Finding a fixer upper boat AKA watersports people chime in!!

[Turbo Beast]

The good weather has been upon us for a while and "the itch" is back...

I used to own a 2007 Ski-Nautique, but had to get rid of it, due to buying the house were living in right now.

Where do you find a good fixer upper boat?
Maybe something that doesn't run, maybe even bent the driveshaft and prop. Blew the engine, crappy upholstery, it doesn't matter!

Where do you find these boats?

They are not on onlyinboards.com, or on boat trader.com.
I haven't seen em on craigslist yet.....

Do you just find em driving by?

Please chime in fellers!

[HilbillyHomeboy]

But, seriously, there's always tons of junk boats on ebay. Or try a local dealer or marina. Local buy/sell/barter papers, as well.

Jeremy

[Turbo Beast]

I just haven't seen anything worth saving on ebay yet... But the stupid local papers is a very good idea!

[Primus101]

what sort of watersports do you have in mind? skiing? fishing? lake? river? saltchuck?
'Glass or aluminum? prop or jet? inboard or outboard?

[1stStealthN/A]

Did you try Lakelink? Go trading post then boats/motors.
iboats may be worth a try also.

[Turbo Beast]

what sort of watersports do you have in mind? skiing? fishing? lake? river? saltchuck?
'Glass or aluminum? prop or jet? inboard or outboard?

Skiing, fiberglass, prop, inboard, lake and river, has to be 21ft in length.

Did you try Lakelink? Go trading post then boats/motors.
iboats may be worth a try also.

Haven't looked at those yet! Thanks!

[UTRacerX9]

Craigslist in Dallas has had some great deals in the past, but I think your timing is off a bit. I've noticed the best deals to be found on watercraft is usually during October, when people decide they don't want to fix the boat up for another season and don't want to pay storage fees, etc.

[green-lantern]

Craigslist in Dallas has had some great deals in the past, but I think your timing is off a bit. I've noticed the best deals to be found on watercraft is usually during October, when people decide they don't want to fix the boat up for another season and don't want to pay storage fees, etc.

Yep, most are getting the itch this time of year.

[anyonebutme]

My advice: Don't.


Anyways, boats are not like cars, the hull is where the money is. A hull will retain 70%+ of it's value even without rigging, never mind minor things like a blown engine or damage. re-rigging a hull is probably the hardest thing I've ever done before, and something I will probably NEVER do it again no matter how cheap of a hull I run into. Whatever, if you want to find the real deals, repo/impound lots are it. Impound boats in Florida are your best bet for offshore models, as the drug boats are usually caught or abandoned daily as it's cheaper to leave it here than drive it back to wherever.

[Turbo Beast]

I know, maybe i do need to wait till october, i know they are cheaper then...
Its just that damn itch

As for the hull having the most value, i know, but its nice to save 5 grand on a boat just because the motor is blown, or needs a new driveshaft.
Ive worked on plenty of boats before, only that was not here.