How to find Cheap Boats UNDER $1,000

If you're looking for a cheap used boat, you can buy a boat for under $1,000. This video shows you on the water budget boating and a breakdown of what it cost me to have a legal, operational low budget boat. If you want a low cost boat, you can buy a cheap tiny old boat and a cheap old outboard motor and be on the water fishing or boating without spending thousands. I show you how I found a low cost boating setup and if you're in the market for the cheapest fishing boat, or to buy a small used boat you can do it!
Shopping for a low cost used boat can be challenging and it also can be fun. I show how to find some of the cheapest boats and how I put together some small boat components both new and used to have everything I need to be on the water for under 1k. Cheap small used boats are out there, and cheap used outboard engines are out there too if you keep looking!
Links to purchase some items shown in this video. As an Amazon Associate I earn a small commission from qualifying purchases.
Telescoping Paddle amzn.to/3Fe6wMz
Fire Extinguisher amzn.to/3uChA18
PFD Life Vest amzn.to/3iogLUM
Safety Whistle amzn.to/3A9WHvq
12 lb. River Anchor amzn.to/3otS7FY
Battery Navigation Lights amzn.to/39XzXUH
2x 6 ft dock lines amzn.to/3isLAYb
Clamp on seat base amzn.to/3Nhw3Iw
Foldable boat seats amzn.to/3La8kIE
#cheapboat #usedboats #littleboat
00:00 Introduction
01:39 All the costs of my cheap boat
04:42 Why putting together a cheap used boat is great
05:35 Why putting together a cheap used boat is bad
07:21 Conclusion
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Sound effects and additional music is copyright free from iMovie

[@WayneTheBoatGuy]

I did end up putting a new transom board in this boat and that video is here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/aIO6fJWsmZmEpNU

[@douglasdingwall1596]

The most I ever paid for a boat was $950, that was a 14' fiberglass runabout with a 40HP Johnson with trailer....got quite a few years out of it and sold it for $600. Now I have a 12' Coleman Crawdad, with a Minkota trolling motor paid, $300 for it. That was 35 years ago and still have it, added a used 6HP Mercury for $800. I live lakefront and plan to keep it till I die.

[@charlesmayle3800]

More people should do what I did, almost 50 years ago I was a teenager,with no experience I built a 10 foot boat out of 1/4 inch plywood for around 120 dollars. It would hold 2 people with seats that opened up to store stuff in. I used it for years we used what would be a primitive electric motor in today's world. We paid 40 dollars for the motor. Lots of good memories ! Fishing in the 70s was the best.

[@rickytejera6707]

Nowadays you have to go with a preapproved loan to home depot for the wood.

[@mfnd502]

I bought a $800 14 foot tri hull Jon. It came with a omc Evinrude 25, helm and controls, new fish finder, aerator, bilge pump, new battery, fire extinguisher, vests, horn, whistle, oar, and trailer. I put tires on the trailer, bought a trolling motor and battery box, and added a Bimini. Best dice roll I've ever taken.

[@WayneTheBoatGuy]

Wow - that's awesome!

[@astroboy5137]

I have an old 14 ft Starcraft aluminum boat that’s been laying upside down in my backyard for years. I rolled it over to see how bad of shape it’s in. The seats, dash and transom (all wood) are rotted out. I just might make this “my winter project “ keep up your videos! They are my inspiration!!

[@WayneTheBoatGuy]

Happy to help keep you motivated! Oh and I'm jealous of your 14 ft!

[@gsh341]

I have a 14' 1959 Alumaline that has a wood transom and wood seats. I replaced the transom and seats, got a few small holes and the aluminum bow cap repaired at a welding shop, sixed up the trailer with some paint and new bushings in the suspension and bought a 6hp motor for it and a 55lb thrust trolling motor. I use a cooler as a live well and it works great for small water. I've caught a LOT of fish in it. My suggestion is to do whatever you can to make it lighter. That means using aluminum instead of wood where you can. I originally used 3/4" plywood wood for the entire seat, but they were heavy, so I changed to 1/8"x 1.5" aluminum angle and 1/4" ply for the sides and 1/2" aluminum for the top. It dropped the weight by about 5 lbs. Considering there are 3 benches, and I have a 600lb capacity (motors, gear and people) that 15 lbs is a big help.

