Should I buy this boat

[Raser]

I'm going to take a 1987 Bayliner Capri 1400 with a Force 50 for a drive tomorrow. My concern is the Force engine. A visual inspection shows that the engine looks to be taken care of. It's clean and no marks on the prop. <br /><br />I'm going to run it then do all the checks like looking for water in the lower unit and then a compression check. Does anyone know how many pounds of compression I should expect. On other posts I've read ranges from 100 to 150. On a car I seem to recall if you have less than 100 you should walk away.<br /><br />I suppose I can use the same compression guage I use on my car. I also suppose I can easily hook up a vaccum guage and drive the boat with it on.<br /><br />Just looking for any ideas so I don't make a bad decision. I'm thinking I can pick this boat up for $800-$1000. It will need a new bimini top and new upholstery on the seats and the bowrider cushions.<br /><br />Thanks for any advice.

 

[roscoe]

Re: Should I buy this boat

Anything over 100 is runable, would like to see closer to 120.<br /><br />From other posts here(and a co-worker), the 14 capri with a 50 Force is a bit underpowered. I have read several complaints of this. Also, check out the integrity of the transom, floor, and underfloor stringers, they are real prone to rotting out.<br /><br />Make your test drive like the boat will be used. Simulate the weight of your gear, gas, coolers, and passengers, by taking 3 or 4 people with you on the test drive.<br /><br />And the appearance of an engine tells you nothing about how it was taken care of.<br /><br />One more thing, the tilt and trim units can be a real pain to repair/replace.

 

[TG]

Re: Should I buy this boat

Raser I agree run the boat like you would on a regular Saturday afternoon, wife, kids, etc.<br />Check the trim/tilt raise the motor full up and let it sit for awhile {like you beached the boat}. Check to see if the engine starts to lower back down{bleeds off}. Good luck.