Buying boat thats been sitting

[BeerMonkey]

my friend has the chance to buy a 2002 19ft searay with a 4.3L for the loan payoff only (not sure of amount at thins time) problem is the boat was bought new in 02 used one season, winterized and hasent been touched since. does anyone know what would need to be replaced from sitting that long?

 

[Gary H NC]

Re: Buying boat thats been sitting

I would start with pulling the drive,changing the bellows,grease and inspect the u-joints and gimbal bearing,replace the impeller,change all the fluids and just check everything over.

 

[capt sam]

Re: Buying boat thats been sitting

sitting kills boats, look it over good and be prepared to pump the fuel tank.

 

[mikeneal]

Re: Buying boat thats been sitting

IF it is cheap it might be a good idea. Can he work on himself? Labor rates ~100/hr can spend a savings in a hurry. I bought a boat that was not winterized (Florida so no freeze) that hung on davits for 3 or 4 yrs. Was a great boat. Pumped/cleaned fuel tank, rebuilt carb and new battery and it ran. Had to clean some electrical connections and some misc. things but all in all was good boat and good buy.

It is true best thing you can do with a boat is too use it, but if you go into with the right attitude no reason not to buy one that has sat. If it is not cheap then run away, you must buy it heavily discounted and know you have some work to do and $$ to spend.

 

[BeerMonkey]

Re: Buying boat thats been sitting

well hes mechanicly inclined (as in cars) but im not afraid to jump in and work on it (thats how i learned to rebuild the lower unit on my 40) i tild him to find out what the price will be and go from there.

 

[TJDave]

Re: Buying boat thats been sitting

I bought my 73 Gulfstream for $800.00. It had been sitting in a field for 4 years, but had less than 150 hours on a new motor. My impeller was toast. It was so brittle, it fell apart. Re-built the carb, new tilt/trim hoses, drained the fuel tank, etc. She fired right up and has been a great boat for years after. We also put in new carpet and seats. It has been a fun and rewarding project.

Like mentioned above, sitting kills a boat. He won't get a 2002 Four Winns for $800, but it should be a very good price because it will need some work.

 

[tnduc]

Re: Buying boat thats been sitting

My boat had been sitting for about 9 years when I got it. I took it to a reputable dealer and explained the situation. They drained the tank, replaced the battery and all oil in the motor and replaced the water pump. They put in new sparkplugs, rebuilt the carbs, tweaked a few things and the boat has run great since.