Test driving used boat, have some misc questions..

TheSlash · May 12, 2006

Hello guys, Long time lurker, first time poster. I have gone threw the search the best I can and had some left over questions... I am looking at a 1992 Glastron 1900. I think its the ssx or something. It has the 4.3 merc. 19' inboard/outboard. 1. I was wondering what HP that Merc would be, I see them ranging from 190-220 or so. 2. During the test drive should I expect to break 50mph with this boat/motor combo? 3.I also want a mechanic to look at it, but how do I go about getting a marine mechanic? That doesn't work at the marina I am buying it from? 4. What cost am I looking at average for a mechanic inspection and compression test? 5. Does the marina do a compression test? Or wil lthe mechanic? The boat is super clean, inside and out, nice trailer etc.. 1 old guy owner who just traded in on a pontoon. In the tank it ran great. I have bickered them down to only 4k. Mainly because there are 2 soft spots on the floor and I know in a season or 2 I will have to have the floor replaced. 6. How big of an issue is the floor? The soft spots are right back in front of the motor, and between the driver and pass seats by the floor storage place. 7. What kinda of annual costs am I looking at with a larger inboard outboard? Winterizing is 200, I am assuming un-winterizing is close to that? Oil changes? etc.. I've only had an outboard. That's all I can think of now.... I am so nervous to go to an inboard/outboard after having a super reliable 1970 60 hp evinrude outboard. Thanks in advance! I will be around.. waiting for the weather to break for a test drive.. I have that list of what to check for printed out I will take too.

blouderback · May 12, 2006

Re: Test driving used boat, have some misc questions..

1. HP is 190 if it's carb'd, 220 if it's fuel injected. 2. Need more info. What's the wieght of the boat? What's the prop pitch? What's the drive gear ratio? Given the last 3 items, you can calculate "theoretical" top speed here: Theoretical Speed Calculator 3/4/5. I would try to find an indepedent marine mechanic to look at it, or possibly even have an official "survey" done. A marine survey might cost you $300-$500, but it might save you thousands in the long run. The cheap way would be to get a regular auto mechanic to do a compression test for a few bucks. If the selling dealer does the compression test for you, you should at least be present to view the actual results. Each cylinder should be within 5-10 lbs of each other. 6. Soft spots are a concern. If you feel them now, they will only get worse. Are you handy? Are you planning on keeping this boat for a long time? Replacing a portion of the floor yourself isn't too hard. 7. Annual costs: You can spend $200-$300 per year on professional winterization, or you can learn to do it yourself for the cost of oil and filters and a few hours. Summerization is easy, just hook up the garden hose, start 'er up and give 'er a good wash/wax and check all the belts, hoses, plugs, wiring, etc. for signs of corrosion, etc. Other costs are general costs of owning a boat, but you already know about that with your old boat. Good luck... -Bob 4.

maxxpower · May 12, 2006

Re: Test driving used boat, have some misc questions..

Personally, I would walk away from that boat! A couple of years ago I bought a boat with a "couple of soft spots". When it came time to pull up the floor I discovered that everything was rotten, stringers, transom, seat bases. Ended up making my money back on the outboard but I was lucky. There is to many good used boats out there to buy a rotten one.

QC · May 12, 2006

Re: Test driving used boat, have some misc questions..

Careful on #1 There were no EFI V6s in 1992 and there were two different carb horsepower ratings then. The 2 barrel versions were around 175 and 4 barrells around 190 (don't recalll exatly as this was also when they statrted rating them at the propshaft as opposed to the flywheel).

tashasdaddy · May 12, 2006

Re: Test driving used boat, have some misc questions..

slash read the post a couple of places down, fish & ski ob/io. glasstron are noted for bad floors. go back to the outboard. far less maint. cost on the engine.

TheSlash · May 12, 2006

Re: Test driving used boat, have some misc questions..

So I should find out if it's 2 barrel or 4 barrel. Was hoping it was EFI I guess. Interesting comment on the floor, I wasn't sure how much would be involved... The seats are the plastic base ones, those are in great shape, but didn't know about what would be under the floor... I just had a guy do the floor in my 1966 Hydrodyne and it wasn't to costly, about 400, but much simpler. Still doesnt look great but its sturdy. Nervous now about the floor. mmmm Having trouble finding boats around here in the 4-6k range. I know this boat was on the lot at 5800, but they wanted my 60 horse so offered it to me for 4000 plus the motor trade in. I signed papers and left a deposit, but it is contingent on a test drive. They decided they didn't want the motor because it was electric shift, but couldn't up the price on me for some reason. So 4k plus taxes etc.. 4500 out the door. It seems like the floor could make it a couple seasons, then I could resell and buy something better mmmm. What kind of cost could I endure on the floor?

