This boat is for sell near me for 3k. Would it be worth even considering a boat this old?

 

I've never owned a boat but my sone is 7 and has started asking to go when I take my kayak out. In the market for an affordable boat so he can tag along. I probably kayak fish 70 days a year. 

 

Thanks in advance for your opinions and advice 

If you are not experienced enough to diagnose any problems with the boat, motor and trailer, my suggestion would be to take it to a good mechanic and pay to have it gone over.  I could tell you all the things I look for but if you are new to the game, you would probably miss a lot.  Things like lights, switches, compression, bearings, tires, steering, hull, transom, etc., all need to check out.  Good luck in your search!

Toxic just gave you great advice. That’s exactly what I would do. Good luck Imhope it turns out good for you.

The bass boats in the mid 80’s usually have glassed over wood transom and stringers prone to dry rot. The better quality boats have laid up glass sheet construction, others were copper gun construction. Too many things to go wrong besides the engine and trailer. 

Poor picture to see any major defects, could be OK or a bag of snakes.

Tom

5 hours ago, WRB said:

The bass boats in the mid 80’s usually have glassed over wood transom and stringers prone to dry rot. The better quality boats have laid up glass sheet construction, others were copper gun construction. Too many things to go wrong besides the engine and trailer. 

Poor picture to see any major defects, could be OK or a bag of snakes.

Tom

To clarify you're saying its definitely not worth it 

Buying anything used has unknown risks. 

I am not familiar with the Baja brand bass boats, not common boat. If the boat was garaged and in good condition, no gel coat cracks around the transom solid and no movement when flexing the engine. Carpets, seats, wiring, flooring all appear in good condition then the boat is OK. The OB is another issue, never been in salt water, no leaks, compression test OK, controls and steering work smoothly, starts easily, lower unit and prop in good condition, battery and TM are good,  etc.

Trailer, tires are less then 10 years old, wheel bearings have Bearing Buddy style caps, wiring and light in good condition, no rusted out areas, etc.

Can’t tell any of those things by 1 out of focus photo.

If you buy this boat be willing to negotiate price based on fixing a few things.

Tom 

Does it run? If so, check the going rate for the outboard.

This forum is always awesome. Going to pass on this one and maybe just wait a bit until I can spend 15k or so