Hello all,
Found a nice boat and the price/circumstances are good. Seller is motivated. Only problems are:
-I've had years of experience sailing, but have only been on a powerboat twice. I can tell the difference between an inboard & outboard, know what a Mercruiser 3.0 looks like (it's 135hp, right!) and I fix my own cars. I probably won't be rebuilding a boat engine, but can swap batteries, filters, plugs, wires, etc. I'm smart enough to put STA-BIL in the gas if it's going to sit in the tank, and know enough to drain gas before the winter.
-However, the seller and I are unable to test drive the boat. I need to buy it from his driveway.. Don't have time or ability to get any kind of inspection done...
So what am I looking for as far as bad stuff? Are there any problem areas on these boats? Can I start the boat out of water or crank it over or something to make sure the battery/starter/engine are good? Seller had the lower end of the motor rebuilt 2 yrs ago, and put a battery in it last fall. Says he has it winterized each year and stores it in his garage.
So I'm planning to look for this stuff.. Would be VERY appreciative if anyone could give me a few things to add to the list to check out..
1. Check over entire boat for major gelcoat cracks, holes or any kind of damage.
2. Test out as much of the running gear as possible (battery, starter, engine, etc.)
3. Check propeller for damage and inspect entire motor (inboard) for leaks and the like.
4. He has a new bilge pump on the boat. Check it out & make sure it looks new & like it was installed properly (what am I looking for here??)
5. Look for evidence of water damage or leakage inside the boat and in the engine compartment. Mildew smells and the like..
What am I missing?!?!?
Thanks!
Neal
Found a nice boat and the price/circumstances are good. Seller is motivated. Only problems are:
-I've had years of experience sailing, but have only been on a powerboat twice. I can tell the difference between an inboard & outboard, know what a Mercruiser 3.0 looks like (it's 135hp, right!) and I fix my own cars. I probably won't be rebuilding a boat engine, but can swap batteries, filters, plugs, wires, etc. I'm smart enough to put STA-BIL in the gas if it's going to sit in the tank, and know enough to drain gas before the winter.
-However, the seller and I are unable to test drive the boat. I need to buy it from his driveway.. Don't have time or ability to get any kind of inspection done...
So what am I looking for as far as bad stuff? Are there any problem areas on these boats? Can I start the boat out of water or crank it over or something to make sure the battery/starter/engine are good? Seller had the lower end of the motor rebuilt 2 yrs ago, and put a battery in it last fall. Says he has it winterized each year and stores it in his garage.
So I'm planning to look for this stuff.. Would be VERY appreciative if anyone could give me a few things to add to the list to check out..
1. Check over entire boat for major gelcoat cracks, holes or any kind of damage.
2. Test out as much of the running gear as possible (battery, starter, engine, etc.)
3. Check propeller for damage and inspect entire motor (inboard) for leaks and the like.
4. He has a new bilge pump on the boat. Check it out & make sure it looks new & like it was installed properly (what am I looking for here??)
5. Look for evidence of water damage or leakage inside the boat and in the engine compartment. Mildew smells and the like..
What am I missing?!?!?
Thanks!
Neal