Ugg!  On Monday night I drove almost 2 hours to buy a boat way out in the sticks of Maryland.  When I got there I found a 14ft v-hull that had every seem and rivet thickly covered with some kind of hardened goop.  It obviously had some leaking issues at some point.  I knew the $600 price tag was too good to be true.

Hopefully this one will turn out better...

http://washingtondc.craigslist.org/nva/boa/482443580.html

A couple of things stand out to me in that add.  Why is the motor not in the center of the transom?  Why is the gas tank not in the back?  Why is the ratchet tie down strap so tight as to bow the left side of the boat inward?  My guess on the ratchet strap is that the trailer has no shocks or to strong of a shock and the boat and trailer bounce over pot holes and speed bumps.  My guess on the motor, gas tank, and other random stuff in the boat is the person just isn't very organized or experienced with boats.

None of this is a bad reflection on the boat.  You may want to ask a bunch of questions to get more of a feel of the person's knowledge and commitment to price before driving.  And if the motor runs, how many pulls it takes to start, stuff like that.  If the trailer bounces a lot then the transome could be damaged from the weight of the motor bouncing on it.

Good luck.  That size Jon boat is great.  Just what I was looking for a year ago.  The 7.5 should just get you on plane as long as you don't have a large live well.  

Thats what it looked like when he bought it new (to Him) in west virginia (10 years ago) ( ;D),  Before you make another long run ask for pictures of the boat from different angles and with the motor cover off.

I saw that ad when I was looking and for some reason I passed it up

If your looking for a winter project I would hold off or offer him a lot less, I'm sure he will give you the It will cost more in the springtime story but you could give him the (It won't cost me more answer, then waive the cash)

Seriously, I wouldn't give half the asking price for that rig.

Seriously, I wouldn't give half the asking price for that rig.

That's a $400 rig if i ever saw one.  

Reason for the gas tank and the motor placement is for weight distro and for siting postition while driving.  He (the owner) more than likely doesn't like sitting sideways wile driving the boat.  

I wouldn't give anything over $400 for that boat!  You can get a new 14' Jon for around $1100!  The trailer MIGHT be worth $75.  

If he's not willing to negotiate I wouldn't waste your time and gas to go see it.  I've seen better Jon boats for $300.  

i would keep looking. you can get brand new for a little more than he is asking for that one. tracker makes some cheaper 14' johns you may want to look into it. i am sure you could find a used motor for a good price.

On another post I told that young man to run, don't walk. I would not go around the block for that disaster.

Be patient and you will find a good boat at a good deal. Let your desire for a boat haunt you and you may well regret it.

I agree with the group,  too much.   That is getting close to my neck of the woods, Romney, WV.  $500.00 tops for that rig.

Don't give up hope someone will figure they need to upgrade for spring and you will see a ton of boats hit the market over winter

I bought my boat 1 week before christmas.  The poor guy needed xmas money for kids toys.  I suspect that situation plays out every year.

I tried the link but it told me the posting had expired. I guess I missed the oppertunity to view that beauty.