Mercruiser 4.6 Maintenance

[sfborn]

I am looking at an 18' 1993 Baja Islander I/O with a Mercruiser 4.6LX. Boat is in good condition, but the owner says he has not serviced the engine in over 6 years!
I planned to take it to a mechanic, but now thinking it may not be worth persuing. Don't the engines and drives have to be serviced (oil change) every 2-3 years to prevent damage? The engine has 250 hrs on it and the owner says it fires right up, but I haven't witnessed it yet.

 

[Fishermark]

Re: Mercruiser 4.6 Maintenance

I planned to take it to a mechanic, but now thinking it may not be worth persuing.

No reason to give up on the boat yet. Stay with your plan - take it to a reputable mechanic and have him give it a once over.

Also keep in mind that there is more to a boat than the engine and outdrive. Have someone who knows boats look over the WHOLE boat - floor - transom, etc.

 

[ErieRon]

Re: Mercruiser 4.6 Maintenance

I am looking at an 18' 1993 Baja Islander I/O with a Mercruiser 4.6LX. Boat is in good condition, but the owner says he has not serviced the engine in over 6 years!
I planned to take it to a mechanic, but now thinking it may not be worth persuing. Don't the engines and drives have to be serviced (oil change) every 2-3 years to prevent damage? The engine has 250 hrs on it and the owner says it fires right up, but I haven't witnessed it yet.

4.3 LX...maybe?

Personally, I wouldn't buy a boat from a seller that openly admits he hasn't serviced it in six years. But, there are rare exceptions I'm sure. If the price is really, really, really reasonable, maybe it's worth having a certified marine mechanic check it out.

There' an awful lot of boats for sale out there...

 

[mkast]

Re: Mercruiser 4.6 Maintenance

Personally, I wouldn't buy a boat from a seller that openly admits he hasn't serviced it in six years.

GENERALLY speaking, living in the throw away society, fueled by the "Run it till it breaks mentality".
The Owner/Operator's credo:
It was like that when I got it (original purchaser).
No one told me (enough times to sink in).
It's not my fault, the mechanic should have fixed it, (even though, no maintenance has been performed in years).

 

[sfborn]

Re: Mercruiser 4.6 Maintenance

4.3 LX...maybe?

Personally, I wouldn't buy a boat from a seller that openly admits he hasn't serviced it in six years. But, there are rare exceptions I'm sure. If the price is really, really, really reasonable, maybe it's worth having a certified marine mechanic check it out.

There' an awful lot of boats for sale out there...

Speaking of "reasonable", what is the thought on NADA quotes. Are they a reasonable guide for boat value? The boat came in at $2700-3100.
Thanks

 

[captmello]

Re: Mercruiser 4.6 Maintenance

Speaking of "reasonable", what is the thought on NADA quotes. Are they a reasonable guide for boat value? The boat came in at $2700-3100.
Thanks

That price would be cheap in my area for that boat in running condition.

How much is the guy asking???

 

[Bondo]

Re: Mercruiser 4.6 Maintenance

Are they a reasonable guide for boat value? The boat came in at $2700-3100.

Ayuh,... That price might be inline for a boat like that,...
But,.. Not 1 that hasn't been serviced during it's length of ownership....

 

[ErieRon]

Re: Mercruiser 4.6 Maintenance

I'm in the Cleveland area, and the NADA values are always lower than what boats sell for in the 16'-21' range. As they get bigger and more expensive they seem to get a little closer. I always compare the NADA to the classifieds and marina/broker pricing to get a real feel.

 

[sfborn]

Re: Mercruiser 4.6 Maintenance

That price would be cheap in my area for that boat in running condition.

How much is the guy asking???

$4200, but will come down

 

[zbnutcase]

Re: Mercruiser 4.6 Maintenance

Never heard of a 4.6 Mercruiser. 4.3?? 'nutcase