Used Aluminum Fishing Boats for Sale

Used aluminum fishing boats for sale look like a deal but they can turn into a money pit if you’re not careful.

They might seem light, tough and easy to tow, which makes them great for lakes, rivers, ponds and calm inshore water.

• I like aluminium fishing boats because they are simple.
• They are light.
• They are tough.
• They are easy to tow.

Used boats are not all equal. Some are clean some are tired and some are hiding problems that the seller hopes you don’t spot.

So lets make this simple.

Before you buy a used aluminium fishing boat check the hull, motor, trailer, paperwork and safety gear.

If you miss one of those the deal can turn fast.

Used Aluminum Fishing Boats For Sale: What To Check Before You Buy

The used aluminum fishing boats for sale depend on where you fish.

A flat bottom jon boat is great for water like ponds, creeks, shallow rivers and quiet lakes.

Types of Boats

• A bottom jon boat sits shallow and is easy to launch.

It’s a choice for bass, panfish and catfish.

• A deep V aluminium boat handles chop and feels safer when the wind picks up.

It’s usually better for walleye, trout, pike and open water fishing.

• A mod V boat gives you stability than many deep V boats but can still cut through light chop better than a flat jon boat.

What Size Used Aluminium Fishing Boat Should You Buy?

• A 10 to 12 foot aluminium boat is simple and cheap.

It’s best for one person, water and light gear.

• A 14 foot boat is a step up and gives you more room for two anglers.
• A 16 foot boat is often the spot for many buyers.

It has space, better stability and can carry more fishing gear.

• An 18 foot boat gives you comfort but it needs more storage space, more fuel and usually a bigger tow vehicle.

Don’t buy the boat you can find.

Buy the boat that fits your water your vehicle, your storage and your budget.

Used Aluminum Fishing Boats For Sale Inspection Checklist

Bring a torch, a notepad, a phone and a friend who is not scared to say no.

Hull Inspection

• Start with the hull.

Look for dents, cracks, loose rivets, bad welds, old patch work and signs of leaks.

Small dents are normal. Cracks near the transom, keel or corners are a bigger worry.

• Check the floor.

If the floor feels soft, spongy or uneven repair costs may be waiting.

• Check the transom.

That’s the back of the boat where the motor sits.

Push on it. Look for flex.

Look for rot if it has wood inside.

A weak transom can be dangerous.

Motor Inspection

• Ask the seller to start the motor cold.

A warm motor can hide starting issues.

Watch the water pump stream.

It should push water clearly.

Listen for idle knocks, smoke and stalling.

Check the prop for chips and bends.

Check the skeg under the motor.

Look for oil leaks.

Ask when the lower unit oil was changed.

Ask when the impeller was changed.

Ask if the motor has service records.

Trailer Inspection

• The trailer can. Ruin the deal.

Look at the tyres.

Old cracked tyres are a warning sign.

Check the wheel bearings.

If they growl, grind, wobble or feel hot after towing they need work.

Check the lights.

Bad trailer lights are common.

Check the winch strap bunks, rollers, safety chains, coupler and spare tyre.

Paperwork Matters More Than People Think

• Never skip the paperwork.

Check the boat title, trailer title if your state needs one, registration and hull identification number.

Make sure the name on the paperwork matches the seller.

Gear You Need After Buying A Used Aluminium Fishing Boat

• A used boat often comes with gear.

Don’t trust all of it.

Start with safety: life jackets, throwable flotation device where required working navigation lights, sound device, first aid kit, dock lines, anchor, tools, bilge pump and fire extinguisher where required.

Best Amazon Gear For A Used Aluminum Fishing Boat

• This is where a used boat gets fast.

Start with a boat cover.

A cover protects seats, wiring, carpet and storage areas.

Then get a battery charger, small anchor kit, dock lines, waterproof storage bilge pump if the boat does not have one, basic marine tool kit, fish finder if you fish lakes, trolling motor if you want quiet boat control and rod holders if your boat does not have them.

Best Places To Find Used Aluminum Fishing Boats For Sale

• You can find aluminium fishing boats in a few common places:

Boat Trader, Boats.com, Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist, local dealers, marina boards, fishing clubs and local boat ramps.

How Much Should You Pay For A Used Aluminium Fishing Boat?

• Price depends on the hull, motor, trailer, age, brand, condition and season.

A bare aluminium jon boat should cost less than a full fishing boat with a working outboard, trailer, fish finder, seats and trolling motor.

Use JD Power boat values, as a price check. Compare local listings.

Red Flags When Buying Used Aluminum Fishing Boats For Sale

• Walk away if the seller avoids a water test.

Walk away if the paperwork looks wrong.

Walk away if the hull identification number looks damaged.

Walk away if the transom flexes badly.

Walk away if the motor will not start cold.

Walk away if the trailer is unsafe to tow.

Walk away if the seller rushes you.

Walk away if the deal feels off.

There will always be another boat.

A bad boat can take your money. Ruin your weekends.

My Simple Buying Rule

I prefer a clean boat over a flashy one with problems.

Simple choices work best.

A clean 14-foot aluminium boat with a motor and safe trailer is better than a bigger boat that needs many repairs.

The used boat isn’t always the cheapest.

It’s the one that gets you on the water without breaking the bank after you buy it.

FAQs

Are used aluminium fishing boats worth buying?

Yes used aluminium fishing boats can be a buy if the hull, motor, trailer and paperwork are in order.

They are light strong and easy to tow.

What is the best size used aluminium fishing boat?

A 14 to 16 foot aluminium fishing boat is a choice for many fishermen.

It gives space for two people and basic gear without being hard to tow.

Should I buy a jon boat or a deep V boat?

Buy a jon boat for calm water.

Buy a V boat for bigger lakes and rougher water.

What should I check first on a used aluminium boat?

Check the transom, hull, rivets, welds, motor, trailer and paperwork.

These are the areas that can cost a lot to fix.

Is the motor more important than the hull?

Often yes the motor is.

A clean hull with an outboard can be expensive to fix.

Always test the motor when its cold and under load if possible.

Do I need a boat cover?

Yes a boat cover is an idea.

It helps protect seats, wiring, carpet and storage areas from the sun and rain.

What gear should I buy after getting a used fishing boat?

Start with life jackets, dock lines, anchor, first aid kit, navigation lights bilge pump, battery charger and boat cover.

Where can I check boat safety rules?

Use your state boating office and the US Coast Guard state boating law page.

Rules vary by location.

Used aluminium fishing boats, for sale are a buy when you check the hull, motor, trailer, paperwork and safety gear before you pay.