On Tue, 27 Mar 2007 18:56:14 GMT, "JoeSpareBedroom"
wrote:

wrote in message
roups.com...
Hi All -

I'm looking for a small aluminum boat for my son and I to go fishing
at a nearby lake. I'd like to be able to hold at least 4 adults on
the boat from time to time. I was also thinking of buying a used one
with just a trolling motor on it.

What brand/model would you recommend? How much do you think it will
cost?

I've never owned a boat before so I don't know what things I should
look out for when buying one.

Thanks.


Include Lund boats in your shopping process. I've got a WC-14 yacht that
works well for me. It's built like a tank. In 1999, it cost me $1600 with
trailer, but without a motor. I don't know prices on new motors. I got a
mint-condition used 15 hp Johnson for $1200, if I recall correctly.

~~ I second Doug ~~

Two additional brands you might want to look at. Princecraft - in
terms of manufacturing quality, they are even steven with Lund and
make a great boat.

This is the one I have (mine's a 2004) and I like it. I knock mine
around a lot - it visits small, back tree lot ponds and water that
have unimproved ramps

http://www.princecraft.com/Content/e...?ProductID=319

I owned it's Lund equivilent years ago and the guy I sold it to is
still using it - at 30 years old, it still looks in mint condition.
I've seen some older Princecraft's in similar condition.

The other is Polarkraft boats.

http://tinyurl.com/2o6cqu

Godfrey Marine has been making aluminum boats for a long time and they
are another manufacturer that build a high quality, no nonsense boat
at the base model. I had the opportunity to mess around with their 15
footer in this model last year and was suitably impressed. Very sound
boat, excellant fit and finish - I don't think Godgrey is capable of
building a crappy boat - it's just not in them. I know a few guys who
have the bigger Polarkrafts and they wouldn't trade them for love or
money.

New /w trailer for a boat in the 14/15' class is going to be around
$5/$6000, 25 horse engine $3,000 to $3700. These are general figures
and don't take into account left overs or demo boats.

Used (two to four years old) - $4/$4500 w/trailer and engine.