Help me buy an older model All Weld!!!

[JSRogers]

Hey guys, This is my first post on this site, so Im sorry if Im posting this in the wrong section. Im looking to buy a used all weld jon. Looking for something thats super tough and at least 15'. My plan is to run mostly rivers and creeks. Lots of rocks around here! I've been searching craigslist and have found some pretty good looking boats but Im really not sure what brands and makes are good. I know Im looking for .100 or better on the bottom and something I can eventually mount a small jet on. My budget is only about $2500-3000 for a used boat/motor/trailer package. I live in Columbia SC so I will be fishing mostly in the Broad, Congaree, Wateree, and Saluda rivers. Any help or advice would be great. Thanks!!

 

[Natedog57]

Most people say SeaArk is the toughest/strongest all welded boat out there. However, there are several quality manufactures around, some more common than others: Alweld, Fisher, Alumacraft, Crestliner, Lowe and Grizzly.

There are also numerous smaller shops that produce semi custom boats.

With buying a used boat I'd be most concerned with getting a quality hull, regardless of make. Do the visible welds appear well done, and are there repairs and/or stress cracks, is the underside gouged or clean... If a hull met my criteria, budget, and appears well built I wouldn't get hung up on who made it.

 

[overboard]

Just an opinion!!!
I looked at a Lowe Roughneck for a friend. It looked like it was towed without a trailer, and several people were beating on the hull with a ball peen sledge hammer, plus some of the welds were broken. Even the .100 hull couldn't stand up to the abuse that that boat was put through.
The thicker all welded hull may be better, but it is not super tough!

 

[JSRogers]

overboard » 05 Aug 2014, 10:55[/url]"]Just an opinion!!!
I looked at a Lowe Roughneck for a friend. It looked like it was towed without a trailer, and several people were beating on the hull with a ball peen sledge hammer, plus some of the welds were broken. Even the .100 hull couldn't stand up to the abuse that that boat was put through.
The thicker all welded hull may be better, but it is not super tough!

Wow. Sounds like some serious abuse. Now Im looking at a nice used Xpress 1548. Anyone have any opinions on these boats?