Buying a new boat this weekend --- compression test?

[Lakeguy469]

Looking at a 20 ft sea hunt this weekend and the seller said its in the water ready for a lake test, he also said I was welcome to do a compression test. Should I just take it out and see how it runs and if everything is smooth then don't worry about the compression test, 2) do compression test first then take it out, 3) take it out and then afterwards do a compression test just to make sure?

It is a 2003 150 Johnson 2 stroke.

This is my first boat purchase so I don't want to get burned.

Also what is the best way to do a compression test (never done one before)?
A) take out all spark plugs or only one at a time
B) ground the spark plug boots or not
C) take kill switch out or leave it in?
D) have read something about hooking something up to solenoid instead of cranking...


I don't want to look like a dumbA or screw something up if I do decide to do a compression test.


Thoughts and suggestions?

 

[livinfulltilt]

Re: Buying a new boat this weekend --- compression test?

Honesty, if it were me, Id rather ask the seller if they would agree to a once over by a marine repair shop. If I were buying the boat I would offer to pay for this out of my own pocket as a "good faith" deal. See if the seller would agree to taking it to the shop if you pay for the diagnostic tests.

Just my opinion..

 

[classiccat]

Re: Buying a new boat this weekend --- compression test?

Compression test by JB

on the solenoid, you're jumping the ignition switch circuit using a 2-pole switch.

 

[joelybob]

Re: Buying a new boat this weekend --- compression test?

Only bad thing about paying for marine repair shop looking it over with buyer paying for it. is if boat is junk or he doesn't want to buy it you have money into boat that you don't want or own. jmo

 

[Lakeguy469]

Re: Buying a new boat this weekend --- compression test?

Should I do a compression test if the water trial goes smoothly?

 

[BonairII]

Re: Buying a new boat this weekend --- compression test?

Do compression test first IMO. If compression isn't to your liking....you'll save the hassle of the sea trial.

 

[Lakeguy469]

Re: Buying a new boat this weekend --- compression test?

The boat is already in the water though....

 

[BonairII]

Re: Buying a new boat this weekend --- compression test?

Then just start her up and sea trial it. If you like how she performs...then compression test....check for water in LU, etc etc