$5500 boat - advice needed
AvgJoe
Posted 5/2/2005 11:19 AM (#31843)
Subject: $5500 boat - advice needed



Member

Posts: 141

Location: Oshkosh, WI
I have about 5k to spend on a boat to fish walleyes - mostly on Winnebago and the Wolf, maybe take to other lakes from time to time. I have a couple of kids, would want it to be reliable and not a big maintenance headache.

What would you recommend? Are there some places you would recommend looking?

Edited by AvgJoe 5/2/2005 1:38 PM
Top of the page Bottom of the page
sworrall
Posted 5/3/2005 7:05 PM (#31909 - in reply to #31843)
Subject: RE: $5500 boat - advice needed




Location: Rhinelander
I'd look in the used boat areas at all the local boat dealer lots. This time of the year they are full, with many trades coming in on new boats.
Top of the page Bottom of the page
Toolman
Posted 5/4/2005 11:43 AM (#31937 - in reply to #31843)
Subject: RE: $5500 boat - advice needed


Member

Posts: 129

Joe,

In addition to the advice Mr Worrall gave I would add to decide what type (not necessarily the exact manufacturer or model) suits your needs. What length/width/HP meets your needs for the waters you fish mostly? How big a boat can you tow with your current vehicle? Look at lots of boats and don't fall in love with the first one you see (without at least checking out a few more). A 5 +/- year old 17' boat with a 50HP +/- outboard could easily fall into your price range.You may be able to get newer, bigger, or more power, if you find the right seller. Once you answer to the above questions, then begin your search. Local papers, internet sites (such as MuskieFirst and others) various sportsmans magazines classifieds, and local "boat trader" classified papers are excellent places to find boats. As Steve said, there are lots of boats out there from beaters to boats in mint condition. You just have to be at the right place at the right time. One more thing-make sure the trailer is in good shape. A bad trailer is worse than a migrane headache!!

Tim
Top of the page Bottom of the page
Shep
Posted 5/6/2005 7:56 AM (#31993 - in reply to #31937)
Subject: RE: $5500 boat - advice needed



Member

Posts: 3899

Good advice, Toolman. Especially the part about being in the right place, at the right time. When you are, be ready to pull the trigger! Good luck with the search, and have fun.
Top of the page Bottom of the page
thumper
Posted 5/6/2005 11:46 AM (#32012 - in reply to #31843)
Subject: RE: $5500 boat - advice needed


Member

Posts: 744

Toolman- I have a 16.5' Crestliner (1985) with a 90hp Evinrude and a 4hp Johnson kicker. I will be selling this boat in early June and will be asking $4600 for it. It has livewell, Lowrance locator, Minn-Kota bowmount (12V), walk thru windshield. It has served me very well. Virtually no problems over 3 years. I am in the Omro area if you're interested message me. Dave S
Top of the page Bottom of the page
thumper
Posted 5/6/2005 1:19 PM (#32014 - in reply to #31843)
Subject: RE: $5500 boat - advice needed


Member

Posts: 744

Sorry Toolman, I meant "Average Joe".....
Top of the page Bottom of the page