Hey, I was thinking about possibly getting my first boat. I'm only 19, I don't need anything great or impressive, just something that will take me places I can't go on foot.

I see those Zodiac boats the inflatable ones going for a decent price, but do those pop often or get holes? Can you even stand in them?

Is it unrealistic to find a good running boat for under $5,000?

under 5k omg. dude i just bought a 1999 16ft bass tracker with a 25hp outboard a 55lb powerdrive trolling motor 2 new batteries and a 2 bank onboard charger for 3800. things like brand new almost. you can get a hell of a first boat for under 5k. you can get an older ranger for under 5k

Yes I agree completely. You can buy a very nice beginner boat for under 5k if you just look around. I too have a Bass Tracker and I like it. The customer service that Tracker offers sucks but they are great boats for the price and you can get a nice one for sure for under 5k. Good luck man. Oh and by the way my bud had one of those inflatables that you are talking about and he hates it. It has already had like 3 holes in it and it has no stability while trying to move around. I would recommend against that if you can but something is always better than nothing if that is what you have to get.

You sure can! look anywhere and everywhere. I bought an 1984 Ranger w/ a 150 merc. runs Awsome I bought it for 3k from the origianl owner. I replaced the tm after a year nothing wrong with it just old had some spare cash. I just replaced the carpet 75. home depot,  replaced all the hoses and bilge, live well pumps. probably 500. on extra's which I didint need to do but wanted to. Just look and take your time try looking online at Craiglist.com in your area. There are gems in the rough out there.

you should be able to find a pretty decent boat for 5k,  my first boat which I still own and am currently  redoing I gave 2k for it 16ft fiberglass Performance w/70 hp. So ya you can find one just shop around a little.

For under 5k you definitely want to look at aluminum.  You'll get far more for the money.  As for a fiberglass?  You'll probably be ooking at something that needs work and money.  An occasional gem pops up from time to time for that $ amount but not often.  

I bought a '99 G3 1544 modified v w/ Yamaha 15 hp outboard, performance trailer, motorguide 43# foot control, fully decked, carpeted for $1500.  The motor only had 20 hours on it.

Yes, GREAT deals can be had.

I'd go nuts with $5000 to spend on a boat.  

$5,000 can get you a very nice boat, just be patient and keep your eyes open.

I got my 2000 17 ft Fisher with 40hp and the motor had just been gone through, all new seals w/pump ect.....  

For under 5K. It woulda been cheaper but i got from a dealer so they are usually more, but this dealer has a good rep and stands behind all his boats, I had a problem 2nd time out and no questions asked he corrected it free of charge. With service like that its well worth a lil extra money to me.

Keep looking and check it over with a fine tooth comb and you should be more than happy.

Good luck on your future purchase.

I got a steal on my boat, 640 Nitro with a Johnson 60hp, fish finder, trolling motor, 2 bank onboard charger. I paid not much more than what you are planning on paying. I have since upgraded the trolling motor to a 24volt 74lb Minn Kota, also added 2 Lowrance fish finders (front deck and console). This boat was garaged permanently for 3 yrs straight before he sold it to me.

Decent beginner boats can be had for short money you just need to keep your eyes open and ready to jump on a deal when you see it. Thats my first boat, no jon boats or flat bottom deals. I got a deal and try to keep it as clean as possible.

Deals are out there if you do your homework and do some legwork. This winter, I picked up an 89 Javelin 18.5 F&S w/150 Evinrude for $3,900 at a marine, (and the deck and carpet was new on it). Of course when I had them add a new Trolling Motor, a GPS/Fish Finder and a second Fish Finder, ladder, taxes, titles, licensing it came up to $5,500. Also I spent $50 to have everything checked out by another marine, who said the boat and motor were in excellent shape. So there are some really good deals out there.