I'm back with more questions about my searay

WETSPOT2

Cadet
Joined
Sep 12, 2007
Messages
16
I went for a ride with the boat i'm buying and give you a little run down of the boat 1984 18.5' ft searay I/O 3.0L, The owner took me for a ride and the boat would not go over 3000 rpm, he claimed that the outdrive was dirty and he would clean it and afterwards it would run a lot better???? i didn't doubt him but is this something common or is it because he has not used the boat since may and its been in the water???? I'M sorry if i ask stupid questions but i'm a new jack in the boating industry and i just don't know.
thanks
moe
 

Don S

Honorary Moderator Emeritus
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Aug 31, 2004
Messages
62,321
Re: I'm back with more questions about my searay

The outdrive AND the bottom of the boat would have to be covered with stuff to get the rpm down to 3000 rpm. Have him clean it and give it another try "BEFORE YOU BUY". It probably still won't get rpms........
List of possible causes of low WOT.

Engine Won't Reach Operating RPM. Check

  • Fuel condition. Type and Octane possibly old fuel
  • Propeller pitch or diameter, damaged blades
  • Restricted fuel pickup tube or anti siphon valve Fuel System Test
  • Crankcase oil volume, high oil level can cause aerated oil and lifter collapse
  • Marine growth on hull and outdrive
  • Wrong gear ratio in outdrive
  • Restricted carburetor air intake (clogged flame arrestor)
  • Restricted exhaust system (broken exhaust shutters/flappers) in engine transom shield or drive
  • Poor cylinder compression Compression Test
  • Carburetor defective, or wrong type.
  • Fuel pump pressure and vacuum
  • Boat overloaded, improperly loaded, or improperly trimmed.
  • Engine Overheating
  • Engine timing and ignition system operation (Full tuneup done recently)
  • Remote control cables and linkage for proper travel to open throttle plates fully.
 

Haut Medoc

Supreme Mariner
Joined
Jun 29, 2004
Messages
10,645
Re: I'm back with more questions about my searay


Well a fouled bottom will slow ya down.....
But 1400 rpm's worth?........:rolleyes:
I think something else is up......

It might be as simple as a tune up, but.....
I'd do a compression test on the engine & have it cleaned first & then tested......;)
 

Maclin

Admiral
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May 27, 2007
Messages
6,761
Re: I'm back with more questions about my searay

That is malarkey, he is trying to sell the boat quickly. Is he going to "clean the outdrive" and let you ride in it again? Or is he wanting you to take it on faith that it will be ok? It may be a simple problem, but a "dirty" outdrive is not a valid diagnostic term....pass on this one.....
 

Maclin

Admiral
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May 27, 2007
Messages
6,761
Re: I'm back with more questions about my searay

Looks like we all hit "submit" at the same time......!

If you already bought the boat then hopefully for you it is simple stuff. If you have not bought the boat yet, then I would be worried about what else the current owner is hiding and would either pass or demand to be able to do more testing.
 

WETSPOT2

Cadet
Joined
Sep 12, 2007
Messages
16
Re: I'm back with more questions about my searay

Well being a mechanic for 12 years (cars and trucks tho) my eye brows where lifting a lil bit,so i told him to clean the bottom of the boat and the outdrive and he did, he called me and i set something up for tonightfor a test ride.but i was looking at the water temp gauge and the boat was running pretty cool probably around 150 to 170 degrees, not sure if thats good or not but for a car engine thats cool. well ill keep you guys posted and let you know what happens tonight. by the way i saw all receipts for the boat from MAY 2007 that there was a complete tune up and new belts oil change, outdrive fluids done and someother stuff , checked hours from bill to boat hours and there was a 5 hour diffrence from may until september. so we will see tonight,its do or die.
 

MikDee

Banned
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Jun 6, 2007
Messages
4,745
Re: I'm back with more questions about my searay

Most marine thermostats are 140 degrees standard, this is where the guys with performance computer chips in their cars get their low temp. 140 degree thermostats from. Not going over 3K rpm means there is something seriously wrong, unless the tach is not working right.
 