[@davidmollard9832]

Did you get to it?

[@gsh341]

Great video. Cheap boats are out there and those small aluminum boats work great on small lakes.

[@WayneTheBoatGuy]

Thank you!

[@trashmike7642]

Love the format of your videos Wayne. Youre thorough and put a lot of time into the small things like audio and music. I see you Wayne!!

[@user-fd1qz9yi6m]

Got a 12 foot sun, dolphin, a free 7 1/2 horse game, Fisher, a rebuild and fuel tank for under 250 added a mini Kota 40 that I had couple of cushions to sit on offer under 1000 you were right

[@earlbives6446]

Thanks Wayne! We just moved to the eastern shore, and I've been looking around for a little boat for myself and the boy, you definitely inspire me not to spend too much (which is great because I don't have it to blow!)

[@diywaterworld]

Such a great video Wayne! On all levels! Great info, well put together , engaging , entertaining, big kudos to you and thank you for making this! Btw: love your split scenes with same continuing dialogue! Well done!!

[@WayneTheBoatGuy]

Thanks buddy!

[@NenadKralj]

Wayne 😊 you put a smile on my face (and that is hard thing to do) 🙄 because of reasons 🧐 and budget 😌

[@garycleaveland2645]

Another great video. Thanks Wayne.

[@WayneTheBoatGuy]

Glad you enjoyed it!!

[@julienh7450]

Really, thanks for showing me that I can boat for cheap! I've been telling myself for years that boating was too expensive for me, and ultimately no need to show the size of my ... hmm ... male part, with a 50hp engine on a river with a 15km/h speed limit Thank you and cheers from France.

[@WayneTheBoatGuy]

Good luck in your search for a nice little river boat! Bonne chance dans ta recherche d'un joli petit bateau fluvial !

[@salimmayan9646]

Good video - he keeps things simple ...

[@24hrMusic]

Once again... nice video Wayne. I am in Maryland as well. I have found plenty of small, cheap, aluminum boats, but not fiberglass. Hope to find one some day :) Keep up the great videos!

[@WayneTheBoatGuy]

Thanks! Same here. I have come across a couple small fiberglass boats but they have been REALLY rough (lots of cracks and damage) and not worth messing with except maybe as a learning experience.

[@Revviews]

I'm learning so much from watching these.

[@WayneTheBoatGuy]

Thanks!!!

[@ralphriffle1126]

Lot of boat owners hoping for that, 2nd. best day of a boat owner, and ready to deal

[@andrewhall7177]

This video turned out really good 🙌🙌

[@WayneTheBoatGuy]

Thanks!!

[@clivegreenall309]

Thanks for sharing Wayne. I'm enjoying your positive, calm presentations and have subscribed. It's interesting for me to compare what you can buy and your legal, local requirements with what I have here. "Skippers' licences" were introduced here a few years ago, but apart from that, (and some common sense rules concerning akcohol), it's pretty much "anything goes". Stay Safe out on the water. Regards from S Africa

[@WayneTheBoatGuy]

Thank you! Hope you're making the most of your summer!

[@alexm7777]

What is a skippers license?

[@andretaskmaster4101]

Excellent starter cideo

[@larrysilverstein1993]

Thanks for this video

[@gsftom]

U scored. I shopped for a while and got a cool 14’ vbottom boat, 15 hp motor and trailer for $1200. I messed around and made a painted plywood deck with hatches, rod holder, etc for another $200. Then I bent and welded an emt frame to custom fit and covered the boat with a $65 Amazon boat cover. I have had much larger, more expensive and complex boats in my life, but this one is fun and can take me +3 people out on the water. Most fun for the $ by far!

[@musicgems1726]

Great deal on your 500$ boat. I love cheap aluminum boats, durable reliable no work. I have a 1956 12ft sea king a 14ft Duranautic and a 16ft Mirrocraft. For a very affordable price. Love the channel for the common man.

[@WayneTheBoatGuy]

Thank you - and I'm jealous of your collection! I hope to find a decent really cheap 14 or 16 ft someday!

[@michaelntiri]

Nice presentation Wayne.

