Need advice- First Time Buyer

[Markansas]

Guys-

I am looking at a 1999 21ft CC, with 5.7 ltr Mercruiser 270 Hp.

The boat is being sold by a reputable local mastercraft dealer, and this boat has been his little pet project.

The boat is in beautiful shape, from what I can tell extremely clean.

On one side the fiberglass is whiter than the rest of the boat, like it had been patch in a small 8 inch area.

Here is the big deal. This guy total rebuilt the engine. he is calling it new with 2 hours on it.

He is going to let me take it out for a run today.

In my mind, its like a new boat. anything I should be concerned about? he is asking about $1000 more than NADA average, I assume to cover the new engine.

Is there anything in paticular I should look for or ask about?

I have small kids and we are just looking for a cheap but reliable family boat. 90% of the time we will be anchored up and swimming.
Thanks in advance

 

[Gilded_Splinters]

Re: Need advice- First Time Buyer

I would just ask him about the discolored spot. It might have just been a cosmetic gelcoat repair...scratch or whatever. If you can see the back side of that area, you'll know whether the damage was more serious than that.

As far as the engine goes, it's great that its been rebuilt, but it's not new. Also, some mechanics do a more precise job than others.

Take it for a good, long run and listen and look at the gauges. It should start without too much trouble, it should run cool, there should be no knocks or odd sounds at idle or at speed and it should shift well into and out of forward and reverse.

Check the fluids. Oil clear? P/S fluid?

With 270 HP on tap, the boat should also go pretty fast if its running well. Something approaching 40 MPH is about right, but I doubt that the speedometer works, but you never know.

If conditions allow and you have the guts, run it wide open for a few seconds and trim it up. On smooth water, you should have about 4500 RPM on the tack balls to the wall. This would indicate that the pitch of the prop is appropriate for the boat and motor.

Good luck and don't pay more than book value.