2000 Sea Ray 18' w/IO motor and trailer

[DRock]

I know nothing about boats but love to fish. There is a 2000 Sea Ray 18' w/IO motor and trailer available for around $4000. It looks pretty beat up to me, the upholstery is well worn even though there are snap covers. It is for sale as is and it does run. Is this a good deal? Thanks ahead of time.

[PLAYIN' HOOKIE]

It is cheaper to HO. Just my advice to you on the matter.

[jamisjockey]

No. You could spend that money on a boat better suited to fishing, some type of Center Console, dual console or bay boat in that price range. No frills no fluff. Hire a surveyor and have a mechanic look the boat over. Don't worry about upholstery, for $4,000 you should buy something with no upholstery. The motor should run, the floor should be solid, and the electrical systems should work.
Get some HO time in so you learn how to launch and run a boat, set an anchor, etc etc.
Hell, I need some HO time, I haven't caught much in my last few outings....
No motor
1985 Aquasport Sandpiper 222 For Sale In Norfolk, VA: Sport Fisherman - BoatTrader.com (http://www.boattrader.com/listing/1985-Aquasport-Sandpiper-222-94884405)

1990 Bayliner Trophy For Sale In Zebulon, NC: Center Console - BoatTrader.com (http://www.boattrader.com/listing/1990-Bayliner-Trophy-95234301)

1990 Downeaster 18cc For Sale In Chesapeake, VA: Center Console - BoatTrader.com (http://www.boattrader.com/listing/1990-DOWNEASTER-18CC-93620732)

Proline Offshore Fishing Boat (http://norfolk.craigslist.org/boa/1213275956.html)

1989 21 FT CENTER CONSOL..1996 175 EVENRUDE 380HRS (http://norfolk.craigslist.org/boa/1211944956.html)

[Derek Malpass]

i'm 100% with jam on this one, you can get alot of boat for $4000 in this economy, and you want as little interior as possible if the main purpose of the boat is for fishing, that way all you have to do is hose it out after a day out on the water, just check craigslist and put in $4500 for your max price and see what comes up, remember lots of people are ready and willing to unload cheap in today's financial climate. A wellcraft V20 is a great choice for a fishing/pleasure boat, plenty of room to fish from and plenty of room for riders for just a day out on the water, and they can be had for under $4000 or a good center console around 19' or less. good luck!

[jamisjockey]

Take a good look at that last boat I posted. Get it checked out by a professional surveyor and a mechanic. I'll be a boat like that will fit the bill for fishing the bay for you.

[jamisjockey]

Poking around the TF classifieds and thought of you
http://www.tidalfish.com/classifieds/showproduct.php?product=2926&cat=4
http://www.tidalfish.com/classifieds/showproduct.php?product=2577&cat=4

[DRock]

Thanks for all the inputs!