newbie help on buying a boat

[spacerust]

i'm looking for my first boat and i would like a classic. i found a '78 Mako 17 w/ 140 Evinrude. I am going to see it today but from what i have discussed with the owner there seems to be nothing wrong. it doesn't leak, runs excellent, does not need any repairs. he sent about six pics and it looks really well kept. but i want to know what to look for when i go to see it. also i do a lot of fishing (mainly reds and trout) but am looking for something i can take the kids out as well. how much water does this boat need? thanks for your help in advance and i look forward to joining the boating community.

 

[spacerust]

newbie help on buying a '78 Mako 17 w/ 140 Evinrude

newbie help on buying a '78 Mako 17 w/ 140 Evinrude

i'm looking for my first boat and i would like a classic. i found a '78 Mako 17 w/ 140 Evinrude. I am going to see it today but from what i have discussed with the owner there seems to be nothing wrong. it doesn't leak, runs excellent, does not need any repairs. he sent about six pics and it looks really well kept. but i want to know what to look for when i go to see it. also i do a lot of fishing (mainly reds and trout) but am looking for something i can take the kids out as well. how much water does this boat need? thanks for your help in advance and i look forward to joining the boating community.

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: newbie help on buying a '78 Mako 17 w/ 140 Evinrude

Re: newbie help on buying a '78 Mako 17 w/ 140 Evinrude

walk all over it.. feel for soft spots in deck, rubber malott, rap all over the transom, thud, may be rotten core, sharp response, good wood. compression test, over 100 and with in 10% of each other, spark on all cylinders, check for water in lower unit fluid. good pee stream. test drive if at all possible.

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: newbie help on buying a boat

Buying a boat

1st you need to decide what you want to use it for, fishing, cruising, or water sports.

2nd how many people adults, children you want on board of the average outing.

3rd outboard, inboard-outboard, or inboard power plant.

4th Budget, what you want to pay, and what you are willing to pay, when you find
Exactly what you want.

You can hire a marine surveyor, to inspect the boat, or you can do it yourself.

You are mainly looking for soft spots in the deck, transom, cracks, all signs of a rotten, under frame.

The motor should be clean, no spots where the paint is discolored, or pealing from heat, having run hot. Compression should be atleast 100psi, and within 10% of each other,
Spark on all cylinders, good pee stream, check lower unit for water in oil.

The overall condition of the boat will tell you a lot, as to how it has been maintained.

A 30 year old boat motor combo, may be in better condition, than a 3 year old.

 

[spacerust]

Re: newbie help on buying a boat

how do i check to see if water is in the LU? water in the oil? Mainly I will use it for fishing w/ the family. three kids.

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: newbie help on buying a boat

on the lower unit are 2 straight slot screws, bottom is drain and fill , top is vent, remove the bottom screw, if there is water there it will come out first, or be milky looking. try to do this before starting the motor. takes a big screw driver.

 

[spacerust]

Re: newbie help on buying a boat

thanks. i'll look for that. if water comes out then it is the lu seals?