Best used boats?

[chunknwind]

I was wondering if some of you could help me on this one. I'm going to be getting a used boat sometime before next spring. My question is what is better, a used boat that has hardly been in the water(I hear that is hard on the motor), or a used boat that has a lot of use but the owner has maintenenced well? Any advice is much appreciated.

[buzzking]

used alot but maintained well.

[dpage70]

i'm going to agree with kyle on this one. i just got done driving myself crazy looking at boats and when all was said and done everone i talked to and everything i read said exactly that.

[senko]

I agree with the above, used frequently but maintained, the key is to get a compression check and lower unit pressure test. Does'nt gaurantee anything, but it lets you know the motor is sound at the time you buy it. I work for Plapps Pro Outdoors. Give me a call when your ready to start looking. Whether you buy a boat from Us or not, when you find the boat your looking for that fits your needs, dont drag your feet when making a decision. The best used boats dont last long these days.
Richie Young
859-240-0043 cell
859-647-1234 store

[DJD]

Unused boats break down more often because of dry rot of rubber, dead batteries, water in the gas and a host of other problems. But aside from that check the transom, get a compression check on the motor, is the prop bent out of whack? What does the bottom of the hull look like any holes or chipped glass? Take it for a test ride, is it hard to start? Walk around the deck to see if there are any soft spots that would indicate a problem. Condition of the tires and bearings on the trailer. Is there a spare? I would check everything possible and just take note of what is wrong or missing and just budget for the replacement or addition of the items. If your budget allows do not get an underpowered boat, you will regret it later.
Good Luck, Don

[chunknwind]

Thanks for all the advice; now I just have to find one in my price range:-)

[mperry]

I'm not an authority on boats or anything but I can vouge for Plapps. I bought boat from them and they are all great people. I just had my boat there a few weeks ago and found out the gentleman that sold me my boat retired and is now in Canada fishing. Not putting any other places down but Plapps will treat you right. Not sure where you are located but Dave Stewart recommends Jet-A-Marina if you are on the west side.

[elnutsmalljaws]

Common on Hens, young single guy like yourself making all that smack, used will not do. You can't take it with you so you might as well be in debt like the rest of us. I see a 2007 Z21 Commanche in your future with a very big motor anything (except a Merc) on the back. You can practice your way into having me take your nickname of NETBOY away from you. I will gladly be NETBOY and PHOTO OPPORTUNITY TAKER anytime. If you hurry and buy it quick, 2 weeks at Dale Hollow chasing the 12 pounder will be here in December. We will be able to get to the ramp to weigh in the big girl much faster in your new ride than my old heap.

For those that know me better than Chunknwind, help by buddy. Good man that loves to fish and needs a good boat. He was in the boat with me the day I lost that MONSTER smallie in my "One that got away" post.