Thinking about buying a boat

[acke61]

I saw a 1989 Citation near me for sale...he is asking 1900$ its a 19 foot open bow. has sort of like a bimini cover that just covers from the windshield to the back of the front seats. It has a 2.3 liter ford engine with an OMC outdrive. seems to have plenty of room and whatnot.

Anything i should look for? any comments about the 2.3 liter? is it enough power for the boat?

how much would a full boat cover cost me as i would probably want to get one...

any tips or comments would be greatly appreciated

 

[jbjennings]

Re: Thinking about buying a boat

Don't buy it. OMC outdrives are no good and you can't get parts. or so I hear anyway. I personally bought an inboard/outboard that was an '88 model and was glad to get rid of it at a small loss. I wouldn't recommend getting a stern drive boat that was very old. Of course, this is just my opinion.
Go for an outboard if you're going to buy something pretty old and try to get a good deal. Much cheaper to fix and find parts for. I've never bought a used boat motor that didn't need at least a little work, and I've bought quite a few.
Good luck,
JBJ

 

[xxxflhrci]

Re: Thinking about buying a boat

While I agree on not getting an OMC, I don't agree on skipping an I/O altogether. Mercruisers are tough. I've had zero problems with my 1985 I/O.

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: Thinking about buying a boat

run, run as fast as you can away from it. it is at the age that rot can be a problem, plus the OMC drive. 2 big negatives.

Buying a boat

1st you need to decide what you want to use it for, fishing, cruising, or water sports.

2nd how many people adults, children you want on board of the average outing.

3rd outboard, inboard-outboard, or inboard power plant.

4th Budget, what you want to pay, and what you are willing to pay, when you find
Exactly what you want.

You can hire a marine surveyor, to inspect the boat, or you can do it yourself.

You are mainly looking for soft spots in the deck, transom, cracks, all signs of a rotten, under frame. You walk all over the deck, that a mallot, or hammer with wooden handle, using handle, tap all over the transom, a shape rap is good solid base, a thud, is questionable base.

The motor should be clean, no spots where the paint is discolored, or pealing from heat, having run hot. (This part for outboard motors Compression should be atleast 100psi, and within 10% of each other,)
Spark on all cylinders, good pee stream, check lower unit for water in oil.

The overall condition of the boat will tell you a lot, as to how it has been maintained.
boat motor combo, A 30 year old may be in better condition, than a 3 year old.