Need help!!!! Possible purchase

[Mrtoler]

Im looking at a 17' long flat bottom it's 60" across the bottom and 72" across the top of the rails...it's a center console and pretty much exactly what I wanted, the only other thing I would like is it to be 20' long but that isn't a huge deal...according to the sale add it's a hey duty galvanized trailer with new rims and tires, and the lights work. He started out at $1,250 and vie got him talked down to $900 cash over the phone, only problem is that he's a 3-1/2 hour drive....clear title also..here's some pics, give me your thoughts please

 

[Mrtoler]

 

[Mrtoler]

https://i1194.photobucket.com/albums/aa369/monarksunspa/e7fcb1497f15211e450f7a9161837953.png

https://i1194.photobucket.com/albums/aa369/monarksunspa/1be13734a6b04a2adc150950935c1d71.png

https://i1194.photobucket.com/albums/aa369/monarksunspa/4722fedcec18c0bac09800315e200e82.png

https://i1194.photobucket.com/albums/aa369/monarksunspa/671e3cf0bda8ef7862ed55895827fe2a.png

 

[zseverns]

For that price I would buy if it don't have any holes in it. I would love that boat for the price.

 

[Bass n flats]

I would take the drive out there and give it a really good once over. He has what appears to be steel framing and hardware so check for corrosion and pitting. Even if it has some small holes those are easy enough to patch. Have $700 in one pocket and $200 in the other. Offer him $700 cash and see if he accepts!

 

[Mrtoler]

Thanks for the replys, I really like the boat and thought it was a great price for a 17' tin that wide. When you say steel framing what parts are you referring to? I plan on using this boat in saltwater often and don't want any problems.....

 

[JMichael]

I believe the framing he's referring to, is the pieces that were used to build the support for the raised floor. Although the floor surface is no longer there, if it ever was. The trailer appears to be a home built from steel channel. The tail lights appear to attached with zip ties and the hitch appears bent, so make sure it functions properly before you start towing it. Being a home built and seeing what appears to be rust on the right side front of the trailer, makes me wonder about the galvanized claim. We don't see boats that size around here so I have no idea what one that size would sell for.

 

[Mrtoler]

Ha I guess I had a brain fart, when you said framing I was thinking about the braces that hold the boat together, I had forgot about the old raised floor frame...I will for sure check for pitting and corrosion. If the deal works out I'll replace every bolt with SS and completely redo the inside.

 

[Bass n flats]

Also check with the seller on the hitch size don't wanna show up with a 2" ball and the hitch is 1 7/8 dont ask me how I know :roll: Where Is the boat for sale at?

 

[TOY BOAT]

I am certainly no expert, but I have to agree with the above statement. $700 in one pocket, $200 in the other.
As far as the boat, not only is the use of heavy steel uni-strut seem like a bad idea in a a tin, the way they have it turned on it's side makes it weak. It should be hole side up or down. And the the deck to me seems to high in the boat to be safe.
For the price, it does seem like a good deal.

 

[Captain Ahab]

That looks like a project and I would not pay too much (and 900.00 is too much) for the amount of work, time and expense you are gonna have to put into it

The size is nice (I guess I would rather a V bottom but that is for the waters around where I am - no idea where you are so maybe a flat is better?)

The Steel deck supports, homemade looking POS trailer and all the other visible "wrongs" in the photos would scare me off


You are gonna need a proper trailer and a lot of work into that hulk before you are able to use it - I would pass unless you have the space, time and skills to rebuild it from the ground up

 

[Mrtoler]

Well I had planned to get this boat today and when I called him last night to get his a dress he told me it sold already..he was supposedly holding it for me because I had a death in the family and couldn't make it until today...guess not.....his word don't mean crap....so I'm looking again

 

[Kochy]

Better luck next time. Yeah I don't take people's words over the phone, never comes out good.

 

[JMichael]

If he lied about holding the boat for you, there's not telling what else he lied about when talking to you about the boat. You may be better of looking for a different deal anyways.

 

[Badbagger]

Things happen for a reason. Keep lookin.

 

[Captain Ahab]

Please add your location to your profile

 

[Scott Mac]

In any sale or buy situation the best word to abide by is "next". There is a better deal right around the corner, keep looking and good luck.