Should I get this boat??? Buy in couple hours

[1phoneguy]

I plan to trade my GMC 4x4 3/4 ton (value $1500-$1700)for a 1977 Seaswril 120 OMC with GM 4 cyl in good condition.<br />We plan to take on lake in a couple hours for a test.<br />What should I look for when on test.<br />Should I stay away. Seller has had boat for 8 mths. wanted to trade for seadoo.<br />Thanks<br />Rich

 

[CalicoKid]

Re: Should I get this boat??? Buy in couple hours

Look for any rotton wood in the boat. Floor, stringers, transom, seat boxes. All these parts should be very stiff and sound. A boat that rides with a list (lean), vibrates excessively, has trouble with windshield alignment, cracks in the transom or hull fiberglass, or looks as though it's sat in the sun and rain or on the water uncovered likely has rot inside. Also look for anything that is saturated with water (like foam flotation).<br /><br />The engine should start easily and run good at all RPMs. Check the condition of the engine oil and gear oil. There's much more but I'm no I/O guy.<br /><br />Good call on the test ride! BTW if you trade your truck, how ya gonna get the boat home???

 

[AJ168]

Re: Should I get this boat??? Buy in couple hours

Check for cracks in the fiberglass. Have the seller run the engine at higher RPM's for an extended period to make sure that it doesn't overheat. Also, check the condition of the trailer if it has one. If the guy seems to be rough with the boat and not really care for it too well, then there could be problems ahead.

 

[1phoneguy]

Re: Should I get this boat??? Buy in couple hours

Thank You!!<br />BTW I have another truck. :0)<br />Time for a boat ride....

 

[Stratocaster]

Re: Should I get this boat??? Buy in couple hours

Good luck finding OMC parts.

 

[craze1cars]

Re: Should I get this boat??? Buy in couple hours

I may be too late to respond to this, but I'll echo Stratocaster. OMC is a very difficult drive to service and get parts for. Finding a mechanic willing to fix it could be very hard. <br /><br />Appears nobody here has mentioned checking the bellows, etc. Cracked, rotted, or missing bellows are a sign of expensive water in the drive line & possibly rusty splines or bearings.<br /><br />A good way to check for hull and stringer rot is to put a wrench on the lug nuts that mount the engine to the bed of the boat. Try to tighten the bolts a bit. If the nuts turn freely, it's rotted. Run away very fast unless you're willing to do a complete hull restoration. If they turn just a little bit and feel nice and snug, it MAY be solid wood (a good sign).<br /><br />A quick compression test is one of the best (and only) ways to check the motor itself. A smooth runner does not guarantee the rings are not worn, or the block doesn't have a small crack, or a head gasket is seeping. Compression tests can reveal such hidden problems real easy.<br /><br />Condition is everything in old boats like this...you gotta go with your gut AND a very thorough inspection. Don't let a successful watertest put blinders on yourself to the other things.<br /><br />Let us know what you do! Good luck.