New member needs opinion

[mrbyll99]

I am considering purchasing a 1997 Stingray 220SX, 350 Mag, Bravo 3.
I can find only one concern with this boat and would like to hear what you guys think.

There is a 3/8 inch or so soft spot at the transom drain. It is directly above a 1 inch long by 1/8 wide scrape (gelcoat gone) where the transom meets the bottom of the boat. I can find no other soft spots anywhere on the transom(or entire boat). There is no transom flex or cracks.


After a thorough half hour test run, about a quart of water drained once boat was pulled from the water. The boat has always been dry stored on a trailer.

Should I be concerned?

Thanks for your input!

 

[45Auto]

Re: New member needs opinion

If there's a soft spot you can actually feel, then the real damage is going to be much more extensive than the area you can feel. It has to be pretty much totally rotted away before you can feel it.

I would be VERY concerned with any rot bad enough to feel on a boat I was considering buying.

 

[jonesg]

Re: New member needs opinion

"a 3/8 inch or so soft spot at the transom drain."

Exactly what is soft?
Wood on the inside or glass on outside?

I would want to probe the wood on the inside of the transom, it could be shot, or it could be fine.

 

[redfury]

Re: New member needs opinion

After a thorough half hour test run, about a quart of water drained once boat was pulled from the water. The boat has always been dry stored on a trailer.

This is the most telling part for me. A half an hour on the lake, there shouldn't be ANY water draining from the boat. Water is getting past the drain, or you have an internal leak ( meaning into the boat ) from the motor.

 

[Yacht Dr.]

Re: New member needs opinion

Could also be something simple...

How are the bellows ? cracked ?

Could also be a drain plug/petcock not completely tightened on the engine from winterization or flushing.

Mebbe some rain water taken on during the last outing b4 you ?

There are many reasons for water in the bilge area ... Aye suspect the worst and look for the simplest.

Did you check the Drive lube for water contamination ? ( milky ? ) .

YD.

 

[mrbyll99]

Re: New member needs opinion

Thanks! You guys are quick and thorough.

The glass is soft and only depresses about a 1/16 th or so. I didn't want to go poking into someone elses boat. From what I could see, the bellows look OK but without getting in the drive...who knows.

Drive lube and engine oil look fine. It does have thru-hull exhaust and I couldn't see any leakage in the system. Unfortunately there are not many surveyors in the Atlanta area and they are very busy around here this year. I'll have to ask the marina mechanic who has been doing the maintenance.

I hate to let this one go! The price is excellent (maybe I found the reason why?) and she performs perfectly.

Thanks again!

 

[Yacht Dr.]

Re: New member needs opinion

Despite some .. there is such a thing as snatching up a Good thing..

You might have it.. you might not..

I looked at this boat on Goog. and looks nice..

IF you do procure this boat then please do yourself a favor and ..

1. Replace gear lube.
2. Oil Change a MUST ( Does not matter what is on paper or on word )
3. New Impeller..
4. check the paint job around the Dist cap... if its not broken ( the paint around the the cap ) then do a RR of Ignition. I would do this no matter...
5. leaks can allways be found and fixed.

more ?

YD.

 

[mrbyll99]

Re: New member needs opinion

Thanks YD

My list matched yours with the exception of the ignition check...that has been added.

I think it is too good a thing to pass up. Everyone keep their fingers crossed for me that it's a light $$ repair. It is nice; new interior and loaded with options and heads turn and watch when ya pass!

I am assuming it is drawing water in through the plug area since the space between the scrape and the soft spot is solid.

Time to roll the dice

 

[Kiwifisher]

Re: New member needs opinion

"After a thorough half hour test run, about a quart of water drained once boat was pulled from the water"

More than likely an ill fitting drainplug. I find it amazing the poor quality of these important fittings. I'm currently replacing mine and I'm yet to find ones that actually go all the way through my transome. All of them is only 1/2" deep where my transome is 2" thick, leaving a 1 1/2" of wooden tunnel that most manufacturers just silicone over. Adding to the problem is that the thread on the actual plug is so coarse, it almost never keeps water out.

If you're happy with the rest of the boat, transom's are relatively cheap to replace.