WETSPOT2

Cadet
Joined
Sep 12, 2007
Messages
16
Re: I'm back with more questions about my searay

Most marine thermostats are 140 degrees standard, this is where the guys with performance computer chips in their cars get their low temp. 140 degree thermostats from. Not going over 3K rpm means there is something seriously wrong, unless the tach is not working right.

well i have nothing to loose due to the fact that its no my boat not my headache at all!!!! but if he is being dishonest its his loose not mine because ill buy another boat.there was also 4 people on the boat and i just spoke to a friend of mine who was on the boat and he told me that we where at 3600rpm's well anyway ill test drive it tonight and keep you guys posted
 

MikDee

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Jun 6, 2007
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Re: I'm back with more questions about my searay

By the way, Franklin Square Long Island?,,, that's where my ex-wife is from, I'm a former displaced Long Islander myself, can't afford to live there anymore, moved up to the outskirts of Milford (podunkville),,,lol, not long ago.
 

WETSPOT2

Cadet
Joined
Sep 12, 2007
Messages
16
Re: I'm back with more questions about my searay

YEA i cannot afford to live there either so i just rent an apartment $1400 a month,thats why i have a 1984 searay instead of a 2004 searay like i want!!!!;)
 

WETSPOT2

Cadet
Joined
Sep 12, 2007
Messages
16
Re: I'm back with more questions about my searay

OK so i get to the yacht club where the boat is at and the owners there the top is off and he's ready for the ride,we get out passed the 5 mph zone and he throttles up and i'm watching the tach and off she goes running like a kid stole candy we got it up around 4200 rpm and i think he said she was doing 32 or 36mph than he slowed her back down to cruising speed up around 26 to or 28 mph. he let me drive it around i kept checking the water temp gauge making sure she was not over heating volt gauge was good, I slowed her down to like 10 mph and than i accelerated not the fastest accelerating boat but she did get up and go i was a lil impressed by that 3.0L MERCRUISER, The bottom line is i ck it 1 more time just in case i missed something the last time i checked out the trailer complete (rollers,winch,hubs,etc etc) and i gave him a deposit and ill pick her up on sunday. I even figuered out a name for her " THE HAPPY ENDING" thanks for all your help guys and hopefully ill see you guys out in the water soon.....oh i almost forgot got the boat and trailer for $1100, needs batteries def next season, heres the run down 1984 18.5' searay seville,this is the service's done in the past 2 years all documented bills from marina ,outdrive in 05,new top in 07 new interior in 06 and complete service with belts, all fluids and carb rebuilt in the end of april of 07 just put 5 hours on boat since than checked from the hours on the bill. so what do you guys think????????
moe
 

MikDee

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Jun 6, 2007
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4,745
Re: I'm back with more questions about my searay

Good Luck! It sounds like a nice boat, you really can't go wrong with a SeaRay, I've had a couple in my time, and kept them at a local marina by the Bay. Presently I needed a fairly lightweight outboard bowrider to trailer around to the lakes up here.
 

WETSPOT2

Cadet
Joined
Sep 12, 2007
Messages
16
Re: I'm back with more questions about my searay

Good Luck! It sounds like a nice boat, you really can't go wrong with a SeaRay, I've had a couple in my time, and kept them at a local marina by the Bay. Presently I needed a fairly lightweight outboard bowrider to trailer around to the lakes up here.

thanks MIKDEE i appericate the support thanks again for all the advice
moe
 

erikgreen

Captain
Joined
Jan 8, 2007
Messages
3,105
Re: I'm back with more questions about my searay

Assuming there are no hidden problems, that's a nice price for a running boat.

I got mine for $500, but that's with a cracked block :)

Erik
 

WETSPOT2

Cadet
Joined
Sep 12, 2007
Messages
16
Re: I'm back with more questions about my searay

Thats Is True I'm Assuming That Theres No Issues Other Than Batteries And Basic Maintance Every Year
 
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