RJACQUES Posted March 31, 2015 Report Share Posted March 31, 2015 Have been boating and fishing for years but never had my own boat.. Looking to purchase and want to be able to fish Erie and lake o.. Any tips to make sure I don't get screwed when buying before I can test drive?? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
smerchly Posted March 31, 2015 Report Share Posted March 31, 2015 Select a price range , size of boat & motor , then ask anglers who fish Erie & Ontario how their boats handles in rough water . My 15.5 Legend with the 50 HP 4 stroke doesn't qualify for steady Erie fishing. Captnn on this site could give good advise about fishing Erie . Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RJACQUES Posted March 31, 2015 Author Report Share Posted March 31, 2015 Looking at an 18ft bayliner trophy walk around.. 120hp force.. It is a 1996.. Seller has all papers.. Comes with oars, flares, life jackets, etc.. Has a hummingbird 931c, vhf, and 2 cannon marlin electric downriggers. Galvanized trailer with new tires and brakes.. Asking 8500.. Should be able to make a deal at $7500.. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kgm Posted March 31, 2015 Report Share Posted March 31, 2015 Make sure it's a deep V hull, and the bigger the better. I bought a fiberglass one, and now wish it was aluminum. Also, test drive it first. Any motor will run fine on a set of muffs hooked up to the garden hose. Trust me on this one, found out the hard way with my first boat Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jesse Posted March 31, 2015 Report Share Posted March 31, 2015 Yes I agree,you have to water test it under load.Should take it to a launch for a good inspection like bilge pumps etc.A bad engine will cost you another 4 grand to replace with another used 1.Check to see if impeller service has been done recently,check compression carefully to see if they are all within 1-7lbs of each other.OR to be safe split the cost with the current owner on a inspection from a reputable service place.There are way to many hidden issues with used boats & you have to get lucky to find a well maintained 1 IMO.Good luck Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hendo Posted March 31, 2015 Report Share Posted March 31, 2015 Be very careful with those force motors some have had luck more have not. I would have a mechanic go over it Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest terry1368 Posted March 31, 2015 Report Share Posted March 31, 2015 ihave had a lot of boats over the years. from a 14ft. tinner to my present 25ft. offshore, but when it comes to fishing lake erie if its rough stay off of it .even on a rough day my 25ft. will take the waves but it is to hard to fish . also have someone that knows alot about boats look it over for you . good luck Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gwhunter99 Posted March 31, 2015 Report Share Posted March 31, 2015 Take her for a ride. If she feels good roll the dice and get fishing! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
walleye5 Posted March 31, 2015 Report Share Posted March 31, 2015 stay away from it. force engines are bad, too much money for that boat. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cdnvizsla Posted March 31, 2015 Report Share Posted March 31, 2015 Id be concerned about a marine survey in a glass boat that old. Years of pounding on top of age will likely make the hull suspect. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
smatone2k Posted March 31, 2015 Report Share Posted March 31, 2015 I had trouble getting insurence on mine but its a 69 and ran great with the mufflers but had troubles on the water my opinion go with an out board if possible and a test run would be the best idea i was lucky just needed new spark plugs and a cleaning then it ran great but getting insurence with out a marine survey was tricky only people who would touch it was condonna Merritt on montrose Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jesse Posted March 31, 2015 Report Share Posted March 31, 2015 Yes,marine mech I know said never get a force motor too,suppose to have cheaper plastic parts then a regular merc.He said they are throw away engines so I trust him & have stayed away Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lundtastic Posted April 1, 2015 Report Share Posted April 1, 2015 Force is a farce, stay away. Merc is good so far for me. My dad had a 25 hp Merc and it spun like a top. An 18 foot fiberglass for Erie is just a bit too small anyways. For a fiberglass you'll want a kicker also. Go at least 21 foot. Are you after pickerel or perch mostly. If picks yeah go fiberglass. If you're only out for perch go aluminum and smaller as when the waves are up you can't tell if the perch are biting anyways. Cheers, LT Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dewey Posted April 2, 2015 Report Share Posted April 2, 2015 I have a force engine. I will never buy another one. They are junk. and very under powered. Bayliners are known to have cracks in the glass/hull. If you decide on a boat get a marine survey. This can save you thousands down the road. Without a marine survey you could potentially buy a boat with a rotten transom, stringers, bulk head and sink at worse case scenario. Also will let you know the shape of the engine. I would also go with the biggest engine i could find. Speaking from experience and an underpowered boat and a force motor that doesn't run. Even when it was running it dint have enough power to get on plane with more than 2 guys strategically placed around the boat. Thats just my 2 cents. