Test drive before you buy

[BMWboatski]

Looking to purchase a new boat in Michigan. First time buyer, for those familiar with the climate here right now, all lakes are frozen solid.

How do you reccommend I go about purchasing a pre-owned deck boat with prices being at there best right now, but not being able to test drive??

Should I wait til March/April or are there other things I can do to make sure I don't by a Piece of SH**.

Thanks

 

[oops!]

Re: Test drive before you buy

tricky......

one possible solution is to give the owner a small non refundable deposit till water tryal.......(i doubt if he will accept that......but u dont know till you ask)

even if you get a marine survey......in a frozen area......checking the motor and motor systems will be iffy at best. (unless its an out board)

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: Test drive before you buy

that is a chance you take. you can run of muffs, but many motors run great on muffs, and like pooh, when you put a load on them.

BUYING A USED MOTOR

overall condition, condition of the place you are buying it from, usually tells you how they care for things. compression 100 + psi, and within 10% of each other, good strong blue spark, no water in the lower unit oil. look for discolored paint, (sign of over heat at
one time, also scarred up bolts, as why. have them start it. if they fail to put it in a barrell or tank, or on muffs, or in the water, to start it they don't know what they are doing. best yet is to take it for a 30 min to 1 hour test run. also if remote controlled motor, the controls should come with it.

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: Test drive before you buy

closed see his other post. http://forums.iboats.com/showthread.php?t=289645