I am in the market for a fishing boat and only have about $1,000 .... do you guys think THIS is a good deal? Found it on craigslist.

http://indianapolis.craigslist.org/boa/392318880.html

Thanks for any input!

ehh, i dunno i think you might be able to do better for thr price but it doesnt look bad if u can actually get the 20hp running

I read something where the best time to look for boats is over the winter.  They are typically cheaper then.  Right now your in prime fishing season so people typically ask for more.  I was looking for a boat in January and February and the deals were a lot better then than they are now.  

That motor looks really rough.  Hard to tell what you might be getting into with the engine.  Most marine shops will hit you for almost $60/hr labor plus parts.  Something to consider.

The boat and trailer seem to be in decent shape. The problem is I cant seem to find anything decent around here in my price range. What would be a decent offer to make the guy if I decide to make one? This is pretty much my first boat..... so its not like im after some high end bass boat!

Thanks

Hsave the motor checked out and make sure he can get it running for you. $750 is the most I would offer if everything is in good shape, with no holes or leaks in the boat.

I would be scared that that is a MERC that doesn't run.  In terms of small outboards like you are looking at, mercs aren't necessarily what you want.  The larger ones, although I personally don't like mercs period, are still good enough, but the small ones just don't cut it.  

so you think $750 is a decent offer?

That 20 hp Merc aint worth $50; I can get you one free  

The things I have seen with smaller mercs, is the driveshaft rusts away, to the point that it breaks.  Also, if you ever expect to do any work on it (trust me, you will, its a merc) expect to drill out seized bolts.  Also, there throttle stop is a little higher than competitors, so they have higher RPMs.  So, if you always run it on full throttle, it will die a lot faster than an equal Johnnyrude.  Sure, pound for pound, it will be faster when it works, but it still is a pretty heavy anchor for such a small boat. ;D

Dex did you buy it :-?

With the first boat I would go with a running boat. Hate to see you get run off from fishing cause your boat wouldn't get you there.