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dave524 Posted April 2, 2015 Report Share Posted April 2, 2015 Definitely stay away from a Force if it is of the F'ing Old Rebuilt Chrysler Engine vintage, the newer ones are supposed based on Merc 's and get mixed reviews. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RJACQUES Posted April 3, 2015 Author Report Share Posted April 3, 2015 Thanks to everyone who is posting.. I have decided to back away from this boat and keep looking.. Will stay away from force! Biggest problem I have is that I usually fish Erie and Ontario in my friend's dad's 21.5 Triumph CC... Always seem to want more than the budget will allow.. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jesse Posted April 3, 2015 Report Share Posted April 3, 2015 yes,budget sometimes gets us in more trouble buying junk.Better off to save a bit more if possible & don't rush to find 1.Nice boats do come up but 50 junk one's in between. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Botchegalupe Posted April 4, 2015 Report Share Posted April 4, 2015 It's buyer beware when dealing with a stranger, a reputable dealer will give you a limited warranty. Check the hull for osmosis blistering, cracking and any signs of repairs. Check the boat's entire deck for wood rot by walking over and pushing down on it. If the boat has under the deck storage use a flashlight and mirror and check the 2x 4 supports for wood rot, if possible smell for musty odors. Check to see if the rub rail is loose or damaged. Check the windshield and make sure it is secured firmly to the boat. There is nothing more annoying than a rattling windshield when you are out on the water. Crawl under the boat and check the hull and keel for scraping or damage. Check the steering cable by turning the steering wheel back and forth. Check the stitching on the boat covers, convertible tops, bow covers etc for sun rot. Don't forget to check all electrical fixtures on the trailer, the wheel bearings and condition of the tires. Make sure there is a spare tire. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pauly Posted April 6, 2015 Report Share Posted April 6, 2015 I love my triumph. 19ft walk thru handles erie great. The one you mentioned is a great vessel too for sure. Many people fish erie successfully and safely with 18 foot boats. My previous boats were 18 and 17 feet and I fished erie consistently. It is imperative to learn how to handle any boat in rougher waters. That makes a huge difference. You are welcome to come out if you are curious about a triumph in the 19 foot range. I got a great deal on mine last year (2004). Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bass007 Posted April 9, 2015 Report Share Posted April 9, 2015 I owned a Bayliner trophy with a 150 Mercury pushed it well a 120 my be small you will also need a trolling motor , not a great boat for trailering but mine was a single axal, besides that the boat was great bought it new at nicals fort erie Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bic4d Posted April 10, 2015 Report Share Posted April 10, 2015 Thanks to everyone who is posting.. I have decided to back away from this boat and keep looking.. Will stay away from force! Biggest problem I have is that I usually fish Erie and Ontario in my friend's dad's 21.5 Triumph CC... Always seem to want more than the budget will allow.. Wait till late spring or early summer, then look for what your budget will allow and see what's out there, best tip is like all said water test it.. Most marina's by the lakes will accommodate, as well as any seller... I be it as long as your serious about the boat, most won't like test pilots/tire kicker...lol.... And if you find something, research, research as best you can..... My tip is keep it over 18' preferably deep V and maybe something someone is selling with equipment.... Emergency equipment, Riggers, kicker, Bimini top, rods, maybe fishing gear etc....... These extra's ad up and can blow a budget out of the water.... Sort of speak...lol..... Good luck..... Bic... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fonthill Posted April 14, 2015 Report Share Posted April 14, 2015 this is a deal i would jump on if i was still looking, bought both of my last boats south of the border, just have to pay sales taxes at border(same as if you bought it in canada) and exchange still a deal http://buffalo.craigslist.org/boa/4976982982.html Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Flyfisher Posted April 14, 2015 Report Share Posted April 14, 2015 Does anybody have any experience with Mariner motors. I was looking at a boat last year with a 1991 115hp Mariner. I believe they were made by Mercury Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chrisb Posted April 14, 2015 Report Share Posted April 14, 2015 Yes Mariner is made mercury. I have a 60Hp on my boat along with a 9.9 kicker. Both have been good motors. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lund-SS Posted April 14, 2015 Report Share Posted April 14, 2015 I believe alot of the 4 stroke merc/mariners are yamaha blocks with mercury components Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Archived
This topic is now archived and is closed to further replies.