QC · May 12, 2006

Re: Test driving used boat, have some misc questions..

Check out floor questions here: Restoration Section

bluewater19 · May 12, 2006

Re: Test driving used boat, have some misc questions..

My 1991 blue water with the merccruiser 4.3L was rated at 175 hp at the flywheel with a 2bbl. with the 4bbl the rating was 205hp at the flywheel. That is about 160hp at the prop with the 2bbl and around 185hp for the 4bbl. I would run from anyboat with a soft floor. But I like boating more than I like fixing. Good luck

rickdb1boat · May 12, 2006

Re: Test driving used boat, have some misc questions..

The soft spots are right back in front of the motor, and between the driver and pass seats by the floor storage place.

That would concern me greatly. That is not the area you want soft spots. What about the transom? Has that been checked? This also concerns me:

They decided they didn't want the motor because it was electric shift, but couldn't up the price on me for some reason.

One would have to ask what that reason is......

TheSlash · May 12, 2006

Re: Test driving used boat, have some misc questions..

They decided they didn't want the motor because it was electric shift, but couldn't up the price on me for some reason.

One would have to ask what that reason is.....

I mean't they didn't re-up the price of the boat. Still offering it to me for 4k. But I think I am pretty much talked out of this boat. I don't want to go through another floor project, especially one so much more involved then my little 15 foot hydrodyne. Thanks guys! I am sure you saved me some major headaches.

ZR8RIDER · May 12, 2006

Re: Test driving used boat, have some misc questions..

I paid 5000 for a 96 Sea Ray in mint condition with a 4.3 Merc. Keep looking!

TheSlash · May 16, 2006

Re: Test driving used boat, have some misc questions..

I did decide to shop around, I found a beautiful little 1992 Larson 170 all american 17' with the 4.3 merc in it. Wonderful shape, solid floor, 2 custom covers etc.. $5500, no hour meter. I have a feeling it sat in the water during the summers, but the thing still looks new. The pics are a tad dusty, but you can see it at http://www.pcion.com and click on boat on the left.. Going for a test ride today, really wish I was more mechanically inclined =( Not too sure what to look for other then a smooth runner. Don't know what to look for in the regards to fluids, motor condition etc..

rickdb1boat · May 16, 2006

Re: Test driving used boat, have some misc questions..

Now that's more like it!! Nice boat!!! Larson is a good boat.....

Ask for service records...

TheSlash · May 16, 2006

Re: Test driving used boat, have some misc questions..

Good to hear something positive about this one =) I am definitely in love with this one, and have dropped the other out of my head. I just hope it runs good at the sea test today.

tommays · May 16, 2006

Re: Test driving used boat, have some misc questions..

Its a clean looking boat

if nothing else it looks like it was stored correctly tommays

TheSlash · May 16, 2006

Re: Test driving used boat, have some misc questions..

Any idea on what horsepower that 1992 4.3 merc would put out? Its not EFI, TPI or anything, regular old carb I believe. Seeing 155-210 or so on different sites...

tashasdaddy · May 17, 2006

Re: Test driving used boat, have some misc questions..

blue water has it right on with the horse power. this boat should give you real good service. keep it covered even if stored inside. find out the last time the out drive was serviced. and this is the major part of keeping an i/o alive. buying an i/o you are buying much more maintance than an outboard. you have 2 major items to maintain, the engine, the outdrive with all the bellows. get the service manuals, for the engine and outdrive. if it's by owner ask if he has the manuals to go with the boat.

Dave Abrahamson · May 17, 2006

Re: Test driving used boat, have some misc questions..

Should probably double up on those hose clamps on the plumbing also, shouldn't he? I am certainly no expert and I have never owned a i/o...but I did stay at a Holiday Inn Express last night.

TheSlash · May 18, 2006

Re: Test driving used boat, have some misc questions..

Thanks for all the advice guys, I purchased the Larson 17' with the 4.3 merc. Not sure if its 2 barrel or 4 barrel, but it hits 60mph on speedo at least. Feels very peppy, sounded great. Got the entire owners pack with it too. Going to try to get it out and really run her tonight if the rain stays away. Any quick way to check for 2bbl or 4bbl? Also any easy ways to add HP like an auto motor? Not sure how many differences there are.. Thanks again! loving my choice you guys helped me make.

rickdb1boat · May 18, 2006

Re: Test driving used boat, have some misc questions..

4-barrel:

2-Barrel:

Test driving used boat, have some misc questions..

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