First boat..need help

[AJP8177]

Originally Posted by Polelock

Hi Anthony, a 16 foot Deep V with a 9.9 will work well for RV or SR as well as any other NJ lake/reservoir. Max hp in RV and SR is 10hp. Greenwood and Hopatcong allow larger HP. Most other lakes will be electric only. Do you really need a 90hp? Just another motor to maintain if you do not use it.
I've seen the Crestliner 1640 on FB. What year is the boat & motor? I do not like side consoles but that's me. You have to worry about the old control cables as well. With older motors, you never know what you are going to get. If the boat is clean and is in good shape, chances are the owner took care of the motor as well. I have had 5 different 2 strokes from 96-2004 that all ran perfect.
I've had numerous boats over the years and just bought a 1997 16ft Monark 16sc. The boat was garage kept and solid. I had a new 9.9 that I put on it. This will be my last boat..
You may be able to find a decent boat with no motor and the just buy a new motor. You will then know you have a reliable outboard.
-Don't be in a rush.
-Find a boat layout that fits your need.
-If it has a motor, ask the owner to run it. Engage Fwd and Rev. Make sure it runs and has a steady stream of discharged cooling water. Shut it down and start again.
-Check the trailer. Tires dry rotted? Leaf springs look good? Lights work?
Good luck in your search.

Thanks so much for the info, really helpful. That Crestliner was a 1994. I really want a 17 or 18 foot Tracker Targa, but nothing in the area. I am going to take a look at the tracker on this site, I just wished the space behind the seats wasn't a full deck, I like the regular deep Vs a little better where there is more walking space. I also saw a fully original 1993 deep V17 Tracker. Its all original so I would have to do a bunch of work to it, which is fine. But I do want to get my kids on the water ASAP, so thats where I keep going back and forth with an older one to redo a little or spend a little more for a newer one. I honestly havent seen many to even look at, so that def most of my frustration.