Purchasing Boat in Winter

[TestEngr]

I'm interested in buying a used boat for the spring, but I'm not sure how to go about it when it's 20 deg outside and snow on the ground. Ultimately, I'd like to put it in the water first, but that's impossible this time of year. I'd settle to hear the engine run, but it's winterized and in storage. It's a 2006 Sea Ray, so it's not an old boat. Do I take the seller's word that the engine runs? Any advise on how to handle this would be much appreciated. Thanks!

 

[LIVE WIRE]

Re: Purchasing Boat in Winter

I would not take the owners word . I would hire a reputal boat surveyor . Most good guys would have access to a marina's heated shop . He can run the motor thru some muffs and hook up to the ECM and do a whole diagnostic test on the motor and operating systems . It shouldnt be a big deal to wrap it back up when the survey is complete . Or you can give him a thrid party retainer to hold upon a surveyors inspection in the spring .

 

[arks]

Re: Purchasing Boat in Winter

Absolutely NOT. Would you ever buy a used car without starting the engine?
I agree with a professional survey. It will validate the value of the boat and can be an excellent negotiation tool. Most insurance companies will require a survey anyway.
Some options:
-do the sea trial and re-winterize. A motivated seller will do it.
-make an offer contingent on a satisfactory sea trial by a certain date.
-offer a price so low that you'd feel comfortable if the engine is toast and needs to be replaced. I know it sounds ridiculous, but that's EXACTLY how I bought a boat 3 months ago. All depends on how motivated the seller is to let go.

 

[Bob_VT]

Re: Purchasing Boat in Winter

Welcome to iboats.

Well it's a gamble! I would go the extra and check (Have checked by a mechanic) compression and the manifolds. Offer the current owner a deal. If it does not pass the mechanics checks because of a fault..... you say see you later.......... if it does pass the checks and you do not want the boat then offer to have it re-winterized.

You are in-between a rock and a hard spot. Will the seller give you a guaranty in writing and cover repairs if it is bad and you take his word on it?

People who sell in the winter either have to make compromises or do everything the right way to sell in the off season. If the owner is not willing then I would walk away.

I would not take the seller's word but will take a written paper. Protect your wallet.

 

[LIVE WIRE]

Re: Purchasing Boat in Winter

I would not take the owners word . I would hire a reputal boat surveyor . Most good guys would have access to a marina's heated shop . He can run the motor thru some muffs and hook up to the ECM and do a whole diagnostic test on the motor and operating systems . It shouldnt be a big deal to wrap it back up when the survey is complete . Or you can give him a thrid party retainer to hold upon a surveyors inspection in the spring .

Just as an after thought to my post ... request a complete diagnostic check of all fluids from a testing lab from your surveyor providing the oils weren't just changed prior to winterizing .

 

[bear_69cuda]

Re: Purchasing Boat in Winter

I just boat a used boat last month. I hired a SAMS accredited surveyor. http://www.marinesurvey.org/ Best money I've ever spent. Great peace of mind knowing the boat checks out. I would as mentioned above take to a marina get it in a heated space, and along with the survey, run the engine.

 

[pmillar]

Re: Purchasing Boat in Winter

You could always make an offer based on a non-running engine. Of course the seller may not be too thrilled but there's no harm. I purchased my boat in the winter... with a cooked outboard as a known issue and priced accordingly.

 

[DuckHunterJon]

Re: Purchasing Boat in Winter

Most repair shops are slow this time of year and would be happy to bring it in to the heated shop, check it out, run it, and re winterize it. If you are just window shopping, you wouldn't do this - but if you are serious about it, it's money well spent.