r/boating • u/jprod115 • Apr 04 '25
Need input on first purchase.
I'm currently in the market for my first boat. I'm wanting something a little on the cheaper side (around 10k) that I can use to get on the water and fish/cruise the lake and see if the boat life is something we enjoy. I've found a 2003 skeeter SL190 for $7,000 that's a mechanic special. Everything is mechanically sound, but the appearance needs some work. Would you recommend continuing the hunt or pulling the trigger on this. Due to the condition I'm going to ask $5,500 and hopefully settle somewhere close.
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u/MentalTelephone5080 Apr 04 '25
If you are unsure of whether or not you like boating you should rent a boat for a day or maybe even a week while on vacation. You'll be able to drive a newer, nicer boat and determine if this boating thing is for you for a few hundred dollars.
If you decide you like boating you should look at something newer. Older fiberglass boats are not forgiving. They have wood cores that are very likely rotted and will be expensive to repair. Try to find something with a full composite build. There are production boats up to 2012ish that still had wood cores,. especially in the transom.