What should I do???

AUII_Forte · 03-08-2005, 04:43 PM

Hey guys,

I'm in the market for a boat at the moment and I have about $5500 to spend.

Initially I was going to buy a brand new 3.5m 15hp tinny just to fish out of, but now I'm thinking I might go something second hand with a bit more balls, so it can be ski'd behind etc. I've found a Pride Panther ski boat with a 150hp Mercury outboard on the back of it that I can pick up for about $4g. I haven't seen it in the flesh yet, but apparently it's in pretty good nick, but the seats need re-upholstering which I'm not too concerned about.

My main worry is what sort of problems to look out for with the outboard, judging by the pic I'd say it's an 80's model motor. It has been workshop tested and appears in good nick, good compression, no noises and recently serviced. The dealer told me they have just put a brand new prop on it, coz the old one was knocked off and it's just had the steering rams done. Does much go wrong with these older Merc's and what are parts like to buy??

What do you guys reckon? Go for it, or pull my head in and stick to the tinny. :P

Shonky · 03-08-2005, 05:17 PM

Hmmm...

Depends what you want it for.

That thing will be a pig to fish out of, but would be good doing what it was designed for (towing skiiers).

An outboard of that size and age will drink fuel like nobody's business, and if you think fuel at your local BP is expensive... try marinas... 150.8c per Litre anyone?

If the weather turns bad while you're fishing... you're F***ed. Those boats sit low in the water at the best of times. It doesn't take much to put them under. There also isnt much in the way of protection from the elements. These boats are designed for speed and flat water. Sitting idle on a rough river surface while you fish will quite possibly cause complications that could be rather disasterous.

Don't even think about going offshore.

That said, if its skiing and fun with a few mates you're after, go for it.

If you have a family and want to show them the joys of boating, and want to go fishing, forget it.

In my opinion: Get a second hand Fiberglass or aluminium half cabin. They are very versatile. You can fish from them, explore in them, take them over waves, take the kids out, drink in them, and if you are really hell bent on water skiing... you could do that too, just not very fast!

AUII_Forte · 03-08-2005, 07:13 PM

All very valid points young'un. I live inland, so 99% of the boats use will be in dams and rivers so rough water isn't a big problem and I dare say it'll get used more for skiing purposes and the odd bit of fishing.

t2te50 · 03-08-2005, 07:22 PM

WE where in the market for a late model tinnie very impressed with the stacer seasprite got side rails and all, it's a tough little 3.9m boat with a solid transom able to take up to 40hp. It would fly with a 15 horsepower two stroke of the yamaha or mercury variety.

**Peuty** · 03-08-2005, 09:35 PM

I bought an inboard Ramsay Cheetah hull with a Holden 308 for $5000 from a guy in Dubbo. Only needed a new carby to get it running well, but this has nothign to do with your question so meh.