safetyfast
Well-known member
I've been thinking about getting a Jon boat for awhile to fish the rivers and small lakes in East Tennessee with my kids. I've never owned a boat before, but I am mechanically inclined. I don't mind a project, so long as it's a fair price, and I don't have loads to spend. I thought I'd found my boat yesterday in a local ad. Sears 16ft v-hull. Looked to be 5ft or so across the center. 20hp Johnson and trolling motor. $1,200. Claimed the price was firm, but I didn't make him an offer. It was sitting outside with no cover. Boat is rated at 1000 lbs, and looked solid. It's unpainted, fairly shiny, and not dented much. Guy said it was probably a 1976 model. Said motor was probably 1985. Gas tank not hooked up, and didn't get to hear it run. Had a lot of decking, but the carpet was all worn out, and I'm guessing I would need to replace all the decking. Has seats and pedestals with 4 or 5 holes for the pedestals. Seats had seen better days. He said that after fishing all day, it might have a couple of gallons of water in the bottom, and said that was common for aluminum boats. Trailer was about what you'd expect. Probably needs at least new tires and some paint. I think the size is perfect for me. I decided to walk away. Did I do the right thing? I was afraid it would be a money pit and that it was too much front end investment.