Ripped/torn seats come standard on all used boats?

[BERRAKUDA]

So on my boat quest that I have been on, the one thing that I have noticed most is used boat seats are junk. I have been looking at 03-06 and everyone has tears and rips in the seats. Am I to assume this is normal when dealing with seats that kids/people are climbing in and out of? I am ok fixing them if needed I don't expect a boat to be perfect. I just need to know if it is an example of poor ownership or its something that's inevitable.

 

[Another retired guy]

Re: Ripped/torn seats come standard on all used boats?

Hi. I would say it's an example of carelessness and poor maintenance ( my boat was 23 years old when I bought it - original vinyl with not a single tear ). Keep looking - the well maintained boats are out there, but you will pay more for them!

 

[Brian 26]

Re: Ripped/torn seats come standard on all used boats?

Ripped seats are the 2nd best resale killer on a working used boat. The best being saltwater use (in my area anyway).

It's pretty standard on mid to late 90s boats but not very common on the years you're talking about. I'd think about using it as a bargaining chip and then get it fixed by a shop. But as you said it may be a sign of poor ownership.

 

[spdracr39]

Re: Ripped/torn seats come standard on all used boats?

It is 100% poor ownership. Too lazy or to cheap to cover the boat when not in use is the culprit. Perhaps you are looking in a lower price range than is required to get a well maintained boat. Just remember it's not about the year model it's all about the quality of care that was given to it.

 

[Natesms]

Re: Ripped/torn seats come standard on all used boats?

I wouldn't say standard. I have a 92 and 95, both original interiors and no rips anywhere on either boat. Both boats I bought in the last 3 years. Keep shopping, sounds like they maybe didn't cover them.

 

[Maclin]

Re: Ripped/torn seats come standard on all used boats?

Most of the ones for sale are in ripped/torn condition, that is usually one of the reasons they are for sale.

"Boat in good condition, all YOU have to do to the interior is...."

 

[sickwilly]

Re: Ripped/torn seats come standard on all used boats?

If you bought my 2004 boat from me there would be 4 small cracks in the vinyl and it is because we really use the boat a lot, and do lots of water sports. I go above and beyond caring for my boat, but we are the ones in the cove that go tow the kids, tubes, skis, wakeboards, kneeboards, and wet kids in and out of the boat. So, to me, it is a matter of degrees. Are some of the cracks and tears because you can see the boat was used and appreciated, or neglected and sat uncovered?

I would rather have my 10 year old boat with a few cracks, but with the outdrive pulled regularly, alignment checked regularly, impeller changed, oil changed, filters changed, carb cleaned, rotor and cap changed, wires changed, etc than one with perfect vinyls sitting unused and uncared for.

I think you should be able to tell the difference if you take a good look at the hours and the condition of the engine, and ask for details of all the maintenance that has been done.

 

[britisher]

Re: Ripped/torn seats come standard on all used boats?

I am a new boater (2012), so I may not be the most qualified person to comment. But to me the pecking order on a used boat would be hull (including inner structure), engine/drive and lastly interior. If the first are in good order, then use the latter as your bargaining chip for more of the boat. 2 x new helm type seat = $500.00+/-. Then there's the rest of the seats and trim. Figure maybe $300.00 complete DIY or $1000.00+/- having someone do it for you. May even be more with carpet.
The interior is a bit like the kitchen on a house you buy. It usually gets remodeled.

 

[oldjeep]

Re: Ripped/torn seats come standard on all used boats?

Not on mine. The seats in the 2005 that I'm selling are perfect. Torn seats are a good indication of a boat that has not been cared for. If they didn't take care of the stuff that shows, then what are the chances that they took care of the mechanicals.

 

[smokeonthewater]

Re: Ripped/torn seats come standard on all used boats?

the original seats in my 1989 are starting to look tired but NO RIPS anywhere

 

[Fireman431]

Re: Ripped/torn seats come standard on all used boats?

The only good thing about it is if you find the perfect boat in great running condition, you can knock a bunch off the price for the appearance. Support your local upholstery shop and get a brand new interior....your choice of colors and design....for a fraction of the $$$ you saved on the purchase.

