Boat Buying Rant

[ah_long]

God it's so hard to find a boat right now... either they are priced way too high or the condition of the boats are really bad...

 

boats that are reasonably priced in fair condition are sold within hours

 

I also got burnt the first time on Kijiji

 

Found a smokercraft in Hagersville, called the seller before I left, called him when I'm mid way.. by the time I pulled into his driveway, someone else is driving off his driveway with the boat... didn't even bother to call me.. drove 280km round trip for nothing, waste of gas and time. Such a scum.

 

should I give up hope and just wait until late summer/fall to look for a boat? it wasn't this bad when I did boat shopping last year!

 

any tips and pointers would be appreciated.

[DRIFTER_016]

This is the worst time of year to try and purchase a boat or any other summer related toy. Prices are higher and competition for the good items is high.

 

A couple of years ago I purchased a used camper...................in February!!!

Saved about $2,500 buying it out of season and had no competition from other buyers when it was -30!!!!

 

Conversely if you're looking to buy a snowmobile or other winter toy now is the time to do it!!!

[ah_long]

ya, I figured.. I think the best thing to do now is to wait it out

 

funny how the motorcycle prices are not as bad

[BillM]

This is why I bought from the US in the fall. Lots of boats that are just sitting there, guys willing to deal.. Definitely not the season to be a buyer.

[Dutch]

Yeah, buying can be really frustrating, but when you find the "one" quite satisfying.

 

Just some general notes:

 

Don't be in a hurry, make sure you only buy what you want. Don't compromise just 'cause there's nothing else out there.

 

When you do find one you like - have cash in hand and be ready to buy or someone else will take it.

 

Spring is not a great time to buy - a lot of others are looking to buy and competition is high. Prices are higher as a result.

 

Always water test. Couple of guys I know bought with no test recently - they are paying for it now. Expect to pay for some minor repairs - budget for maybe $500. They are beyond that and then some.

 

Test ALL of the on-board systems from bow to stern. All lights, pumps, wiring etc. Everything. Again don't be in a hurry! Check it all out or you'll pay for it later (literally).

 

Selection in Ontario is anemic and people ask way too much. Only boat I would most likely buy is a new one in Ontario, unless I came across a killer deal (which is exceedingly rare).

 

It really is very easy to buy in the US, you should think about it.

[mrpike]

I GOT THIS UP FOR SALE RIGHT NOW. LUND 17 SIDE CONSOLE WITH 115 4 STROKE WITH A 9.9 KICKER AND A LOT MORE. IF YOU WANT TO CHECK IT OUT HERES A LINK.

 

 

 

http://s862.photobucket.com/albums/ab185/explorerlund/?start+0

[ah_long]

I think your Lund is out of my range

 

I purchased my previous boat (Ranger R61) from the States and I agree there's a larger selection down there. I'm looking everywhere right now, but it seems that the selection is scarce down there compare to last fall.

[Sinker]

What is it your looking for?

 

S.

[ah_long]

I'm looking for a 16ft aluminum boat, SC or WT, around 50hp, unless the boat is in really mint condition, I would be staying with year 2000 and higher

 

I don't need fish finders as I have them, trolling motor would be an asset

 

 

 

 

[Mike the Pike]

lots of good deals here in Qc.

 

If your french is good check this site out

 

 

.Quebec classified adds

Edited April 29, 2012 by Mike the Pike

[ah_long]

thanks, going to check it out

[Mike the Pike]

there is a section for a search up top just type in what you are looking for.

 

Lots of nice Princecrafts for sale.I selected basic fishing boats but there are several thousand for sale.

 

good Luck

[Lunatic]

You've been kijiji'd