89 Lowe pontoon questions

[khusson1]

I’ve owned a Bass Tracker with an inboard jet, but I’m considering purchasing an ‘89 Lowe pontoon with a 90 hp merc outboard. Idk much about pontoons and the seller lives too far from a lake to take me out on the boat. He has offered to hook up the hose and muffs and run the engine for me.

Are there any known issues with either the boat itself or the engine (he thinks its a 1985 motor). Trying not to get stuck with a money pit. Thanks in advance!

 

[HotTommy]

Thoughts off the top of my head.

• Make sure he is the legal owner before you invest much time in inspecting the boat.
• Inspect the pontoons for signs of damage.
• If there is a drain plug on the logs, open it and check for water.
• Walk on the deck and check for soft spots where the wood is bad.
• Inspect the engine pod and transom for cracks or damage.
• Turn the steering wheel full left and right to check for ease of operation.
• Inspect the furniture and inside of storage areas.

It's hard to be sure a 30 year old boat with a 33 year old motor is sound without running it on the water. (You shouldn't run the engine much above idle with water muffs). Ask if the seller will put a two week money back guarantee in the bill of sale should you encounter any problem not disclosed by the seller in advance that would cost more than $500 to fix. That will give you time to test the boat on the water. It will also encourage the seller to tell you about all the problems he knows. If he won't you'd better be getting a very low price.

Lastly, unless you have experience working on old outboard motors and have lots of time to devote to it, a 33 year old outboard is the definition of a money pit IMHO. Old pontoon boats can work well without much maintenance. Old motors are a different matter.

 

[khusson1]

Thanks for the response. I do know the boat is registered until 2019, he sent some pics of him on the lake last yr (no way to tell). He says he replaced the deck with plastic board, so there shouldnt be any rot issues but Ill check. Also comes with 2nd identical outboard with cracked lower case. For parts or to fix. Not too concerned about the furniture.... looks decent for 30yrs old. I asked about the toons integrity and the steering cable, both were said to be good.

I will keep your other suggestions in mind if I go to see it. He’s asking $5500, figured I could get him down some. Trailer tires seem decent too.

thanks for the info! I was a part of these forums years ago and you fellow members have never let me down! I appreciate that!

 

[Ken Kitchen]

You didn't mention the model. But in my humble opinion, unless it's a cherry '89, with top of the line appointments..
I'd walk away..
Check out my pontoon, 1999 Landau 18' with a 60hp Mercury bigfoot. The fella I bought this from kept it in a barn, covered when not in use. I only gave him $5200 and that was 5 years ago. As you can see, the boat has been well taken care of and worth the price.
But, if you're gonna spend that kind of money for a 28 year old boat, I'd be making a trip, with the owner, to the closest lake for a shake-down cruise. Anyway, good luck with whatever you do.

 

[khusson1]

Ken, i agree completely. I have since turned my attention towards a different boat. We all know how trying to buy a boat goes, so hopefully I can acquire this one before it sells. Its a Bayliner Rendezvous.... nice mix between pontoon and open bow.

 

[Ken Kitchen]

Glad I could help......I think?