Larson 174 SEI

[gbal4]

Hello folks I am new to this forum and I have never owned a boat. However there is one right down the street from me it is a Larson 174 SEI it has a johnson motor out back the owner says the motor starts fine. What should I look for when purchasing a boat ?? This guy wants the boat gone quickly the boat is a 1994 model can someone tell me anything about Larson Boats ? My wife wants it pretty bad he is asking 1500 and comes with a set of water ski. Thanks for any input !!!!

 

[gprince]

Re: Larson 174 SEI

Hello Gbal4, first off, welcome to the forum. I would recommend a water test drive. If the owner objects, then there's a problem. Before going out, make sure the boat is drained of all water and during the water test, watch the temp gage and make sure it is running at a safe temp. Once you're back from the test, pull the drain plug and see if any water has collected.

If you decide to buy, I would suggest the following:

1. Fresh engine oil
2. Fresh drive oil
3. Replace impeller (water pump)

Keep us posted on your buying experience!

 

[rokrau]

Re: Larson 174 SEI

Hello folks I am new to this forum and I have never owned a boat. However there is one right down the street from me it is a Larson 174 SEI it has a johnson motor out back the owner says the motor starts fine. What should I look for when purchasing a boat ?? This guy wants the boat gone quickly the boat is a 1994 model can someone tell me anything about Larson Boats ? My wife wants it pretty bad he is asking 1500 and comes with a set of water ski. Thanks for any input !!!!

Forget the Water Skis. Offer 750 if it has a trailer, you can pay 1000 or 1200 then. Do you know this "neighbor" well?

Check for:
- Soft floor

- Engine:
- Starts up promptly when cold
- Warms up but does not overheat
- Sounds and runs smoothly in idle
- Accelerates quickly with no noticeable "hole"
- Turns and runs smooth while turning tight (left and right)
- Trim working
- Gauges working, Oil pressure, Temp, Speed, RPM, etc..
- Speed at WOT, engine still not overheating
- Come off WOT, engine still not overheating
- Starts up promptly when warm
- When finished check for water anywhere in boat
- When finished check oil, if milky - walk away

- Mold, Smelly stuff especially when wet
- Water anywhere in the boat and smelly ski locker
- Holes in the hull, scrapes in the gel coat, nicks etc..
- Patched areas any evidence of "prior art"

Without a water test the boat is worth the trailer minus the cost to get rid of the boat.

Good luck, post some pics if you can

Roland

 

[gbal4]

Re: Larson 174 SEI

Hey guys thanks for the responses I went to the guys house he does not want me to take it out on the water there are no tags for the boat. He wants me to take his word for it he says the boat runs fine the last time it was in the water was 3 years ago it has been in his garage since then. So what do you guys think?? I think it sux that I cant take it out for a spin I even offered for him to go with me I`m not trying to steal his boat ohh well .........

 

[gprince]

Re: Larson 174 SEI

In Alabama, a boat tag is only $16.00. If he doesn't want to update the tag, take the tag off and water test close to the pier. If the marine police stop you, they'll understand. Whatever you do, don't put it in the water with an old tag.

In the event he still don't want to water test, take it to a authorized dealer and ask them to check it out and water test. The marine police won't bother them!

 

[rokrau]

Re: Larson 174 SEI

Hey guys thanks for the responses I went to the guys house he does not want me to take it out on the water there are no tags for the boat. He wants me to take his word for it he says the boat runs fine the last time it was in the water was 3 years ago it has been in his garage since then. So what do you guys think?? I think it sux that I cant take it out for a spin I even offered for him to go with me I`m not trying to steal his boat ohh well .........

The boat sat for 3 years. So the engine won't even start w/o someone putting some work in it. There goes your first $500 for a carb job and spark plugs, rotor, distributor cap, oil and impeller change etc.. A new battery is also likely unless the current one was on a charger.

That the boat ran fine the last time on the water means exactly that. Once you find out it doesn't run any longer "fine", you are the one who must have done something to it...

I'd walk away.

But if you have your heart set on it:

Walk over with 1000$ cash and tell him you'll buy it if it checks out ok on the water. If he still refuses - run don't walk.

There is a pretty good chance the boat is junk and will never see water again, ask yourself why you would want to pay for that instead of finding something that actually gets you out there. Realize that the $1500 make a decent downpayment on a new boat if you can make payments and have credit. Or a good start for saving for a more expensive but reliable boat.

Good luck

 

[gbal4]

Re: Larson 174 SEI

here are some quick photos of the boat !!