Recommisioning a boat after 5 years of sitting

[Fireman431]

Re: Recommisioning a boat after 5 years of sitting

It can't all be negative. After checking the transom & floor, focus on the outdrive. If the engine was indeed fogged/winterized, there shouldn't really be much corrosion internally, depending on how good of a job they did and how much fogging oil was used.

The impeller will need to be replaced prior to the initial firing. But after that, I would feed the carb from a can of gas (or spray lubricated starting fluid) just to see if it lights for a second or two. I really wouldn't run it any longer than that as it's only a test fire. Then you can get into rebuilding the carb & other tune-up items.

Look on the positive side. You might have just found the deal of the year. I bought a 21' Trophy that was sitting for 4 years. 122 hours on the engine and it turned out to be one of the best boats I've even owned.

 

[25thmustang]

Re: Recommisioning a boat after 5 years of sitting

The boat in my signature was sitting for 5 years covered prior to my purchase. I have had to do some maintenance items, and will be having the carbs gone over this season.

A big one that happened, was the gaskets "dried up" a bit, and I had to replace a few, and let a few swell. Had some leaks once the motors were run that needed to be taken care of. Things like steering, throttles, etc may need lubrication. Make sure to get the old gas out (mine was supposed to be empty, but in the end had a good 150 gallons in it). I had to burn through old gas, and the boat ran much better once another tank was added.

I wouldn't count the boat out, but it will need to be at a reduced price.

 

[Silverbullet555]

Re: Recommisioning a boat after 5 years of sitting

Plan on replacing anything rubber throughout the boat. Hoses, belts, tires, seals, etcs. Lack of use is hard on a boat. Assume the worst and get lucky. Don't assume the same as a boat of the same vintage that has been used every year. If it has been used every year oil has been run through the engine, belts have been used, tires and bearings checked, etc.