newby q's

[phatwake360]

hi everyone

im new to this boating lark so be gentle

im looking at purchasing my first boat soon and the boat i have seen has a mercury 90hp (3 cyl 2 stroke) i would be greatfull if somebody could give me a few pointers in what to look for and how to test it so i dont buy a complete bucket of nails


many thanks

 

[will941s]

Re: newby q's

Make sure the person selling it can start it. Best to actually test it in water rather than earmuffs. Listen to the idle and run it at wide open throttle. Listen for any taps, knocks, or weird noises. Check to make sure water comes out of the water outlets and feel the water...should not be hot enough to burn. Check forward, and reverse and listen for grinding. If that all checks out then you should be ok. Also look at the powerhead with the cover off, look for burned paint (overheating) and corrosion. Look at the carbs also and make sure they are not leaking gas everywhere. If you can, also check the oil in the foot, make sure the oil is clear and not milky. After you buy it have it serviced....plugs, sync, water pump. Then you should be good to go.

 

[lprizman]

Re: newby q's

run it for at least a half an hour and drive it all around,,,do a compression test,,open up every hatch and compartment and inspect for signs of water intrusion or ponding over time.

running in the drive way is totally different then underload
if the seller refuses,,,walk

 

[phatwake360]

Re: newby q's

cheers peeps