I'm looking for something cheap(<$3k) that runs. I can deal with cosmetic issues. Mainly using for cruising around, relaxing, pulling a kneeboard, and fishing. Any boat experts on what to look for/stay away from? I've found a few on craigslist, but I hear boats are a pita. There are so many engines, Idk what to get. 4.3 ----5.0 ---4cyl? motors to stay away from?

Stay away from inboard/outboard, or IO's.

Or if you are dead set, make sure it was always properly winterized. I can personally speak for the merc 3.0 I/O that were commonly used, they are extremely susceptible to blocks cracking. Always check for coolant in the oil.

They'll also drink well over 5 gallons an hour.


Ideally, in my opinion, you want a runabout, which would take an outboard. Outboards notoriously hold their resale value. And my 2 stroke 40 on my classic wooden Lyman (displacement hull) would be lucky to burn half a gallon an hour, at hull speed.

If I were you I'd look into older Boston Whaler runabouts. You can definitely get a nice 13' whaler on a trailer for 3k.

The 13' runabout with around a 40hp outboard would be extremely easy to maintain, and would also be a decent investment.

Anything from the 60s to current day Boston Whaler would be perfectly acceptable. The older ones are actually built much better than the modern ones, so the older you find...The better.

This post was edited by OldAndyAndTheSea on Jan 17 2015 06:53pm

This is a big help because I was looking at tons of IO's, lol That's mostly whats for sale. Are there certain outboard motors to stay away from?

Again Mercury.

They stop supporting parts for their designs after X amount of time. SOME Tohatsu parts can be interchangable....but it's a hassle figuring out what.

My preferences include


Johnson
Evinrude
(Both same company, and now Johnson outboards no longer exist)
Yamaha
Nissan

Essentially in that order...

awesome, thanks for the help. I just pm'd you a boat I found. lmk

All the inboard boats you see for sale that cheap are time bombs that need interior. Pulling the engine is a pita and it is required for most extensive engine work. The type of boat you are going to find around us is far different than what andy will see where he is. Imo your best bet around here is an older fish and ski with a 50hp or bigger outboard.

This post was edited by FMX_89 on Jan 17 2015 10:58pm

This... That old fourwinns i had spun a main and we had a hell of a time getting everything out