this boatus buying guide

Some things off the top of my head:

Salt water/fresh water use?
Moored in water or trailered?
One owner?
Maint. Records?
Hours on Motor?

The biggest unknown is usually the condition of the fiberglass, especially if the bottom has been painted. You may want to spend a couple hundred to get a marine surveyor to look it over for you...

The best place to buy a used boat is in Michigan - Fresh water & a short boating season = top quality used boats...

isucrazy · Jun 21, 2005

Thank you sir. Lots of folks talking about all kinds of boats there. Just what I wanted , folks giving their opinions on rigs they have had or have now. Thanks again.

isucrazy · Jun 21, 2005

Thanks anyway bird. If BUD gets this boat come on up ta TEXOMA and we will talk him into taking us out to the ISLANDS where I hear the swim suits are smaller than postage stamps! /forums/images/graemlins/crazy.gif /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif Maybe we can find a couple of blind supermodels and we try ta convince em we are the real STARSKY and HUTCH but were still 30ish! /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif ..........It could happen!......Well, maybe not. /forums/images/graemlins/tongue.gif

Egon · Jun 21, 2005

There are people who will survey boats and give reports as to the condition of the Boat [ er - money hole in the water ]

Egon /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

JDGREEN4ME · Jun 22, 2005

Four Winns is a boat with a good reputation. As others have stated however the way it has been treated and if its been in salt water will have a bearing on its condition. /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

BobinCols · Jun 22, 2005

www.trailerboats.com (click on message boards). Maybe they can help.

Bird · Jun 22, 2005

( talk him into taking us out to the ISLANDS where I hear the swim suits are smaller than postage stamps! )

I spent many a night camping on those islands, running trotlines at night and fishing and swimming during the day when I was a youngster, but I guess the last time was about 43 years ago. About 26 years ago, I was up there just for part of one day and noticed some picnic tables and such on the islands. There were not facilities of any kind when I used to fish there.

EddieWalker · Jun 22, 2005

The big thing to worry about when buying any used boat is the outdrive. When it goes, it's big bucks.

If it's an outboard, good luck. You might have a great deal, or a dud.

Be sure to take it for a test drive. Lots of folks buy boats and never drive them first. It's the craziest thing. Pay for the fuel and launch fee, if you have to, but be sure it will really operate when in the water.

Eddie