I'm new & I'm geting a new boat--Help!!

[collard green]

Hey everybody,
I am new to the site and need any info you guys can give me. My father in law is selling a 1993 pro-line 183 stalker flats boat with a 1993 Yamaha 150. Also includes a 2yr old Minnkota riptide trolling motor. He wants $7,000 for it and seems firm about it.

I have borrowed this boat several times and it runs excellent. It is structurally in great shape. Cosemetically there are some small chips in the gel coat along the lenghth of the keel. The hull has lost its luster and has a lot of minor scratches. Trailer is in good shape.

Here are my concerns: From what I can tell after on-line research and calling pro-line, all boats prior to 94' have some wood construction in them (stringers, transem) with fiber laid over. However this boat I am looking at was technically not produced until 94' even though the HIN says it is a 1993. My father in law says it was a demo boat and that he bought it from a guy who worked at pro-line and swore their was no wood in it.

Is it likely or even possible that in 1993 a few of the pro-line 183 stalker flats boats slated for production and sale in 94' were built and used as demo boats--made to the exact specs as the 94's were (all glass)?

Anybody have anything to say about the 93' Yahama 150?

Gauges do not work, trim tabs don't work--should I ask him to fix these?

What's ya'll's opinion on the $7000 price tag? Good deal Bad deal?

[Onshore]

Collard,
A boat that type and age may have some wood but, that doesn't mean it cannot be a fantastic fishing platform. Where will you be fishing in Florida?

[maineguideman]

I am selling a 2003 Sea Pro Sv1700 with a 2003 Yamaha four stroke with a nice little trailer that has a lot of upgrades. Not only does everything work perfectly. I am very meticulous with my boats and this one comes loaded to the gills with all necessary equipment and electronics etc. Plus the Boat and Motor are still under warranty. There is a keel guard installed before it was used so there are no dings in the keel and there is definatly no wood and it has a lifetime transom warranty?? For $2500 more you could have a boat ten years newer with four stroke technology under warranty and fully turnkey???

[maineguideman]

Damn I didnt realize you were in florida that makes for a tough delivery. I ve been on boat tradder and for 7000 you can get a way better deal down there. The Market is flooded with nice used boats down there

[Breakwater]

Wood with glass is, hands down the best material to build a boat out of (see- Jim Smith, Buddy Davis, Etc). It's then up to the owner to make sure it stays.

Wood has a combination of strength & flexibility that no other material has. by encapsulating the stringers with fiberglass, the core of the boat is flexy, strong, and won't rot out.

So, if the older boat has wood is not a worry in the least bit. Its the condition of the wood- as the "spinal chord" of the boat. A boat of that age should have a professional survey that will look at the stringers and other encapsulated wood areas for dry rot, or water penetration to the boats "core"

don't be afraid of the boat, have it surveyed. The only thing about it, is that the engine is older than I think you would like, and you can certainly get a better boat at that price-point in Florida.

Good luck

[collard green]

wow, you guys were really helpful!

As of last night I told my wife I did not want to purchase it, not at that price anyway. I was not really worried about the wood as the stringers and transom seem to be very well encapsilated--just wanted some reassuring advice..

I was not really looking for a boat in the immediate future--but my wife had always been fond of this particular boat so we thought it was worth considering.

Maybe if he does not sell it and drops the price a bit I'll change my mind.

$7000 just seems high for a 15yr old pro-line with a 15yr old Yamaha--especially when there a lot of little things that don't work.

Any more input is always appreciated--thanks again--Collard:)

[collard green]

I primarily fish the Florida gulf coast from Homassasa to Cedar Key, but trips to the Idian River and Mosquito lagoons as well as Pine island Sound area and the Keys always abound:)