[@WayneTheBoatGuy]

Thank you kindly

[@PauloCFarias]

Look at you man great enjoy it very nice

[@DaydreamAboutNiceThings]

Another great video !

[@WayneTheBoatGuy]

Thanks again!

[@Gamingreviewer300]

thank you for this video!

[@WayneTheBoatGuy]

Glad it was helpful!

[@jerryholbrook13]

awesome & thankyou i want a saltwater fishing super bad

[@lonnieclemens8028]

Do not underestimated the value of a good boat seat. In my opinion a boat seat can make or break your day at the lake. Find the seat that you like best and buy it. It will make your day on the lake more enjoyable. I like the boat seats that Wal-Mart sells.

[@Erik-Vadee-Veechee]

I spend about 300 dollars on my title transfer and registering my boat alone. Its a 12ft aluminum Grumman that has an 8hp evenruid engine. Im now trying to master the art of backing it up. 😂 That's a popular subject on KZbin maybe you can do a video about backing up these smaller boats. I think getting it was only half the battle. Knowing how to backup and launch it is a pretty important thing too. Thanks for the video!

[@JamesJones-cx5pk]

That's great!

[@The_Keshia_Foundation]

Hey man Iv been shopping for sure but just found couple of ur videos they are great man an great information just looking around I'm thinking cause we have a party of 5 an want to take them fishing but if i spend the money on a nice grizzly tracker like a 16 or 18 I could then buy small like 10hp tiller an put on it just to get on the water for sure

[@ReadTheBible33]

That's funny there was more info in this video than any of the other ones I watched that's specifically pertain to me. Especially with the weights I never even thought of how much weight the boat can carry in December I'll be a family of five

[@mikelundrigan2285]

Rod holders can easily be made from Plastic plumbing pipe, a drill and some stainless bolts etc. That’s what I did and it works well!

[@joenobles1086]

Great finds but the leak on the boat some where easy fix flex seal paint and won't never leak

[@WayneTheBoatGuy]

Thanks! - I think my drain plug isn't very good, and the hole is a little out of round.

[@thommartin4299]

Best shirt ever

[@erichgonzalez6685]

Nice vid

[@trcass1]

good segment. i've been looking on craigslist for a v-bottom.

[@actionjoejackson9880]

Awesome video and advice I purchased a 1990 bay liner center console with trailer for under a thousand dollars included the Maryland registration and title from a donation auction January 2021 this is my first boat I got it to turn over smell bad gas and left it alone bc I don’t have any knowledge about boats

[@WayneTheBoatGuy]

Awesome! Chances are (unless it came from the Eastern Shore) the gas is E10 and you should get rid of all the old gas and check/replace all the fuel connection points (filters/hoses) before you fire it up. Don't forget to always run it on muffs or in the water. Good luck!

[@actionjoejackson9880]

Okay thanks

[@GladiusJon]

Great vid! Inspiring!! My challenge is a boat that seats 5 safely. It seems the minimum is 17 foot :(.

[@WayneTheBoatGuy]

Yeah that's a big challenge!

[@tomastylecek2065]

i bought 12 foot aluminum with 15hp 2stroke evinrude, foam filled, nice trailer and cover for 1k 7 yrs ago havevnt been on it yet, working all the time the boat, three people, pitbul and large cooler flies

[@andrewwilliams9419]

love the shirt..lol

[@jameslee755]

I just purchased a 1973 StarCraft holiday 16 for $4000. The boat has a fresh coat of paint, brand new modernized interior, modern electronics (fish finder, Bluetooth radio, GPS and electric compass etc). It came with a 48spl Evinrude 2stroke and a Nissan 5. Both motors have been rebuilt and are in wonderful working condition. All new fuel lines and tanks as well. She looks like a basic modern windshield boat. I got lucky because right now is a bad boat market locally, nobody is buying boats and they needed to get rid of it. I was able to talk them down 10 percent from their original asking price. He also threw in all of the safety equipment like a new flare gun and lifevest etc. I can't wait to get all the paperwork and registration completed and get her out on the water!!

[@WayneTheBoatGuy]

That’s a well outfitted boat - and sounds like a nice set up!

