Possibly buying first real boat- Key West 1720, any insight?

[flynavy812]

Upgrading from a Jon boat, I wanted a little bigger and center console. I went and looked at it, and it looks nice. But I dont know enough about them to make a good call.

Its a 2000 Key West 1720 Sportsman, with a 2000 Johnson 90HP 2stroke. The lower unit was replaced recently, with a brand new one. Unsure of total hours. Trailer is in good shape, has the top cover as well. Depthfinder and VHF radio included. Livewell works, new steering cables put in, and trim seems to work just fine. They are asking 6000, but are open to offers. Anything else I should be looking at for concerns, and is that a decent price?

 

[alldodge]

Check compression of the motor and take it for a ride. NADA shows its worth 11 to 12K with trailer

http://www.nadaguides.com/Boats/2016/Key-West-Boats/1720-CENTER-CONSOLE/32062190/values

 

[charleso]

Definitely take it for a test drive. Also check transom, stringers, foam, etc for and signs of water infiltration and or rot.

 

[ezmobee]

Sounds like a fair deal. Check for any soft spots in the deck and transom flex. A sea trial would be ideal. You should be able to make it a condition of sale: as in you agree on a price conditional on a successful sea trial. That way you aren't a joy-riding tire kicker Good luck!

 

[flynavy812]

Check compression of the motor and take it for a ride. NADA shows its worth 11 to 12K with trailer

http://www.nadaguides.com/Boats/2016/Key-West-Boats/1720-CENTER-CONSOLE/32062190/values

Its a 2000 model not 2016, he actually had the NADA printed though, it shows around 6700 with the options. Test ride is definitely an option. My biggest concerns are the new lower unit, yes it was replaced with a new one but that just makes me a little nervous. Other than that, no soft spots.

 

[Bayou Dave]

Have you asked the seller why there is a new lower unit? There may be a realistic reason why he got a new one.

 

[flynavy812]

Have you asked the seller why there is a new lower unit? There may be a realistic reason why he got a new one.

Because the old one gave out. Something about newer parts makes me nervous. For example, if a car has a new head installed it just makes me a little anxious. It might be silly logic, but its there.

 

[mr 88]

The lower unit really has nothing to do with the power plant in this case. To me its not any different than replacing your 300,000 mile engine in a car with a 50,000 one from a totaled junkyard car. That car was totaled and the engine came to a screeching halt but its still a good engine. And if its brand new I would rather have that than a used one. Maybe a fishing line got tore up the shaft seal,letting water in and then it was cooked.

 

[flynavy812]

The lower unit really has nothing to do with the power plant in this case. To me its not any different than replacing your 300,000 mile engine in a car with a 50,000 one from a totaled junkyard car. That car was totaled and the engine came to a screeching halt but its still a good engine. And if its brand new I would rather have that than a used one. Maybe a fishing line got tore up the shaft seal,letting water in and then it was cooked.

Good point. The only thing truly holding me back is logistics. I'm moving to Pensacola in a few weeks and I'm concerned about the drive. Trailer seems to be in good shape, and owner will grease it up again if I buy. I have my sight set on the 1720 but to be honest I see more here in Jacksonville than I do out there, so I'm thinking it's better to buy here.