First drift boat purchase, found something that looks like a decent deal. (I think)
84 aluminum smokercraft for 2k w/ oars & trailer.

Figured I should check the bottom/front portion of the boat for any big gouges/dents, or anything that looks repaired. Also check the trailer for typical problems w/ wheels.

Any other sage advice?

Thanks

If there is flooring look to see if there is any rot.
I would look more from the rowers seat back and the chines for major problems. Check the welds on the transom.

You will need a good boat whore.

Price, options, oars, anchor system, trailer....

Have a price in mind......try to stay close to that price.

Fiberglass, wood, or aluminum......

Where are you going to be fishing "most of the time"??????? Don't be "under boated".

48", 54", or wider

14', 15', 16', or larger

How many people are going to be fishing out of the boat, most of the time??????

Boat you're looking at.....about 30 years, if the trailer came with the boat....equally 30 years old......

$2000.00 seems like a very good price.......but????

Good luck........

my 2cents is this being i just bought one... i know you want a boat and you have the money to pick this one up... but if your willing to save just a little more and spent more time looking and researching theres better quality boats out there... i spent 3500 on mine 17x54 willies out of oregon its a sweet boat but i waited to pick it up..

I'll be fishing 3 people most of the time. 15' might be a little small for that I suppose.
I primarily fish Peninsula rivers since that's what I know. Also considered going w/ a raft since I like summer fishing as well. My dad isn't very spry anymore though, so he'd need a solid bottom I think. Thus the driftboat choice.

3-4k does seem like the sweet spot after watching prices for a while.

Thanks for the input.

If you mean 3 frontseaters, that's a load and it will limit your hull choices as well as your float choices.
My boat was designed as a 3 frontseater boat, but it's too much, IMO.
No room to move around, more crap to stow and she sits deeper.

You would have to go with one of the mega hulls (18' or 19') to fish 3 with reasonable comfort.

Nothing wrong with buying a less expensive used boat. It is essentially fully depreciated and you should be able to sell it for what you bought it for even years down the road. Some of the older boats are more narrow which may be a consideration? The wild card is the trailer. Make sure it seems safe enough to get you to the river and back. Then plan on replacing the bearings. If you're lucky, they'll be good enough to just repack them but plan on replacing them. Good luck.

2 front seaters, I make the 3rd.
I don't know much about what dictates configuration. Seems like 1 front, 1 rower, 1 back would be ideal.

There are a lot of raft frames that have a drop floor that is completely solid to stand on. In my opinion they are easier to get in and out of than a drift boat and offer a much better casting platform.

OK, you're fishing 2.
To have the layout you describe (1 front, 1 back) you're looking at a newer sidedrifter model.
Not too many of those on the used market yet.

The 17 x 54 is a common size and good used deals on these are around.
You might be able to adapt it if you are willing to throw more coins at it.

One thing to keep in mind if that is the plan is that the boat may row very differently with weight configured that way vs. having 2 up front. For example, my Clackacraft rows like a turd with 1 in front and 1 in back. Completely different boat with 2 up front. Not all makes/models will be the same though.

Sounds like ya need a 16x54 and 3-4K.Good luck,
SZ

you have my number, right?

I know you've got my best interests at heart griff. I figured your recommendation would be something Ho approved. Like a new pavati or something along those lines.

I've got your number. And apparently you're good luck so that's a bonus.
I'll keep you apprised of the DB situation :P

Look for an adjustable rowers seat so you can balance the boat be it alone, one person up front or two people up front etc.....

Nothing sucks worse then having your ass end buried in the current all day.

Don't spend 2-3 k on an '84 Smoker Craft is my only advise.

I have seen some great boats that were loaded for 3k.

Trailers are 1500-1800 new... Big consideration on a 2k boat package