[@gcburkett]

In my state it cost $183 to title and register the trailer only. The cost of motors seem to be a problem around me. The problem with boats is you are always looking for another boat it seems.

[@johnhamilton9229]

I suggest you remove the batteries from your lights and keep them in a watertight bag and a dry packet. This will keep corrosion down and batteries dry and ready when needed. I use a vacuum sealer. Great content and that’s why I subscribed

[@WayneTheBoatGuy]

That's a great tip!

[@freedompizza41]

You can upgrade that motor to 3.3 HP. Look for videos on how to do it.

[@claytonshuntingandfishing]

I love your content but have you seen the new 3.5 mercury’s

[@danreid6712]

Oars & oar-locks would be advisable for this boat too.

[@WayneTheBoatGuy]

It actually came with a set!

[@iwantosavemoney]

I think this is what I need for me and my wife and daughter

[@WayneTheBoatGuy]

Just keep in mind many of these small old boats can only handle about 400-500 lbs (including the engine and any supplies)

[@Dailyfiver]

I’ll tell you what, the reliability and maintenance costs of this boat is better than getting a “good deal” on a fixer-upper lol. Learned that the hard way.

[@krazyivan007]

Just an added note. Boats of 16 feet or longer also require a throwable flotation device separate from your PFD per USCG regulations.

[@WayneTheBoatGuy]

Yeah - this boat is only 12 ft. We have a throwable on our bigger boat.

[@coteya]

love my 12ft, goes into very shallow and lakes you wouldn't be able to launch any bigger

[@noelfinn4741]

wayne, is it possible to get transom wheels for a whaly 435, keeping in mind its weight.

[@grahameire3845]

What’s your thoughts on a pioner 12, v-hull, it’s an second hand old boat I’m looking at buying. Thank you 😊

[@WayneTheBoatGuy]

I am unfamiliar with Pioneer, but all of my boats were bought when they were old boats. The advantage of buying an older boat is we can usually sell it again if it isn't right for us without losing much money!

[@muleacrefarm1568]

So, after watching a bunch of videos I decided to go your route. I bought a 1960 Lone Star King Commander (14 foot) that came with an anchor, 2 seats, 36lb thrust trolling motor and battery, 25 hp motor, removable flooring, trailer and a 20 year old fire extinguisher. That was $750 and hasn't been run in 10 years but was always stored inside his workshop. I've bought all the other needed safety items (yes, a new extinguisher), a fuel tank that came with a bunch more odds and ends and 1 replacement tire for the trailer (the other one he had just replaced.) I'm at about $900 right now but have yet to get it in the water. I'm dropping it off at my mechanic so he can use it to fish the rest of the hot part of the summer and he will go through the 25hp motor for me, only charging me for parts. Next spring I'm selling the evenrude and buying a smaller motor but should be pretty much done with it. My original goal was to stay under $1,500 as that seemed to be the average asking price for a basic small boat setup. I think I'll be well under that.

[@WayneTheBoatGuy]

Nice! The cool thing is that if that Evinrude is a good running motor and you want something smaller but newer, you might be almost able to break even!

[@muleacrefarm1568]

@@WayneTheBoatGuy I'm wanting a 4 stroke in the 5ish hp range. I only fish in smaller lakes so going fast isn't that big of a deal for me.

[@AdamSchumacher-le1bq]

I just got a 14 foot for 500 came with everything to get on the water trailer life jackets and the motor a Johnson 15 hp

[@WayneTheBoatGuy]

Wow - that's a really great deal! Congrats!!!

[@denakel16]

What was the cost if trailer inspection & tags? That has to be added in. We just recently added to our boat lineup with a 12 ft john boat, trailer & 6hr motor. Just got the new title for trailer & going to tag this one in Maine (werein MD too) no inspection.

[@WayneTheBoatGuy]

I didn't include trailer tags and inspection because that varies widely by state with some states having no fees or tags for smaller boat trailers.

[@stormshadow5555]

Is there such a thing as a 4-cycle (4-stroke) 2.5 hp or so class outboard motor? If so, it would be quite a lot quieter than a loud, noisy 2-stroke I'm almost certain.

