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Posts: 303
| I'm seriously considering a boat in the Boat Ads forum. I have not talked to the seller yet. Mainly because I am not really sure where to start. I understand you want to know engine hours and everything. But where do you really start and what should you all ask/look for?
Any help or guidance would be appreciated. I've been waiting for the perfect rig to come up, and I think I finally found her. Will be my first boat if I buy. |
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Posts: 399
Location: WI | I'd be inclined to ask when the impeller & thermostat were last changed. And how often the seller removed to prop to check for fishing line & a potential leaking seal. Also ask about Sta Bil or Seafoam use and type of gas used. Seemingly minor things that you wouldn't notice but could you cost you plenty of $ to repair, plus lost fishing time. |
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Posts: 319
Location: Tomahawk,Wis | Also ask if the person if the fished a lot of tournaments or pleasure.. Check the bottom to see how many scratches are carved in it. Look at prop and skeg.Check for stress marks if it's a glass boat |
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Posts: 897
| The biggest question always has to be the main motor. That's where you're going to spend the most money if there are issues. Maintenance records (oil changes, plug changes, filter changes, winterizatiom records/techniques, impeller changing, lower unit lube changing, etc.), service records if they had to make repairs, hours, compression test and an engine diagnostic can tell you how the motor was treated. Not all engines can be hooked up to computers.
Regarding the hull, you'll likely be able to see major issues. On aluminum look for dents, popped rivets or obvious damage. On glass look for deep gouges/cracks and obvious damage. Gel coat cracks can indicate abuse, but they also can happen from normal wear and tear/age. My understanding is they're not that big of a deal and can be repaired easily if you want. |
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Posts: 770
| Also was a transom saver used and check the transom well |
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Posts: 1663
Location: Kodiak, AK | Ask for compression numbers on the motor. There's an acceptable range, but more importantly, they should all be within 10% of each other. Then check the things mentioned- hull for dings and cracks, how it runs, etc. But also check the tell-tales. How does the trailer look? The trailer is the most often neglected part of the rig. If the trailer is well-kept and in shape, you can bet they took care of the boat. Check the boat wiring. If it's a tangled mess of twist-on connectors and grease, then someone has tried to fix or rewire something and didn't do a good job. If the running lights don't work (which are easy to fix) then what else doesn't work? And if it comes time to get serious, grab the lower unit and (gently and politely) try to lift the back of the boat. Of course you won't lift anything, but watch for transom flex as you do it. Also get in the boat and walk on the decks and make sure they feel solid...all decks, all lids. |
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Posts: 303
| Thank you guys for the replies. Just by looking at the ad, it looks like a boat thats in really good shape. So the ad gives me no reservations, but that seems like a recipe to get caught with my pants down. Motor is obviously my main concern, because if I buy, I wont have money left for a new motor in a year. But there is a lot of other things that I would not have thought about that you guys listed.
If you can think of any other things I need to be careful for, please keep them coming. Thanks guys! |
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Posts: 410
Location: With my son on the water | One more simple thing is to pull the cover and just inspect the hardware (as in nuts and bolts). It is all covered with paint at the factory when new so if it appears like the paint is even somewhat removed or scuffed, something was done? I would ask what? Granted some of this may be preventive like in a belt change, but it is another thing to look for. |
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Posts: 483
| if it is older boat check for moisture in all the holes and everywhere you can peak or take cell phone pictures when you can't see for yourself. |
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Posts: 326
Location: Plainfield IL | Take a look at this
http://www.bassboatcentral.com/buyingusedboat.htm |
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