I/O motor and outdrive evaluation guide

[salmonee]

Is there a "sticky" or something for a newbie to evaluate an I/O motor and outdrive? I'm looking at getting my first boat, '99 four winns horizon 190 w/ 5.0GL motor and volvo sx outdrive, ~140hrs. I've read as much as I could on boating for a year but it seem like there's just so much info you need to know. Please provide link, advice, anything goes. Thanks.

 

[Bondo]

Re: I/O motor and outdrive evaluation guide

I've read as much as I could on boating for a year but it seem like there's just so much info you need to know.

Ayuh,...

That's Why it's recommended you hire a Boat Surveyor,.....

They Know what to look for,+ can put it into terms understood by common folk...

 

[Don S]

Re: I/O motor and outdrive evaluation guide

No, there are no stickies on anything like that.
First of all, when I sell a boat (and I would imagine anyone on this forum will say the same thing), I don't allow potential buyers to do anything to the boat without some ernest money. Even then, I don't allow anyone to take may boat apart to check things out. Like pulling the drive, doing compression tests, removing risers etc. the buyer may not have a clue what he is doing, and I'm sure not going to pay for the new parts to put it back together each time.
That kind of thing requiers a mechanical survey by a qualified shop or dealer, and has to be agreed upon by the seller and buyer.

 

[superpop]

Re: I/O motor and outdrive evaluation guide

I think the best thing you can do is find a good marine mechanic to go with you to look at the boat. Most sellers require a deposit to touch the boat, once you give them a deposit, typically 10%, then your mechanic can check the boat out and you can take it out on a river trial. Kind of like buying a house, you put down earnest money and then get an inspection. If the inspection uncovers anything then you renegotiate or walk away and get the deposit back. With a 10 year old boat you will want a survey done though. A survey will cost you between 300-600 dollars and you pay for it whether you buy the boat or not so make darn sure it is the boat you want before committing to this. The other red flag for me would be an owner that does not have any paperwork on the boat. Can you imagine owning a car for 10 years and not having more than a few receipts for annual oil changes. There is no boat inspections for dummies book though. You should be able to find a good marine mechanic by calling a few dealers and asking around. A ten year old boat can be a giant money pit though if it is due for major repairs or has low compression.