To Buy or Not to Buy?

[albright4]

I have a chance to purchase a 2002 Bayliner Capri 175 for 2K. The owner says he thinks it has a cracked block but he has another 3.0 to put in it which he will also give me. The boat is like new other than not running. I have heard of a product called marine-tek on other forums but haven't found any information on the net about it. I guess you are supposed to be able to put it in your radiator and it can repair your engine block. Is this boat worth the 2K?<br /><br />Thanks

 

[trebor0301]

Re: To Buy or Not to Buy?

Lets just say for the sake of argument that the motor in the boat is shot.I would check and find out how much it would cost to replace the motor.I would also try and come to some sort of written agreement on the other motors condition if you can.Then I would find out if the cost of the boat + the estimated cost of repairing the motor exceeds the worth of the boat.Then there is another worry.The Outdrive! Buying this boat"as is" could keep you on iboats.com FOREVER!!! LOL

 

[rbezdon]

Re: To Buy or Not to Buy?

Also depends on if you can do all the work. Short block is less than $1000, with incidentals like a gasket kit etc another 300 to 500. Labor will over double it. You may need a couple hundred in tools such as a chain lift (auto engine puller is useless on a boat, it is too tall) and building a engine lift (see bondo postings on this). Bottom line, you could wind up with 3 to 6 grand in the boat total, depending on how you do it. If the guy really has a GOOD complete motor thrown in and you do the work, sounds like an OK deal, not great.

 

[albright4]

Re: To Buy or Not to Buy?

Thanks for the information! I can perform the work myself. I haven't ran the motor myself but am hoping it might be a freeze plug or something easy. Does anyone know what a boat like this is worth?<br /><br />Thanks

 

[Haut Medoc]

Re: To Buy or Not to Buy?

If the owner says he thinks it has a cracked block......... Then it probably has a cracked block.....Don't be looking for miracle fixes ......The question is: Will the engine run in its present condition? You won't find out where it is leaking from until you get it running, and it should run, (or try to) cracked block or not....If the boat itself is in great shape like you say, it would be worth considerably more than $2K in running condition.....we're talking about a three year old boat ......If you have the time and space to do the work, it sounds like a good winter project, esp. if the other engine is good. The drive itself is worth 1/3 of the price, if it is good........JK

 

[whywhyzed]

Re: To Buy or Not to Buy?

ditto.. you're not taking much of a risk at that price. A bare hull 3yrs old is worth much more than that around here. If I ever see one locally like that I would own it right quick...

 

[scottatwork]

Re: To Buy or Not to Buy?

I bought my 86 Bayliner 19' thinking I had water in the oil, because there is enough room in the back there to basically rebuild it while on the outdrive.....I paid $2500 and now see that this 86 sells around here like hotcakes at $4200-$5000....<br /><br />Get a rebuild kit, if it's not cracked, or get a long block and a rebuild kit.<br /><br />If the outdrive is in excellent shape you COULD get a screaming deal...<br /><br />Other people have said that when you buy a boat you buy an engine with a hull attached....and if the engine is bad you get a new boat...but if you are like me and able to tear an engine down, you could get a good deal.....<br /><br />Besides, what if it's just a head gasket?<br /><br />Kerching - easy win - $200 to replace it and you get a screaming good deal.<br /><br /><br />But you gotta go through the engine before you buy it and determine what's wrong...

 

[rbezdon]

Re: To Buy or Not to Buy?

alberight, here is the link to the NADA guidlines on value. Remember, these values are in running condition.<br /><br /> http://www.nadaguides.com/MarineHome.aspx?LI=1-10-0-2111-3-104-26531&wSec=14&wPr=0&wPg=2004& <br /><br />go to the boat value link and enter the info for the boat your are looking for the value of. This is sort of the Kelly Blue Book equivalent for boats. I have found the numbers here pretty conservative and actual sales values slightly higher.

 

[albright4]

Re: To Buy or Not to Buy?

Vatter 41, Thank you!

 

[deputydawg]

Re: To Buy or Not to Buy?

Find out how the block became cracked. Freeze, overheat, etc. <br /><br />If the second engine is any good, and you can turn wrenches, I would say go for it. You will be in for a learning experience. Just remember if you do it, marine parts and engines are NOT like automotive parts and engines. Buy a good tech manuel.<br /><br />I wouldn't try any miracle snake oil cures. They are usually made to sell, or for a quick fix to get you to a shop. A boat is not something you want to mess with, not fun to be stuck on a lake.<br /><br />If the block froze and has a crack on the outside, it may be possible to weld the crack, but if they are giving a good block don't bother.