New to Boating.. buying tips needed..

[Phoenixuncaged]

We have been talking about getting a boat for a while. Now we have found one that looks great.
It is a 1989 VIP Vision 1750 w/ trailer for 2,000.00 First owners. They had a conversion cover made so it can be completely enclosed including the bow. Great for the N.W!! The paint is a little dull not none missing.. It is clean but some scuffs on the side of the hull. We would like to be able to fish and go tubing.
I was wondering if anyone has any tips before we go buy this boat.

 

[Islandbrah]

Re: New to Boating.. buying tips needed..

Other than a leaking hull the most expensive part of a boat is the motor. Run a compression check for starters. When pulling the plugs take note of the condition (educate yourself on reading plugs for rich and lean indications) find out when it was last run. older boats have older tanks, older tanks have varnish unless continuously filled and drained. there are many little things to look for and test. Especially electrical given the age. The "paint" is probably gel coat and if it is dull it can be shined up with rubbing compound and a high speed buffer then wax, maybe some 1500 grit wet/dry if it really bad. Make sure you get a sea trial before dishing out any cake. Remember you usually get what you pay for...

 

[Phoenixuncaged]

Re: New to Boating.. buying tips needed..

The owners son used it reg. He last toke his kids tubing at the end of July. He is selling it because they bought a big Bayliner. I'll have to figure out how to run those test though.. Thanks

 

[Islandbrah]

Re: New to Boating.. buying tips needed..

A compression gauge can be picked up at any auto parts store, cheap. I would advise you to find a boat mech. thou and pay him for an hour or two of his time to go with you to check out the boat. If everything is okay with the boat the owners shouldn't have a problem with that. I could type paragraphs and paragraphs on how to conduct the tests yourself but if you have no mech. experience then I would pay the little for the mech to take a look. Spending 100-200 for a professional opinion is well worth it if you don't know what you are looking at. Or buy it and cross your fingers. Personally I'd grab a mechanic, not a car mechanic because boats are totally different, even if it has an i/o and they use auto blocks like a ford 460 or GM 454 there are subtle differences designed specifically for boats. If you are set on looking it over alone google search how to's on compression checks and other inspections but I'd go with the pro.