What to look for

[Gator68]

A guy I work with is storing a Skeeter bass boat for his friend. It's around 17-18ft and has a 150 on the back. I don't know anything else about the boat. My friend says the guy is interested in selling the boat since he never gets to use it. I asked it he could find the model # and he said its missing, since the owner re-carpeted the interior and re-badged the boat. The current price is $4500, but my friend says the guy might go lower. My friend says he has someone who could buy my boat, which will negate half of the expense of the skeeter. My boat is an older 17ft Stryker which is showing its age. I intend to take it on the water for a test run. I don't know much about Skeeter boats and are there any peculiar things to look for?

[Ron Fogelson]

Each boat has pros and cons, you didn't say what year boat it was so as long as the boat and motor check out it could be a great buy or about average.

[Gator68]

  It's a 92 model.

[iClass]

A quick trip to a qualified boat mechanic can save you hundreds  or thousands of dollars and a lot of grief.  Depends on what is on the boat, electronics, upgrades, etc.  Just a bare minimum on the boat, motor, and trailer, you can expect to pay between $3,200. to $4,000.    Again, you don't give a lot of information and the boat may be exceptional and loaded out.  Here is where I got my pricing information.

Go to nadaguides.com/Boats

Hope this helps and let me know if I can do anything else for you.

iClass

[Gator68]

Thank you. I plan on going sometime this week to get a better look. I found out he will take $4k which is payoff from the loan. If something doesn't happen soon he will let it get repoed. I hope I can get my money right before that happens.

[iClass]

Best of luck and keep us updated, Post pics if you swing the deal! 

[bass11.11]

Check the gelcoat out that sits on the runners on the trailer.  Look for blistering or bubbles and any starred gelcoat.  I just had $3k of glass work due to osmotic blistering due to the boat sitting on wet bunks and not drying out completely.  Insurance does not cover it and boat warranties either.  My boat is a 96 Skeeter ss140 that has always stayed in a garage and thats why it never dryed out proper. Other than that my skeeter has been awesome and very reliable.

[Gator68]

Well, I got a little more info about the boat. It's a 1991 and its 20 ft long. The lower unit of the motor was rebuilt last year, and the carpet was also replaced at the same time. My friend tells me that this guy is peculiar about everything he owns. It has to be fixed right the first time and no shortcuts. I plan on going and looking at the boat tomorrow after work. I'm taking a battery and the fake a lake to see how it runs off the water. It that goes well I will take it to the lake this weekend and do a real test.

[Gator68]

OK. I didn't fake a lake today. I did take a good look. The overall appearance is very good, the top ( which usually looks rough) is as shiny as a new boat. The new carpet is not as great as I hoped but, only needs a few reapirs. The bottom looks normal, (scratches, wear), but nothing stood out as bad. The seats are in good condition and not tore. One thing that I found out, He replaced the lower unit with a shorter shaft lower, and installed a manual jack plate. It also has a new on board charger . The tounge jack wheel is rotten and needs to be replaced, the winch strap needs replacing, and I dont know how old the batteries are, but prob need replacing. It looks like there are mice living in it or have lived in it, so I don't know if there is any chewing damage or not. It will need a front fish finder, and one at the driving console as well. The trailer looks in great shape, no rust. The tires look so-so ( no dry rotting).  I guess the next step will be to go through the electronics and motor.

[Ron Fogelson]

Make sure to have the motor checked out, could save you a ton in the long run

[iClass]

Yep, a quick check at a good mechanic can tell you a lot about a boat!  You origionally said it was a 18 footer so the value does go up if it is a 20 footer.  Lot more storage in those two feet!  Please by all means check out the Motor and the Electric wiring if you suspect mice.  A few continuity checks on the wiring and a good visual inspection will tell the tale.  Over all, sounds like a steal of a deal.  Best of luck and keep posting updates.

[Gator68]

Welllll I've decided not to buy this boat. Something in my gut is saying NO. I have learned in the past to trust my gut instinct, it hasn't let me down yet. Oh well, I will have to keep looking. Thank you for all the suggestions they have been very helpful.

[iClass]

It takes a wise man to know that sometimes the best deal is the one you pass up! (btw, that's an original quote from iClass words of wisdom... )

After all, a boat is a hole in the water that you throw money into!  Good luck, be patient, the right Skeeter is out there.