questions about boats

I agree with DoyleAlley.

A boat at auction would be difficult to get a high comfort level prior to forking over a lot of money. Now if the auction price was rediculously low, maybe that is enough for some people to accept the risk associated.

A couple of other comments, especially on fiberglass boats. When considering an older boat, it is critical to know if wood was still used in the construction (or it is 100% composite?) Most times with well known brands, a little research online can give you that information. If a switch was made from wood based construction to all glass, you want to know the year that happened. There are still quality older boats out there with wood in the hull/stringers/transoms but it is more and more rare these days. And it isn't easy for most people to detect if there is rot within the boat with wood is present. A non-wood constructed used boat still has plenty of risks but there are easlier tell-tale signs of what to look for.

The motor inspection of a used boat is where the real challenge comes in for most people. I know just enough about outboards to make me dangerous so I always seek professionals to evaluate used outboards. I can do slight inspections of a motor to see if it's worth engaging a professional but always defer to them for the final evaluation. A good thing that is available now for many used outboards is a engine history report (called different names by different brands) but it's basically having a service shop with the proper technology (many times a laptop) plug into the outboard and download data... hours, alarm history, temp history, rpm history,... and many other things. I first used this on a 60 hp 2005 ETEC but I think it's been around longer than that for most brands.

Can't add a lot but having owned everything from Pond boats to 30 foot cabin cruiser I can say everyone is right on.

One key thing to make sure with a used boat is rot, and and it isn't always as easy to see and obvious as you would expect, especially if the previous owner tries to hide it. There can be transom, stringer rot that without doing a serious inspection you would never be able to see, and an auction is not the place where you can do that kind of inspection and is also sadly a place where someone can be tempted to dump a boat with hidden rot.

Compression check is a quick and absolute minimum test that should be done on the engine.

And if considering Cabins, be prepared to look at a lot of nasty cabins between each nice one you find. Sadly, especially on boats under 30', cabins are very abused, and if not property taken care of are a haven for Rot, must, and mold. Leave the hatch open for the ride home from the island, close everything up when you get home in South MS for 2 weeks, when you open that cabin back up it will be a science experiment!.

All boats are compromises as well. The bigger the boat the smoother the ride, and also the bigger the fuel bill, harder to maunevuer in tight spots etc. Cabins are nice to get out of the sun while spending the day at the island or at least have a spot for the wife to take a potty break, but they bring a ton of extra maintenance, and use a lot of space. Bay boats are nice for the all the storage and deck space for fishing, but the same size CC will handle a lot rougher water, as the trade off of no trolling motor, and a deeper draft. The list goes on.

All that being said I would rather give my right arm as have to live without a boat!

Capt. Chief said:

I know the feeling/way of life Bro. I took my Dawn with me when I looked at my current boat.
Try to get a ride on as many different hull styles as you can, just to give you a better perspective before committing your $$. I can tell you, some of the smallest things can make a HUGE difference.

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And if possible, make those rides on days when there is a little chop in the bay (ie what you would see on an average day).

If going to islands is on the priority list, I would probably consider something at least 19-20ft. Those are still easily trailerable with any decent vehicle (even 2WD) and will give you a little extra comfort if water turns a little rough. I also wouldn't plan on going past the islands in anything smaller especially if you aren't that experienced. People do it, but the weather can turn on you and then you may find yourself in a bind. Also, the resale/demand on that size center console (if you go that route) is very good compared to other options.

In my experience, most people get into boating and just have to go through a learning curve. You will not get it all right on the first try. Doing research and asking questions helps, but even when you think you have made the right decision, there will likely be something that you would want to change when you finally pull the trigger. One of the main things that newer boat owners run into (or guys who have jumped up in size a good bit), is that at first you are nervous about using the boat because you are unfamiliar with it. If you buy one a little big you will be thinking to yourself that .it seems big to handle (whatever size you get if you have never owned one). Then when you get comfortable launching, trailering, handling, etc, you will be saying "man, I think I need something bigger" - basically the cause of the "2 foot-itis". I sold a friend my previous 25' CC. He had never had a boat for the Gulf. He was a nervous wreck but wanted something to safely go to the islands with wife and kids and do some offshore fishing. I basically wrote him a long description of instructions, etc and went out with him a couple times. He was still a nervous wreck the first few trips on his own. However, a few months later he told me he was ready to buy my current 31cc.

As noted above, since you aren't boat savvy, get a boat checked out before you buy it. A 17ft cc will require less checking than a 23' cuddy. Compression checks are easy to do. Also, pull the bottom drain plug on the lower unit to check the gear oil to make sure there isn't water in it and/or a lot of metal on the magnet on the plug. Older boats are going to typically have little things to address and are priced accordingly. Also know what your future costs maybe - if you plan to offshore fish some, does the prospective boat have a decent GPS/fish finder. If not, know what that will cost to purchase/install. That can swing a decision between two similarly priced boats.