Need some advice. I'm an old boat guy, but out of the game for many years. My son-in-law wants a boat. Will be used on Rappahanock river below Fredericksburg and Lake Anna. Family of 3. Fishing and pleasure boating. He thinks he wants open bow and outboard. I'm thinking 16-18 footer, center console. I know nothing about outboards. He will probably go used. Not poor, but not rich. Thoughts? Thanks.

<--- Mercury/Mercruiser tech.

Personally, I would be looking for a late model (within the last 4 or 5 years) 4-stroke EFI outboard. Many Mfg's make good engines

these days, Merc and Yamaha right at the top of the list.

Deciding factor on make would be service in your area. If the nearest Yamaha dealer is 2 hours away and the Merc dealer is right

down the road, then Merc etc..

Please be sure he has the boat checked out by a reputable shop. An "on the water" trial run should also be done BEFORE buying.

I have a "buyers guide" thread somewhere 'round here...

ETA -- My buyers guide thread Sorry about the missing

pics. Damn you Photobucket!!

Look for a Seaark 18 foot center console used.

Good info from KB!

Whats the budget?

Here's a nice clean little affordable 18' CC. https://fredericksburg.craigslist.org/boa/d/sea-pro-center-console/6223226405.htmlWave 60 hundred dollar bills in front of him.

Those older OMC V-4's are great motors. Like KB warns have someone check out the hull, wiring, VRO, compression and lower unit. Don't buy anything with a fiberglass tank, ethanol has played hell on em'.

That looks like a nice, clean, low hour boat. It is not a VRO engine which means you will have to mix

the gas and oil yourself. It's either the "commercial" or "special" version of the engine which have a

conventional pulse type fuel pump.