[@WayneTheBoatGuy]

Yes there are small 2.5 and 3.5 horsepower 4 stroke outboards sold by the major brands and they seem to be a little quieter than their 2 stroke counterparts. But they are also considered to be a bit heavier and less responsive than a 2 stroke.

[@JohnBraman413]

where did you get the seat and base?

[@WayneTheBoatGuy]

I found the seat used on Facebook Marketplace and bought the base new from Amazon - Here's a link to purchase the seat base: amzn.to/3Nhw3Iw As an Amazon Associate I earn a small commission from qualifying purchases.

[@mt4497]

Dont you need gas tank & battery for lights?

[@WayneTheBoatGuy]

Good points! However, this little motor has a built in tank which has pretty good range and my lights are AA battery powered.

[@cwmaxfield2000]

I've found you just don't need to be a rocket scientist or mechanically inclined to restore an old aluminum boat.. You can make it into anything you want. Depends on the length. Personally I prefer V Hulls That's just my preference. I've restored several boats. I have one fourteen foot V hull. I'm pulling out all the stops on this one. No expense to high. I plan to keep it forever.

[@WayneTheBoatGuy]

I'm sure you've seen the things @AnthonyJonesBrigadeBoats has done as well as @TinyBoatNation - aluminum boats are a really good base for skilled and imaginative people!

[@northeastrailway.]

I have a 10ft sea nymph 500$ no trailer but very light. 2005 low hour honda four stroke 5hp outboard 500$, now I'm trying to find a trailer.

[@WayneTheBoatGuy]

Nice and good luck!

[@pedrofradera6894]

Boddy I’m in need of a flat bottom 14”or 16 “ foot

[@WayneTheBoatGuy]

Good luck! I'm on the lookout for a really cheap 14-16 ft V hull.

[@gabe5476]

Problem is storage of a boat for me not the price.

[@WayneTheBoatGuy]

Yeah I know that can stink and be a huge hurdle! It's why some have RIBs, kayaks or have to budget to pay for storage - and why we never owned one until a few years ago.

[@austinforbes4259]

I inherited a 10ft porta bote... Considered upgrading to something a bit bigger but after watching these videos ive decided to just upgrade what I have 🤣

[@kd4jaz]

With all the work you have done I hope you got the boat for a VERY good price.

[@WayneTheBoatGuy]

This video breaks down all the costs.

[@garylawrence7547]

A boat is just a whole in the water into which you throw your money!

[@hburnham67]

B.O.A.T Boating Under A Thousand

[@swimmerdawg123]

Slow but solid engine.

[@WayneTheBoatGuy]

True!

[@G56AG]

This is NOT RECOMMENDED; I have seen a boat of about that weight and size pulled behind a motorcycle, guys pull small fold out camping trailers that are heavier than that boat and trailer behind their bikes. I would think pulling it might not be as bad as trying to stop it. Not wanting to overstate the obvious, this is not recommended!

[@WayneTheBoatGuy]

What is not recommended - buying a small boat or???

[@williamsporing1500]

Friend of mine pulls his 12’ all over Gods creation with his Gold Wing

[@brianchisnell1548]

'73 Gamefisher 12 ft Fiberglass. '96 force 15 hp. 600 stones. Bahm.

[@WayneTheBoatGuy]

Not too shabby! I know lots of people pick on those Force motors but it sounds like you scored a great little setup!

[@supercatinc8127]

Comment

[@TenthPrestegeisaFAG]

An ancient 12 foot Starcraft, POS trailer, and 6 hp Tohatsu = $2500. And that was cheap. It is not at all seaworthy. Maybe on the calmest lake, but even the river current is scary. She rolls like a cigar. B.O.A.T. and you'll get a bigger boat, but who knows what for a motor. (sigh)

[@fhorst41]

So I could spend about twice that and have B.U.T.T. (Boat Under Two Thousand )?

[@WayneTheBoatGuy]

I like your thinking!

[@GabrielRamirez-nx1ud]

That’s a kayak 😂😂😂😂

[@WayneTheBoatGuy]

Hey now! It's a wee bit wider than my kayak!

[@jermainehall865]

Would u sell this boat to me I love fishing but I can't afford to buy an expensive boat please sell me the boat

[@WayneTheBoatGuy]

I'm not done with this boat and I would only sell it locally.