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[ccarver80]

I started the topic "New vs Used" And after many very valuable insight, I've decided to go used! thanks everyone!

I almost have my current boat (16 aluminum with 25 hp Johnson) sold for 1,200-1,300 talking to my wife she has agreed to help me out a bit and it give me a budget of 2,000 to look.

I found this today on a local website for 2,000, let me know what you all think overall and if i go and look at it things to specifically look for.

Thanks!

Here's the description

"1981 Searay w/trailer!!! Make an offer! 1981 Searay inboard boat w/trailer

140hp Mercury cruiser. 2 owners and all the paperwork that's ever been done to it! In good shape for its age! We just don't ever get a chance to use it. Runs great!"

 

[ccarver80]

1985 Searay

So, Im soooooo tempted to go buy this boat next weekend, For $2,000 it looks like its in GREAT condition interior wise.

Ive yet to get a hold of the person selling it, but they did text and say it was still for sale, been up on a website for a few months now so maybe they will deal a little.

I live in North Dakota, im into walleye fishing and this boat looks like it can handle the bigger water better than my 16' tin can I got now

In the title they claim it as a 1985, but the description says 1981.. Any clue on year???

also has a 140 mercrusier I/O, is there anything I look for in that motor if I go look at it?

any advice on things too look for specifically would be awesome!

Description says the speed odometer is the only thing that dosnt work... but I know how people tell stories of how it ran the last time they were on the water with it

thanks for any advice!

 

[alldodge]

If the transom or floor is not soft, engine runs good, interior appears good and trailer has no major issue, I would say take it for a test ride. If ride works out go for it

 

[Scott Danforth]

read this http://forums.iboats.com/forum/gene...eeding-help-buying-a-boat-a-buyer-s-checklist

 

[jbcurt00]

Carver
I merged the 2 topics

Please dont start multiple topics about the same subject, in either the same forum or different forums.

If its a 198x anything, theres a HIN, boat equivalent of a car VIN, the HIN will tell you the year.

But if the seller cant provide the same year in the title and description of a boat (or doesnt know which year it was made) and cant be reached, it wouldnt be encouraging me to pursue buying it.


The title and registration should also be a condition of sale and has the year on it. No title, no sale, IMO on this boat

 

[BevoHoward]

I have the same exact boat. Right down to the color and interior. The guy had it listed asking $2300. I watched it and he delisted it after a couple months. He then relisted asking I think $1800. I got it for just under $1000. I argued that the interior was not good and the floor had a couple soft spots. On the other hand the engine and outdrive were in almost new condition and that's what sealed the deal for me.

Review the link that Scott posted. Also make sure and check the forward engine mount. When you tap it, it may sound solid and fool you.
One of the many knowledgeable guys here pointed this out to me. And sure enough when I checked it closer the wood was nothing but pulp.

And do a compression check. See if it has decent compression and that ya don't have one real low cylinder compared to the other three. I think the lowest cylinder should be 80% of the highest, or something like that

Looks like the floor may have had some work done to it. At least by looking at the carpet. Hard to say. One thing I learned from these guys here is that it would be very hard to find a boat of this age without at least some rot somewhere under the deck. Beautiful boat that's for sure. You may have a real beauty here.

 

[ccarver80]

Carver
I merged the 2 topics

Please dont start multiple topics about the same subject, in either the same forum or different forums.

If its a 198x anything, theres a HIN, boat equivalent of a car VIN, the HIN will tell you the year.

But if the seller cant provide the same year in the title and description of a boat (or doesnt know which year it was made) and cant be reached, it wouldnt be encouraging me to pursue buying it.


The title and registration should also be a condition of sale and has the year on it. No title, no sale, IMO on this boat

Sorry didn't mean to, I forgot I posted yesterday .. haha I woke up the morning and pretty much ready wrote everything I said...

As for title.... no offense... here in North Dakota titles on boats are not required it's really common up here to see boats for sale with no title... but I may get lucky... I'll proably call in the reg. # to fish and game make sure no red flags ( that's what I did on my last boat with no title)

And she texted me saying she was really busy.. but was supposed to call last night and thatbit was still for sale . .. who knows maybe she's a doctor with crazy hours... hard to say ...

I'm keeping optomistic... I possibly have my boat sold for 1,300 this weekend + I'm selling a small pedal boat for $300.... so I should come real close especially if they negotiate. ..

 

[jbcurt00]

I'm not well versed on all state title requirements, but it was just 1 more thing to consider on the 'list' of possible concerns.

Good that you KNOW what is and isnt required in your state BEFORE buying a new to you boat. That isnt always the case.

Good luck w selling yours and getting hands on the Searay, whatever year it is

 

[thumpar]

It sounds similar to my old SunRunner. The 140 is a solid motor. You might want to check the gear lube by pulling the lower plug just to make sure there is not water in it. As for the boat itself I would make sure there are no soft spots. Check the stringers for any sponginess. Is the seller willing to water test it with you?

 

[ccarver80]

I doubt it being as there is still ice on the lakes haha

 

[fishin98]

North Dakota this time of year is not exactly a PRIME TIME to buy or sell boats. Your looking at a 35 year old fiberglass boat without a on water test or even it hearing it run...BEWARE..even SEARAY'S and others of that vintage will have or already have issues and could turn it into a MONEY PIT in short order. GOOD LUCK!