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  1. #1
    Member
    Join Date
    Mar 2012
    Location
    Aliquippa
    Posts
    2

    New to me Boat Questions

    I know this topic gets beat to death, but you guys know your "stuff". I am looking for a used bass boat. I think I want a glass boat. I am wondering what my principle concerns should be and what to look for concerning these items. This may sound stupid but I am less concerned with the motor than the structural integrity of the boat. How do I know if the boat is good from the inside out, the stuff I can't see. I don't want to get a boat where the transom is rotted. My favorite boats are Rangers and Stratos/Javelin, how old can I get and still be reliable?

    thanks,

    Mike

  2. Dink Stink Wreck_em_AU's Avatar
    Join Date
    Jul 2008
    Location
    Auburn, AL
    Posts
    872
    #2

    Re: New to me Boat Questions (MAD91)

    I'm sure some more will be along, but start by walking around the inside. Make sure the floor is not soft. Pull on the motor to make sure the transom doesn't flex. Check for cracks in the hull. Crawl ALL UNDER the boat. Don't be afraid to get dirty. If the boat is dirty, wipe it down good and look closely while your wiping! Also, have a mech check the motor for you. Hope this helps. Good luck with your search.

  3. Member
    Join Date
    Mar 2012
    Location
    Aliquippa
    Posts
    2
    #3

    Re: New to me Boat Questions (Wreck_em_AU)

    Thank you for the reply. I figured I would get someone to look at the engine and test it for me, someone who really knew what they were testing. Ay more tips will be greatly appreciated.

    Mike

  4. Member Revoke36's Avatar
    Join Date
    Feb 2012
    Location
    Ca Delta
    Posts
    8,954
    #4

    Re: New to me Boat Questions (MAD91)

    If you're concerned about rot, get a Triton. Or anything Earl Bentz has made. No wood.
    Support 81

  5. Member
    Join Date
    Jun 2010
    Location
    Rockford
    Posts
    294
    #5

    Re: New to me Boat Questions (MAD91)

    If it has a flake in the paint, look close at it. Make sure it's the same color, size and density, all the way around, mostly front and both sides of motor. If it looks different then it most likely got hit and was repainted. Buddy of mine learned this the hard way, when his motor broke off the transom..

  6. Moderator unklenew's Avatar
    Join Date
    Jul 2007
    Location
    Collierville, Tennessee
    Posts
    11,141
    #6

    Re: New to me Boat Questions (Ranger 188vx)

    Also lay down and look under the boat. Lay up front and look down the hull all lines should be clean and straight.

    JimAndy Turner
    02 Procraft 210 Super Pro
    02 Mercury 225 EFI
    "After Darkness Light"

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