Buying a recreational boat involves more than just choosing a design. Capacity, material, maintenance, intended use, and after-sales service all matter. For people who own boats, what factors influenced your decision the most? Anything you wish you had known before buying?

Need a 5hp motor for my s15 sportspal canoe. Found a guy on marketplace with a Honda BF5. Says he hasn’t run it since July but Honda is a good brand. It’s going for $500. Asked my dad and he said to go for a mercury or evinrude.

Been between propane and gas. Leaning towards gas because mechanic reliability and help on the water. But I’m also kind of lazy and don’t take my boat out that much except for in the fall. Should I really go gas? Any benefit to propane?

Any surprises or suggestions? I have an electric trolling motor and it’s been great just looking for longer and faster.

Need help identifying this vessel.

Looks amphibian, but it's probably not.

Located in Scandinavia, if it's any help.

TIA

I am currently trying to decide if I want to purchase this saltwater boat. It comes with the mounting unit for a Garmin device. However, the owner does not have the device and does not know what unit goes for this mount.
If anyone has any knowledge on what device fits in this unit I would be greatly appreciative.

Taking my boat out of the water this weekend and I'm debating storing it at my house instead of at a marina because last winter, mice tore up my upholstery when the marina sored it in a field. How can I prevent mice from getting into my boat

Been shopping around & found this boat. I’ve tried to use all the boat value calculators and I can’t seem to narrow in on a good price. Help? This is my first boat.

on my last trip, my sail ripped all the way down, I lost control in the current and got pushed onto some rocks.

Luckily, the boat didn't sink, and some fishermen came to help me.

I need to fix the damage to the hull,

do you think I need to use fiberglass, or is gelcoat enough?

what steps should I follow to repair it properly?

Are any of these used boats for $2500-4500 actually worth it? I understand some work might have to be put in. But I’m just looking for a nice fishing boat for mostly calm waters. It would be my first boat and I understand it won’t be my dream one. But is it possible to find a decent boat in this range and slowly upgrade as I go?

I'm a crewman for Fuel 1 Team, everyone this weekend was absolutely amazing! Especially with the Thundercats ;)

Come catch us next month in Key West!

Noticed the separation between the nut on the steering support rod. I am guessing this isn't normal and in need of adjustment. Is there a manual or adjustment guide with torque specs I should follow? Or any other help? Thanks.

Got myself a boat with a Honda BF100A (2024). Engine is only on 60hrs and has been stood a while, although serviced in June.

Tis a bit noisy/slow when raising. Am I right to assume there's some air in there and topping off with fluid should see me right? Potentially drop the fluid to check for any presence of water? Something more sinister? Cheers!