Is this a good buy or should I look for another

[cberg]

Im looking at a 1998 19' Grady White w/ 175 Evenrude Ocean Pro F/I. Im looking for some info and advice on this boat and motor, good and bad. Supposedly, the motor runs good and the boat is in good shape for 4K. Is this one worth the trouble or should I continue looking?

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: Is this a good buy or should I look for another

Grady is a great boat, but great boats depend on previous owners.

Buying a boat

1st you need to decide what you want to use it for, fishing, cruising, or water sports.

2nd how many people adults, children you want on board of the average outing.

3rd outboard, inboard-outboard, or inboard power plant.

4th Budget, what you want to pay, and what you are willing to pay, when you find
Exactly what you want.

You can hire a marine surveyor, to inspect the boat, or you can do it yourself.

You are mainly looking for soft spots in the deck, transom, cracks, all signs of a rotten, under frame. You walk all over the deck, that a mallot, or hammer with wooden handle, using handle, tap all over the transom, a shape rap is good solid base, a thud, is questionable base.

The motor should be clean, no spots where the paint is discolored, or pealing from heat, having run hot. (This part for outboard motors Compression should be atleast 100psi, and within 10% of each other,)
Spark on all cylinders, good pee stream, check lower unit for water in oil.

The overall condition of the boat will tell you a lot, as to how it has been maintained.
boat motor combo, A 30 year old may be in better condition, than a 3 year old.

 

[kenmyfam]

Re: Is this a good buy or should I look for another

Great words from TD. Especially the statement that a 30 year old boat could be in better condition than a 3 year old boat. It's all in the upkeep and treatment of it. My current boat and motor are 24 years old and in better general shape than many boats under half it's age. We have looked at newer but not found anything close. Amusing part is often we tow in a boat worth ten times as much and a few years old. I just hope that they remember me if I am ever in trouble !!!

 

[bob johnson]

Re: Is this a good buy or should I look for another

well the price is very attractive..i would think a good running 1998 175 hp outboard would be worth that alone!!!

but you wrote F/I...as in FUEL INJECTED?

if so it is probably a FITCH motor...which was very problematic

I just bought an OCEAN PRO 90 hp, but it is a 1997 and is not fitch...


many times boats are just huge things that become burdens when they dont work or need repairs...and are sold for the value of the trailer and motor!!

dont know anything about the boat you mention. But have heard Grady Whites were desireable.

I have also found where it is being sold says a lot about its value.

I have found that things being sold in very wealthy areas, or by the very wealthy can be had cheaply....more so than if sold by someone less financialy stable...because they need the value of what is being sold much more than the wealthy person.

the wealthy just say...get it out and as soon as possible!!!

they dont care about getting much for it.


good luck

bob

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: Is this a good buy or should I look for another

What is the Model # of the Motor, if the letters begin with and "F" it is a Ficht Motor.

 

[jonesg]

Re: Is this a good buy or should I look for another

A 1998 Grady is worth that price.

 

[cberg]

Re: Is this a good buy or should I look for another

Sorry for bieng short with the info, but yes, the motor is a 1998 Evinrude 175 OceanPro FITCH. My brother bought a used 90's model Johnson Fitch years ago and all I remember about it was all the trouble he had with it. It stayed in the shop more than in his garage and when he did take it out to the lake it wouldn't run. He spent as much money fixing it as he spent buying it. I haven't heard much on this particular motor weather or not some or all of the problems had been worked out or not. Is this motor worth the trouble or should I look for another to replace it, or even another boat and motor all together?

 

[Whoopbass]

Re: Is this a good buy or should I look for another

In my area that boat would sell for 5X that amount providing it was in good shape.
There has to be something wrong with that boat or its a scam.

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: Is this a good buy or should I look for another

there is something wrong with it, it has " but yes, the motor is a 1998 Evinrude 175 OceanPro FITCH"

 

[cberg]

Re: Is this a good buy or should I look for another

Whew, Im sure tired of chasing this rabbit. Im gonna go hunt somewhere else.

 

[jonesg]

Re: Is this a good buy or should I look for another

Buy the boat, drop the engine in the guys driveway.
The boat could easily be worth more than $4K.

http://capecod.craigslist.org/boa/1097481914.html

 

[cberg]

Re: Is this a good buy or should I look for another

Thanks for all the help. I think I'll buy the boat and run it till the motor dies then trash it for a used carb motor.

 

[jbjennings]

Re: Is this a good buy or should I look for another

I like your plan cberg, and maybe you could buy a carbed motor that your ficht lower unit could work on? Just a thought...... I might do the same thing. I'd bring my cell phone though!!!!
JBJ