I need "Free" shopping advice

[plalonde]

I'm starting to look for my first boat. I don't have much to spend and realize there will be some elbow grease involved. Cosmetic fix up I don't mind I just haven't a clue about what to look for "under the hood". I'm handy and can fix just about anything but I don't want what a "weekend project the never ends."<br /><br />Question: What should I look for and what good Internet resources have you found. What Kind of boat makes a nice family vessel.<br /><br />Example: I have my eye of a 1994 Sea Rayder that looks nice on the outside and has been well cared for. The interior has sun damage as I would expect. Other than that it "seems" O:K<br /><br />Should I avoid Jet boats? Do they have higher than normal (What ever normal is.) maintainance? I wouldn't be pulling skiers and I'm not an avid fisherman. And I have no interest in venturing far off shore into the gulf.<br /><br /> Is asking for a "test drive" normal when seriously considering a used boat?<br /><br />What about the "extended insurance" plans on the engine components? Does it pay off better than the automobile extended coverage?<br /><br />What about boaters safety courses? Are they helpful?<br /><br />Thanks!

 

[martinwinte]

Re: I need "Free" shopping advice

A boat that looks good is a step in the right direction. MOST people that care for a boat tend to keep up on the maintance (most of the time). <br /><br />A test drive is not an unreasonable request. Bopater saftey courses are worth the time and money. There are a ton of web pages out there to help you (search under boat handling, repair, ect.). Read all you can, you (and the boat) will be glad you did.<br /><br /> Rember thesaying "a boat is a hole in the water you throw money into". <br /><br /> Boats (more so than cars) really benifit from routine maintance.

 

[blifsey]

Re: I need "Free" shopping advice

To me, there are 2 big "things" to look at in used boats. The integrity of the hull and the condition of motor/drive. Of course there's also the minor/cosmetic things like interior you mentioned. The hull integrity is the one I would be careful of. A hull (especially older one with more wood in it) can have rot that you can't see. I would recommend getting a "surveyor" to look at any used boat. Wooden stringers and wooden transoms are often a problem with older boats (search this forum & the Project Boat forum and you'll find several "projects" I speak of). Taking on a project like those is fine if you expect it, but if you buy an older boat and don't expect to be replacing stringers/transom and they are rotten, it could be a real bummer. One thing I would do is walk every square inch of the deck/flooring looking for soft spots. If the deck is soft, the stringer under the soft spot is likely shot also.<br /><br />Insist on a test drive! Also, insist on compression check of motor. Check the lower unit oil for water/foaming also.<br /><br />Good luck!!!<br />BL...

 

[BillP]

Re: I need "Free" shopping advice

If you are new to boats I would suggest buying a near new rig. Find one that is max 4 years old and been in freshwater only, kept in a garage and maintained by the dealer. A rig like this will look near new and reduce hassles of rot and engine problems. 500 hrs on an outboard engine is 1/4 life if taken care of. <br /><br />I would stay away from projects unless you are willing to pay for the learning curve.<br /><br />I posted this and then saw where you are from. No freshwater rigs probably there but tons of used boats to chose from.

 

[amtsst]

Re: I need "Free" shopping advice

A test drive is not only recommended, but I would consider it to be obligatory if you are buying something more than a couple of years old.<br /><br />You need to run the boat at wide open throttle long enough to get the engine up to full operating temperature. Listent for anything out of the ordinary. If you're not a motor guy, take along a friend. <br /><br />Check all fluids before your test drive. Insist on checking them all again after the drive. Anybody can clean out the bilge before the test drive but a leak is hard to conceal after a hard run.<br /><br />Anticipate that older boats...(say pre-1990 or so) will have glass-over-wood floors. Put your full body weight on every square inch of the interrior to test for flexing in the floor. If there's any give, you have some rot. Elbow grease is one thing. Rebuilding a floor your first time out is quite another.<br /><br />The boat should go into gear smoothly without a real hard 'clunk' or any grinding. The engine should not hesitate, no matter how hard you accelerate. Test reverse, the power-trim/tilt through full range of motion. Test trim tabs if equipped. If boat has been sitting, go ahead and spring for a new impeller.<br /><br />Last advice I can give and this was learned the hard way... NEVER accept the seller's quote for getting something fixed. If you note an oil leak and he says, "anybody can fix that for $100 because its no big deal" LOOK OUT!!! If it was no big deal, the seller would have done it himself most likely. If you see a mechanical problem, negotiate a fix into your deal. Don't buy somebody else's serious problem.