Looking to purchase 88 3.O mercruiser newbie to boating anything to watch for

[JGus81]

I'm looking at 1988 glasstron w/ 3.0 mercruiser need to know what to look for never owned a boat dont want to buy a floating bathub. On land motor runs good seems to shift into both directions fine, prop spins, no noises. Should I ask for a testdrive?

 

[jesus94p]

Re: Looking to purchase 88 3.O mercruiser newbie to boating anything to watch for

Yes definitely ask for a test drive. see how the boats run. Check how it into gear(see if there no problems as making it hard to go in gear). see if it doesn't bog while run it. check how it planes. Also check for mold and soft spots on the floor. hope this works

 

[antsmands]

Re: Looking to purchase 88 3.O mercruiser newbie to boating anything to watch for

Yes definitely ask for a test drive. see how the boats run. Check how it into gear(see if there no problems as making it hard to go in gear). see if it doesn't bog while run it. check how it planes. Also check for mold and soft spots on the floor. hope this works

+1 on taking it for a test run. Check to see if it has been "winterized" correctly. See if water is leaking from a cracked block. Make sure the bilge is not filling with water from a cracked block or leaking outdrive. Check to make sure that the out drive is working properly and that the water puimp is functioning and the engine not over heating. Check the tilt/trim system. Look for oil leaks into the bilge. Make sure the electrical system is in decent shape.

Good Luck!

 

[IES99]

Re: Looking to purchase 88 3.O mercruiser newbie to boating anything to watch for

I'm looking at 1988 glasstron w/ 3.0 mercruiser need to know what to look for never owned a boat dont want to buy a floating bathub. On land motor runs good seems to shift into both directions fine, prop spins, no noises. Should I ask for a testdrive?

Yes, never buy a boat without a test cruise. Take your time.

Regarding engine:
1. ask the owner to allow you to run the boat with the engine cover open or off: listen carefully for sounds and also watch for water leakage from block or manifolds.
2. has it been used in fresh or salt water?
3. Last change of manifold/riser?
4. Pull a spark plug (or all 4) and look at condition.

Regarding drive:
1. Has gear oil been changed lately?
2. When was impeller changes last?
3. Take a look at the reservoir and solenoids for the trim/tilt pump.

Boat:
1. Walk around all over that floor: if there are any soft spots, be very wary. (PS: look at the boat rebuilding forum here to see about replacing stringers, floor, foam, etc.
2. When out of the water (of course) get down on your back and look all over the bottom for cracks, gel coat scrapes.

I say all this knowing its a 1988. If taken care of correctly, it may be in very good shape. If not, it might be a money pit.

Good luck.