mercury 80 hp Thunderbolt

[snowbaboats]

Hi,

I'm looking into buying a 15 foot fiberglass boat with a Merc 80 hp Thunderbolt motor (year not know, my guess early 80's). The gentleman who is selling it for me is selling it on behalf of a widow. The boat was used in 2008 and had no problems what so ever. No engine problems and always started up etc. However, the original owner got cancer and could not use it in 2009. Now the boat was tarped and was kept under a shelter all winter. The boat was winterized in 2008/2009. From my overview of the motor it looks in mint condition. Anyone have any tips for me? what could happen over the year it wasnt used? Any help would be awesome. Thanks!

Andrew

 

[Moody Blue]

Re: mercury 80 hp Thunderbolt

Hi,

I'm looking into buying a 15 foot fiberglass boat with a Merc 80 hp Thunderbolt motor (year not know, my guess early 80's).

What color band on the cowling?

The boat was used in 2008 and had no problems what so ever. No engine problems and always started up etc.

Unless you know the people personally and the boat history, DON'T believe a word of it. Every motor ever sold "ran great last time it was out" and "starts every time" and "never had a problem". Make sure you take it out on a run and see for yourself what a gem it is.

However, the original owner got cancer and could not use it in 2009. Now the boat was tarped and was kept under a shelter all winter. The boat was winterized in 2008/2009. From my overview of the motor it looks in mint condition. Anyone have any tips for me? what could happen over the year it wasnt used? Any help would be awesome. Thanks!

Where are you located? Do you have freezing temps?
Carbs can become clogged if fuel stabilizer was not used.
Lower unit can crack/be damaged if water was present and froze.
Rust could form on engine internals if not properly fogged before storage.

Just a few things that come to mind.