I was recently browsing craigslist in search of a Hobie Pedal Kayak. After months of looking the best price I could find on the 2015 outback model was around $1800.

While searching in the boasts section I noticed some used skiffs, lots of them with not-running outboards in the $1000 range.

I kept seeing this old 14ft McKee Craft with an Evinrude 35 outboard being advertised for $1000 or best offer.

While I was really wanting a gas free human powered kayak or paddle board, the idea of a small inshore river fishing boat started to grasp a hold of me.

A skiff would be able to haul my kids along with me and we could go a lot further.

A small 30 horsepower outboard is really fuel efficient and should keep running costs way down.

Breakdowns and parts are not much cheaper on a small outboard vs a large horse power one believe it or not.

I’ve owned a few larger used boats in the past and they can be a real pain in the pocket to keep up and running.  Even if you avoid breakdowns and having to do major repairs, fuel can be your biggest expense.

Get Boat US Towing or Sea Tow, these work like AAA does for cars.  This should be one of the first things you buy before taking your used boat out on the water.

If you are buying a cheap used boat it’s likely to need painting or repairs. Don’t take the sellers word that it “just needs the carbs cleaned”.

Checklist of things to bring with you when your inspecting before you decide to buy

Compression Tester– do a compression test on each cylinder you want the compression to be even between all cylinders. This is not fool proof, but if one cylinder is low then the motor probably needs a rebuild or major repair.

Battery and Jumper Cables

Spark plug removal socket and wrench

Spark tester

Water muffs

Rubber mallet 

How to do a pre-purchase boat inspection

If you are spending a lot of money invest in a boat survey from a professional inspector.

Take your time and inspect the boat carefully. You want to check the transom to make sure it does not flex and that it’s rock solid.

Another problem area are the floors make sure there are no soft spots and they are solid.

Next check the bottom hull for damage and soft spots.  You’ll also want to check for a curve near the transom. If the hull has been stored improperly or if the stringers are bad there could be a curve before the transom which will cause the hull to drag  and nose dive in the water.

Most older boats with built in fuel tanks will need the tanks replaced. This can mean having to cut up the floors which can be a major pain, more work that you might expect on some boats.

Fortunately most small skiffs use external portable red  6 gallon fuel tanks. I recommend buying a new one. The tank you get with the boat can have crud built up in it.

Items you’ll need to purchase before going out on the water, of they did not come with your boat.

Life jackets at least one per person correctly sized. They come in Infant, youth, and adult sizes. The weight ranges are printed on the jacket tags.

Throw-able flotation device

Fire extinguisher

Whistle

Flare emergency kit

First aid kit.

Spare tire for the trailer