Buying used boat advice - 1988 Regal

[Rob4226]

Hi,<br />I am in the market for buying a my first used boat. I have been looking around a lot and today I saw an ad in the paper for a 1988 22' Regal Bowrider. It has a 350 Merc I/O, CD player power winch, trailer with brakes for $3000. So I called him up before and he said it is in good condition the only problem is the lift for the engine doesnt go down all the way, he thinks it a hydrolic leak. And he hasnt used it in 2 years so it could use a tune up. I havent seen the boat yet since its a good 30 minute ride each way but I would just like some of your opinons on this boat. I have never owned my own boat but I am very good with 2 cycle engines and doing things my self. Thanks a lot for your time.

 

[xltier]

Re: Buying used boat advice - 1988 Regal

welcome to i-boats.there is a lot of good advice on hear.in my area that wood be consisered a great deal if it ran good and the rest of the boat was in good condition.check the seats and floor for rotting wood.if you buy it,someone here can tell you how to fix it.

 

[Solittle]

Re: Buying used boat advice - 1988 Regal

Welcome Rob!!!!!!!!!!!!!<br /><br />Make sure you get a mechanical survey done by a competent marine mechanic. There are tons of posts here from guys who just bought a used boat and later found that it had major problems. Somewhere in describing their problems they will say that "The seller told me that all that was needed was a tune-up." Remember the seller wants to put your money into his pocket.

 

[Rob4226]

Re: Buying used boat advice - 1988 Regal

Thanks guys!!<br /><br />Tommorrow I am planning on going and looking at it. But how would I go about having a mechanic look at it? I doubt he will let me borrow it for the day. And if I could bring it somewhere how much is it for someone to look at it?<br /><br />Also how does the merc 350 perform, is it an overall good motor? Thanks a lot.

 

[AguaSki]

Re: Buying used boat advice - 1988 Regal

Marine mechanics in AZ charge about $150, and need the boat for about 1/2 day. Money and time well spent in my opinion.

 

[waterone1@aol.com]

Re: Buying used boat advice - 1988 Regal

Rob, I have bought and sold several boats over the years (from 16ft bowriders, to 37 ft cabin cruisers). At the very least, you need some help from a knowledgable boating friend. If he gives it a thumbs up, you may still wish to get a survey done. There are a-lot of turkey boats out there, some of them simply cannot be fixed without spending more than the boat is worth. In my opinion, if the engine starts, runs well without any noises or smoke and the temperature and oil pressure look good, then it is a candidate for a survey. You do not want to pay a surveyor to look at every boat you are interested in. Eliminate the "turkeys" first, then pay the surveyor to look at your best pick. By the way, a marine tech will examine the engine and drive, he will not be checking the hull for voids, moisture or delamination( that is what a surveyor does). By the way, since I have been on both sides of this many times, anyone that will not allow you to have the boat inspected IS HIDING SOMETHING ! The seller may insist that you bring the tech or surveyor to the boat....that is normal, but he should not refuse the inspection.