 

[BERRAKUDA]

Re: Ripped/torn seats come standard on all used boats?

I am looking at 05-06 Tahoes and have a feeling that they have (in general) crappy interiors by the looks of most that I see. I think if I go that route I would have to get a great price on the boat then have someone REDO the seats as most look like they are beyond saving. I am guessing $1000 for the back seats is a safe estimate???

 

[smokeonthewater]

Re: Ripped/torn seats come standard on all used boats?

as long as the tattered seats don't go hand in hand with a rotten structure and waterlogged foam

 

[dan02gt]

Re: Ripped/torn seats come standard on all used boats?

From what I see the boats that have the worst interiors are the ones that have no way to get in or out of them without stepping on the seats. MY 04 Nitro fish and ski was like that with the rear seats and everyone of them had tears in the seams. My local upholstery shop fixed it right up for $125.00.

 

[britisher]

Re: Ripped/torn seats come standard on all used boats?

Just because the interior looks nice, that's no guarantee that the mechanical's have been cared for. All the glitters is not gold stuff. I have come across cars in the past that have perfect mechanical's, but the body work and interior was so-so. That was just how the owner prioritized things.I am sure there are many boaters who spend more time cleaning and tinkering with their boats, then they do enjoying them. If the hull & structure are sound and the mechanicals are good, then a well looked after interior is the cherry on the top IMHO, but it would not be a deal breaker for me.

 

[Maclin]

Re: Ripped/torn seats come standard on all used boats?

From what I see the boats that have the worst interiors are the ones that have no way to get in or out of them without stepping on the seats. MY 04 Nitro fish and ski was like that with the rear seats and everyone of them had tears in the seams. My local upholstery shop fixed it right up for $125.00.

I Second that...I replaced the seat bottoms on my rear jump seats, and then did engine maintenance and a bunch of other work that had me getting in and out a lot. I have to pivot on the seat bottom with my foot, almost always on the same side, and even on the never-sat-in-namebrand-premium-seat the seam began to tear right on the corner. I took the seat bottom out and have a fake wood plastic seat/step on that one side now, and make sure everybody gets in and out on that side. I have a nearly-color-matching throwable seat cushion stored under it and we put that on when we need the extra seat. I will eventually get the seat bottom repaired, should be a small job, then I have a matching spare for the "good" side if it goes.

I should have done all that maintenance first and THEN put new seats in, but that part of the seat bottoms would have turned on me eventually. With the mandatory enter/exit point I feel like I have given the other new seat a much longer life.

 

[Bayou Dave]

Re: Ripped/torn seats come standard on all used boats?

My 1987 only had 1 two-three inch tear on the top corners of 2 seats when I bought it almost a year ago. A little marine thread and a strong needle took care of them. There are a few small stains that won't come out, but I can't expect perfection from a 26 year old boat.

 

[jkust]

Re: Ripped/torn seats come standard on all used boats?

My big rule is no shoes in the boat. That seems to help. I also store it indoors year round and cover it when it's at the lake on the water. Lackadaisical boat ownership shows up quickly on vinyl.

 

[dan02gt]

Re: Ripped/torn seats come standard on all used boats?

My big rule is no shoes in the boat. That seems to help. I also store it indoors year round and cover it when it's at the lake on the water. Lackadaisical boat ownership shows up quickly on vinyl.

I agree 100%

 

[skipper123]

Re: Ripped/torn seats come standard on all used boats?

Just look at all the new boats that cost $50.000 sitting out in the yard uncovered in the sun and rain. If the boat in question has any wood in it like the floor transome stringers that you cant see as well as the bulkheads I have learned to run. Especially if its over ten yers old and been sitting in the rain the wood is already rotting. That you can count on. Look at the bolts that hold the motor on are they starting to pull into the transome. Shes rotting slow but sure. Check where the inboards bolt down to the stringers is it wet and dark colored with rusted bolts. Shes rotting slow but sure. Look for the guy that has a A title and bought it new and kept it inside its whole life. Check every inch of that floor and transome for soft spots. If its soft she rotting. I learned the hard way a few times before going with a tinney. Grinding glass is not my cup of tea.