[ANA]

My Wife And I Are Very Interested In Buying Our First Fishing Boat. We Are Limited On Funds And Have To Keep The Price At $ 4000 Or Under. We Have Found A 1995 Carolina Skiff, 19 Ft With An 88 Hp Johnson( Also 1995). The Price Is $3800. The Boat Comes With A Trailer, Trolling Motor, Ice Chests, Anchor, Compass, And Fishfinder. I Don't Have A Lot Of Details At This Time, But I Would Like To Know What We Should Check For And If Anyone Has Had Any Experience With This Particular Brand Of Motor. I Don't Mind The Boat Being Old But I Am Very Concerned About The Motor And It's Reliability. Would It Be Best To Have The Motor Checked By A Licensed Mechanic? I Would Also Like To Take The Boat Out And See It Run. Is This Asking Too Much?

Need Help
Ana

 

[ANGEL]

yup take a mech and take it for a spin

 

[Graydog328]

I had a Carolina Skiff for my first boat. It was a great little boat. Did everyhting I needed it too just very wet. Might be something to consider if you want to take your wife with you.

 

[texaggie2007]

yeah those flatbottom skiffs ride ruff but are very durable; seen the picture of them cut in half and both halfs still floatin?

 

[ValleyLemon]

As far as the 88 hp johnson, I owned a 1988, 88SP Evinrude and ran it for 15 years with no problems, sold it to a friend and still running the shallows of the Laguna Madre. I'd get motor checked and go from there. Price on boat and motor sound fair to me.

 

[Roby]

Something to keep in mind. If your budget only allows $4000.00, you would be better served buying a less expensive boat. You will need a cash reserve to repair numerous items after you purchase the boat. The 88 Johnson is an excellent motor if it has been well maintained. Just remember, there is always something needing attention ($) on a used boat and after they are about two years old they are used....