To buy or not to buy a boat without first testing it?

[bass buster]

I'm new to boating, looking to buy my first fishing boat.
It seems that most smaller boats for sale in my area aren't in the water.

Is it wise to buy a boat without trying it out on a lake first? I know this might not always be practical.

More specifically, I looked at a 16' Sylvan with a 1990 Merc 40 horse. The motor hasn't been fired up in 2 years, the seller tells me. I'm going back tomorrow with a battery to fire it up. My question....should I use muffs and a hose to test it, or is it better to submerge the lower unit in a tub of water and test it that way? Since it hasn't been run in a long time, how long should I run it to make sure all is ok? Would this motor need a new impeller?

Thanks for any tips or suggestions! I need them! :redface:
Great forum here, lots of good info that I am still checking out!

 

[kenmyfam]

Re: To buy or not to buy a boat without first testing it?

I'm new to boating, looking to buy my first fishing boat.
It seems that most smaller boats for sale in my area aren't in the water.

Is it wise to buy a boat without trying it out on a lake first? I know this might not always be practical.

More specifically, I looked at a 16' Sylvan with a 1990 Merc 40 horse. The motor hasn't been fired up in 2 years, the seller tells me. I'm going back tomorrow with a battery to fire it up. My question....should I use muffs and a hose to test it, or is it better to submerge the lower unit in a tub of water and test it that way? Since it hasn't been run in a long time, how long should I run it to make sure all is ok? Would this motor need a new impeller?

Thanks for any tips or suggestions! I need them! :redface:
Great forum here, lots of good info that I am still checking out!

You have possibly the best of both worlds available. You can do a good visual check on the boat out of the water and then if you are still interested get a test run on the water. While in there you can check out the performance of the motor and check it is cooling properly. Then base your decision on both tests / inspections.
Yes it is always wise to change the impeller if the age and condition of it is unknown.

 

[studlymandingo]

Re: To buy or not to buy a boat without first testing it?

Without a doubt, the impeller needs to be changed.

Running it on muffs is fine to start and idle the motor, beyond that you will need exhaust back-pressure to go with higher RPMs.

If you determine the motor runs satisfactorily, then a water test may be in order.

What are you looking for in a boat? Do you want to troll around and fish in a lake or inshore, or do you want to venture into deeper water? Do you want to take friends or family out for some tubing or skiing?

The intended use for your boat should be the ultimate determining factor in your purchase.​

 

[bass buster]

Re: To buy or not to buy a boat without first testing it?

Thanks for the replies!
I intend to use the boat for fishing. I have tossed around the idea of a fish/ski bowrider, but my family is more into fishing.

This boat is a deep V, aluminum, that includes a trolling motor, livewell, rod lockers, lots of storage, 2 anchors, pfd's, etc. The seller is the original owner of this 1988 Sylvan. Asking price is $1400.

from what i gather, changing the impeller is not too hard? I'm very mechanically inclined! I used to work on cars for a living.

I guess i would need a merc manual. Where could i get one, for a 1990 model?
Thanks!

 

[roscoe]

Re: To buy or not to buy a boat without first testing it?

Hi bass buster, welcome to iboats.

You can get a factory manual, or a Clymer repair manual, on the net, on ebay, or maybe even at the library if you are in a decent sized town.
Make sure you verify the motor model year on the id tag or the serial number before you buy the manual, because the motors changed in 1989 or 1990.

Ideally, you would want to start her up with fresh fuel, let her warm up, check for water flow, and then taker her for a spin.
Then do a compression test.
Crack the gearlube drain screw and drain out a 1/2 ounce of lube, looking for water, a milky color, or metal shavings.

If everything checks out ok, that is a pretty decent price, about $500 less than I would expect to pay in the month of May.

Also, check out this thread, and join us if you are interested.
http://forums.iboats.com/showthread.php?t=183975

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: To buy or not to buy a boat without first testing it?

definately watch the pee stream, no pee no cooling. find out why it hasn't been used in two years. look for discolored or burnt paint on the block. beat up prop and lower may be sign of abuse.

 

[Pony]

Re: To buy or not to buy a boat without first testing it?

I agree with Roscoe on the price. I paid $1400 for my 14fter with a 25hp in the middle of July. I still feel that I got mine for a song. A few local Marinas had similar set-ups that were older and in not as good a shape for $2500. FWIW I bought an 87' boat and an 88' motor. If the rig you are looking at is in fair cosmetic shape and the motor is good, that $1400 would be a steal. Especially in WI where boat prices are pretty high.

I would take a look at the trailer too. I was lucky and mine came with a galvanized one and had new tires, lights, and bearings. If the trailer needs a ton of work it would probably cause me to look even harder at that boat. I tend to think it is a reflection of how the rig as a whole was maintained.

Here is mine:

 

[Silvertip]

Re: To buy or not to buy a boat without first testing it?

Let's put this in perspective. Would you, without driving it, buy a car that outwardly looks like it never left the garage? While it may appear perfect, the vehicle may have no brakes, the engine may run rough even though it idled well, the tranny may be out or shifting poorly, etc. Yes, one can tell a great deal about a boat by appearance. But the true test is an on water test. If the owner balks, cut the price as something is amiss. If it's not been run in two years, plan on spending either money or time to get it running properly. Carb rebulld, impeller, and thermostat replacement are essential. Trailer condition can be determined with thorough once over with emphasis on tires, frame, rust, grease streaks on back side of the wheels, lights (broken lens, dangling wires, etc).

 

[bass buster]

Re: To buy or not to buy a boat without first testing it?

Thanks so much for all the answers everyone! Much appreciated!

Well, this boat I was considering has been sold. I guess Roscoe was right, this boat was a steal for $1400. I can't believe it sold so quickly, since the seller did not have a battery to even start the engine. I was there at 6pm last night, called back today at 2pm, and it was sold.

Oh well, the search continues.
BTW Roscoe, I may be able to join you all for the get together. Thanks for the link and the invite.