Hey guys, been gone for some time and know im a newbie at this site but i read it every chance i get - im just not a good "replier". Anyway, me and my wife were headed home last night some NC and i saw a boat down one of the back roads. My wife says guys must have a boat radar built into their heads because she didnt even see it, even going down the road it was on . But it is a 17.5 Boston Whaler Montuck hull 80hp boat. Awesome hull, not a scratch on it, inside just got redone in that ugly boston whaler blue . The boat is a 1973 and the engine is a 1985 Merc. 80hp. Runs great - outside of water. The price on the boat said $3,200 i told him i would give him $2,200. He didnt agree with me at first but i gave him my number and he called me today at lunch and said he would take it but hes not happy with letting it go for that price i said I was. So, i guess i was just wanting to see what everyone thought about the price - the trailer is 1 year old so thats gotta count for something. Thanks again guys

-Frank

any extras on the boat? how many hours on the motor? service on the motor? like most would suggest....a comp test on the motor and such....dont forget to test drive before you buy

Timmy hit the nail on the head.

You need to take her out for a spin and get that compression check on the motor.

Pllus have her completely checked out by a company authorized service rep to make sure she is in good condition.

I've seen more than one motor that ran great on the muffs and then fell flat on it's face in the water with a real load applied to it.

Get a compression test and make sure that thing runs right on the water.

I'll go ahead and say it again.  COMPRESSION TEST!!!  That is the single most important thing you can do when buying a boat, new or used.

As far as the brand of boat, I LOVE Boston Whalers.  I've fished out of them for years when we lived closer to the Gulf and Coastal marshes and those boats are very dependable.  I don't think they would make a top quality bass boat, but they are definiately able to hold their own in any water, fresh or salt.  If you're not looking for a fast boat filled with bells and whistles, Whalers are a great, high quality choice.  They don't have top notch performance like Rangers or Skeeters, but they are dern good boats and worth every dime.  Just make sure your electronics and electrical systems all work, your trolling motor works fine, and the engine has a recent compression test.  You can get those for like $50 at some dealerships.  Small time places will sometimes do it for free.

Thanks guy sfor all the feedback. Yea i took the boat out for a test spin down the river. SLammed the throttle all the way down plained it drove it full throttle for about 5mins then let off quick. No smoke bellowing from the engine, hardly any smoke at all to tell you the truth. All the rails come with the boat brand new center console and seat. As far as the compression test ima do one this afternoon when i go pick it up - that is if nothing major is rong with it. Buit as far as running down the river with it it ran like a charm. ANy suggestion on more seating? I mean it has a 2 seater bench but i want smoething like a bass boat high rise seat on the front - im a seated fisher . Thanks again for all yalls suggestions.

You can buy a compression tester fairly cheap and test it yourself before you hand over any cash. Just screw it in the spark plug holes and fire it up. Also, check the transom. If there is a compartment that holds the gas tanks and battery, look inside at the transom. I got burned on my first boat by not checking engine compression or transom.

If it has a floor you can buy pedestals for it or build your own deck for it.

This is going to sound really redneck, but you could always just use a lawn chair  ;D

check on boston Whalers web site, they may have a few accessories that will work for it. you can always add a casting deck on the front of the boat, an 18' boston whaler is a heavy boat but very stable. don't look to set any speed records but it won't sink either.  I think the price you got it for is pretty good if the motor is sound.