buyers checklist

[webbfunk]

So I finally have the cash ready to go to buy a tinny this weekend ( hopefully ). Being my first boat and not being overly mechanically minded, could anyone pls help me with a small checklist that would help, so that I don't buy a lemon?

Cheers

Jordan

[kriso]

look for previous repairs as can be a sign of mistreatment and hard work, that the engine is easy to start and tell tale has plenty of water flowing. service history of the engine condition of trailer for rust etc.

[Leighton]

What sort of $$$?

There are plenty of good buys out there, I would spend the weekend looking at what you get for your dollar, dont rush into a decision

[webbfunk]

Should be between $1500 - $2200.

Don't want to rush into a decision, but really want it a couple of weeks before the BRC.

I was hoping for a 4 stroke for convenience.

[noname]

there is a 4.1 stesco in the trading post with bow mount eleccy, 25 hp motor for 1900, my advice would be to save a little more and get something a lot better, what size rig are you after

[flatty_catcher]

dont buy it if it blows smoke constatntly

not that I know anything about tinneys its just an engine rule of mine

excessive rattling in the shaft can be no good either

as for the tinney check for stress cracks or cover ups (look around the weld joins)

dont rush, your right, never rush into a buy

my 2cents

[rayke1938]

For that king of money you will be looking at older rigs unless you are very lucky and are prepared to make an instant decision. keep your eye on all the fishing chat boards such as ausfish and you may pick up something good. There is a good 12 ft tinney at the moment on ausfish but its up in ayr.

Most of the people selling on the chat boards seem to be honest and wont rip you off.

If you are uncertain save a bit more and get something from a dealer such as John Crawford Marine who are one of our sponsors and who will look after you. At least you have some kind of warranty and are protected against buying something hot.

At the moment they dont have much in the budget line but this is an indication of what you will have to pay.

Cheers

Ray

eatures

Make CLARK

Model 3.7M CUTTER DELUXE

Hull Year 2003

Metres 3.7

Feet 12.14

Hull Mono

Power Power

Currency AUD

Price $4,500

Reference Code ag-32036

Stock Number R4580S

specification

Hull Material Aluminium

description

Clark 3.7 Cutter Deluxe aluminium tiller steer tinnie. REDUCED IN PRICE FROM $4,990! A great little fishing platform package that would ideally suit anybody just getting into boating for their first boat or the experience boating people who want something smaller to get in the estuaries or impound fishing scene. The rig is powered by a Tohatsu 25HP pushing the boat at a good speed and the ever reliable Tohatsu. Trailered on a Redco Sportsman trailer that includes LED trailer lights and full galvanised. Other accessories include… 2 x adult life jackets, paddles, v-sheet, bimini top & sock, 2 x folding/removable bench seats, portable fuel tank, 1 x rod holder, aluminium propeller, tiller steer, manual start, motor support bracket, alloy wheels, spare wheel & carrier, tie down strap, galvanised springs, galvanised axle, galvanised trailer frame, trailer LED lights, manual winch & handle, swingaway jockey wheel, safety chain on winch post. If you would like any further information on this beautiful tinnie, please don’t hesitate to contact our friendly sale team. John Crawford Marine accepts late model trade-ins on all stock. We are a founding member of Marine Queensland (MQ) the boating industry body. The advertised price includes condition reports on the hull/motor/trailer, REVS title search and certificate, Marine Queensland 50/50 engine warranty, registration transfers (Qld only), workshop pre-delivery, boat wash and handover. We also offer competitive Marine Queensland finance (T.A.P) and Club Marine Insurance (T.A.P). John Crawford Marine can also assist in arranging boat transport to mainland Australia. Please visit our web page www.johncrawfordmarine.com.au for more information on our services, location and consignment service.

[webbfunk]

I know I said Tinny. But would something like this be more trouble than its worth?

/>http://www.boatsales.com.au/boats-for-sale/details.aspx?R=3004538

[flatty_catcher]

I would check it out

[maxi]

buy it mate ....before someone else does .... if the motor is good and starts easy .... its a great entry level boat ....

all buys in your price range are a gamble im afraid to say .. but that one looks ok going by the pics .. :blink:

Maxi

ps. have a close look at the hull, as at that age some rot and delamination can occur especially under the floors.. poor ventilation is the main cause ...

transom mod looks cool, so thats a plus ... worth a closer look at that price ...

[jeff f]

ring and oprganise a test run

if it is all in good running order

and it gets up on the plane without reving its guts out i'd grab it

[shortie]

i would look at this.

/>http://www.tradingpost.com.au/Marine/Power/Power-Boats/AdNumber=TP000952372?BackToResult=true

[jeff f]

thats a good buy especially with the bow mount electric on it

[shortie]

Yep.

And no potential rot problems.

A way better option for a first boat.

Can treat alloy like shit.

Have to be a lot more careful with glass

[maxi]

awefull pics... :angry:

but there all a gamble at that price ....

the hull is probably ok ... looks a bit messy to me overall ...

but yeah something like this is a better entry level boat than a glassy ..

Maxi

[rayke1938]

Good chance that the glass one has rot in the transom with the big ally plate on it. But if it lasts 3 years who cares.

With ally the faults are quite visible. I would only worry about unwelded cracks because they will cost you money to repair.

Cheers

Ray

[noname]

be patient, it seems we are all putting the cart before the horse.

what type of fishing do you intend to use the boat for

any size you are after.

where do you plan on using the boat.

do you plan on towing it very far. eg from brizzy to the coast.

what accossories would be of use to you most.

will you be night fishing.

i would also suggest you go to your local ramp this week end, both days and have a look at some of the boats people have that might suite you, even ask if you could jump in them, they can only say no ! just to compare the stability of different boats, v bottom vs flat bottom, i would not go any more hp than 15, reguardless of what you buy, just being your first boat and young from what i gather,, larger motors can bite you if your not careful, buying your first boat is a big effort, if you get a dud you won't use it, and nobody will buy it of you, most important of all is be patient, good luck, hope ya get what your afta