Used Boat - No Hour Meter - Pitfalls?

[cube21]

Going to look at another boat this weekend. Seems to be just about everything we want. Its a 2001 Ebbtide 21' - no hour meter. Looks fantastic in pictures, but I always worry about the engine...feel like I need to know every detail before I throw down the cash.

Any way to tell, or get some kind of estimate on how much a boats engine has been used. Vinyl can be replaced, new accents can be put on, carpet can be redone, even the engine can be detailed. So...any way to tell how much this engine has been through. Or at least get an idea?
Realistically, it could be anywhere from 50 to 800...

Let me know what you all think.

-CUBE-

 

[capt sam]

Re: Used Boat - No Hour Meter - Pitfalls?

compression test or a bleed down test will let you know the condition of the internals. I wouldn't get crazy obsessed with hours, maintenance is more important.

 

[Summer Fun]

Re: Used Boat - No Hour Meter - Pitfalls?

I wouldn't get crazy obsessed with hours, maintenance is more important.

And do the compression test for sure.

 

[QC]

Re: Used Boat - No Hour Meter - Pitfalls?

I agree with capt sam. I have a 2001 with 400 hours on her and we run the snot out of her. Still only family boating, but most people don't run 100 hours a year. If it looks well taken care of and there is not a lot of wear, then I would not worry at all.

Check the manifolds, that's what could kill her, and make sure no cracked block from freezing, you'll be fine.

 

[lkbum]

Re: Used Boat - No Hour Meter - Pitfalls?

Ask to see his service records... Should have them for once a year service if he takes care of the boat. On the two boats I have bought used (including my current one), I got a good enough deal that I could have replaced the engine and outdrive and still saved big bucks over buying the same boat new.

 

[QC]

Re: Used Boat - No Hour Meter - Pitfalls?

Drive water pump impeller must be replaced when you don't know history, even if you do really . . .

 

[rentprop1]

Re: Used Boat - No Hour Meter - Pitfalls?

I bought a used rental pontoon with 1500 hours, only reason the hours don't bother me, they had a complete maint log with the boat and a printed one from the computer ( rental log ) that almost matched exactly.......

 

[Silvertip]

Re: Used Boat - No Hour Meter - Pitfalls?

I would not get overly trustful of an hour meter. They are nothing more than a 12 volt powered clock meaning they operate any time the key is in the RUN position -- engine running or not. It is also possible that an unscrupulous seller would replace the hour meter (about $30), hook it to a battery and let it run until it showed whatever number of hours he wanted or simply disconnect it. Hull condition, interior condition, and receipts tell more about the boat than the hour meter.

 

[45Auto]

Re: Used Boat - No Hour Meter - Pitfalls?

Silvertip has that right. I wouldn't trust an hourmeter as far as I could throw it. My boat had 76 hours on it when I bought it. I immiediatly replaced the stock Crownline instruments with Smartcraft gauges. I suppose I could always put the stock gauges back in it if I went to sell it and it would still have less than 80 hours on it .......

Lots of the newer fuel-injected models store the actual hours in the engine computer, which can be read with a scan tool. But you can still pick up a replacement computer on Ebay fairly cheap and swap it out. Go by condition, receipts, and compression test.

 

[ebry710]

Re: Used Boat - No Hour Meter - Pitfalls?

compression test or a bleed down test will let you know the condition of the internals. I wouldn't get crazy obsessed with hours, maintenance is more important.

Also, look for oil and carbon build up. Find a mechanic and have him look it over. Once you buy it, have the mechanic do a winter service and have him set it up for summer.

This should change all fluid, impellers, plugs, filters and stuff that needed to take over your maintenance schedule.

Engines on pleasure crafts usually do not get the use that a Coast Guard or police boat gets, which usually means they don't get worn out.....just abused. Look for that abuse, it your don't find it then you are are probable in good shape. Remember, even a new boat has problems and boats are in a constant state of wearing out. How far your new used boat is worn out depends on things you will never know.

 

[boat1010]

Re: Used Boat - No Hour Meter - Pitfalls?

I would have to agree that the hour meter doesn't mean a lot. The maintenance record and the overall appearance of the boat tell most. If they didn't take care of the carpet or the appearance of the outside of the boat then chances are they didn't take care of the motor. Ask them what they did to winterize the boat. Did they change the oil every season?? Grease the Gimbel bearing? I just think you can tell more about the boat by looking at the whole picture than looking at an hour meter that can be changed in 5 min. It isn't like a speedometer on a car that is regulated a little.

 

[ebry710]

Re: Used Boat - No Hour Meter - Pitfalls?

I would have to agree that the hour meter doesn't mean a lot. The maintenance record and the overall appearance of the boat tell most. If they didn't take care of the carpet or the appearance of the outside of the boat then chances are they didn't take care of the motor. Ask them what they did to winterize the boat. Did they change the oil every season?? Grease the Gimbel bearing? I just think you can tell more about the boat by looking at the whole picture than looking at an hour meter that can be changed in 5 min. It isn't like a speedometer on a car that is regulated a little.

Look for anything, but take your time and keep probing the owner. Ask for past events/stories.