Walk around boat

[East end troller]

I’m looking at upgrading to a 22’ to 28’ walk around boat. My preference is an outboard motor at least 200hp. The question is, for a used boat what would be the limit on age? Any other tips would be great. 

[Shattered]

I would focus more on construction type vs. age. 
A boat built with composite stringers and transom can give you peace of mind when looking at a boat with some years on her. 
Several manufacturers began building with composite materials in the late 90’s. Aquasport, Pro-Line, HydraSports to name a few. 
Older wood construction boats can show well but it’s what you cannot see that comes back to bite you. 
Always get a survey. 

[rolmops]

What are you willing to spend?

In Olcott at the Boat Doctor's there is a 26 foot Starcraft Islander for sale . It is aluminum so no problems with stringers. And I think that you can get it for cheap and with some sweat it may be good and cheap. There are a very few good Penn Yan boats in that size for sale from around the turn of the century. Beyond that, I would not go older that 2010. Just remember to have the boat checked y a surveyor. In the end , make sure that you get what you pay for.

[Gill-T]

Also remember composite = construction with different materials. Wood/fiberglass/gelcoat is technically a composite material. As others stated a marine survey is a good idea. I would ask the owner if you could pull some screws from transom hardware to see if they were properly sealed. Water coming out of the holes or black soft wood on the threads means possible transom problems. 

[East end troller]

Great advise. I have lots to learn with these larger boats. I’ve been boating the Great Lakes with 18’ smoker crafts and they have always been new. 

[East end troller]

Price range would be around $50 to $75. 

[Gill-T]

At that range, look for a used Grady. They come up for sale on occasion 

[jeb1340]

https://buffalo.craigslist.org/boa/d/getzville-2003-boston-whaler-255/7855988460.html
 

I don’t know anything about this boat. I’ve fished off of one similar and it was great!

[whaler1]

I have run Whalers for 35 years. Highly recommend.  

[MCF]

In your budget range, you should be looking at the above mentioned Whaler and Grady.    Beyond that there are other brands out there such as Seaswirl Striper, some Wellcraft fishing models, Sportcraft, Proline and you might get to Parker etc.

[rolmops]

At that sort of budget, You can even get a Steiger Craft. They are built like lobster boats and are very sturdy and stable rigs with great cabins and even better work space. Check them out!

https://www.steigercraft.com/

Edited July 27, 2025 by rolmops

[seeyawader]

Steigercraft or a parker,,,,,twin Yamaha 150's ,,,only in my dreams

[East end troller]

I’ll have to definitely put my work in finding the best rig. The info from everyone is great. Would you guys stay away from a boat that’s been in salt water? Also has anyone imported a boat before?

[MCF]

There are a number of guys on here who have purchased boats from salt water and have had positive experiences.   I think in the size range you are looking for you will have plenty of availability in terms of used fresh water boats.   But if you head in the salt water direction, do your homework and detail work on it. 

[East end troller]

Of course, there will definitely be a survey done. It will definitely be a process to ensure I get the best rig possible. 

[rolmops]

AND. 

Be vary weary as to where the boat came from. A lot of really nice boats  ended up under water this spring because of the flooding and storms. High end electronics and engines were damaged beyond repair, although you will only find out in a year or two. A really nice boat that is advertised as a special is probably a big red flag.

[Trouthunter]

On 7/26/2025 at 4:26 PM, rolmops said:

What are you willing to spend?

In Olcott at the Boat Doctor's there is a 26 foot Starcraft Islander for sale . It is aluminum so no problems with stringers. And I think that you can get it for cheap and with some sweat it may be good and cheap. There are a very few good Penn Yan boats in that size for sale from around the turn of the century. Beyond that, I would not go older that 2010. Just remember to have the boat checked y a surveyor. In the end , make sure that you get what you pay for.

do you know what they are asking for the Tslander 26

[rolmops]

6 hours ago, Trouthunter said:

do you know what they are asking for the Tslander 26

You would have to contact boat doctor. I just know it is there and that the owner wants to sell. It does have complete canvas.