What Should I Look For?

[avpaulb]

Hey all...

I'm looking to upgrade into a bigger boat with an inboard. Never had an inboard before (had a couple outboards), and since most of the used boats around me seem to be Mercruiser powered, I thought I'd post this here....

My primary concern with this purchase would be the mechanical side of things. That being said, what should I look for or look to avoid with this potential upgrade? Any tests I should run? Etc. General advice?

 

[Silvertip]

Re: What Should I Look For?

So let's get terminology correct to start with. An INBOARD uses a "V-drive" setup. An I/O has the engine inside the boat with the drive system (sort of like the bottom half of an outboard) outside the boat. So which do are you considering?

I'm sure you at least lift the hood when you buy a car to listen to the engine so you would logically do the same with a boat since the engine has its roots in the automotive world. Oil pressure ok, temperature ok, quick to start, smooth runner, clean oil, and no leaks. Electrical system charging? Look at the voltmeter!!! Trim system work? Walk around the boat to check for spongy floor. If the floor is rotten there is a high likelyhood the stringers are rotten as well. Transom solid? If the floor and stringers are shot it is very possible the transom is rotten too. Do all accessories work. What do the furnishings look like. Anything that needs repair costs money -- and usually lots of it if you don't do this work yourself. If you are unsure of your abilities, hire a marine surveyor to analyze the boat for you. It may be the best money you ever spent. Title: Make sure the one the owner has has hisher name on it. Trailer Title: Same as the boat regarding names. No title, be prepared for a legal battle that may be a costly one. Lastly -- all I can say is THINK!

 

[Don S]

Re: What Should I Look For?

NEVER believe anything the seller tells you. Verify.
The only thing he wants to do is make your money his, and they will say anything they think will help sell the boat,
Can't remember the number of times people post here that the seller said it just needed a tuneup and it would run fine. Only to find out it needed a new engine or drive.

Avoid OMC, they have been out of business since 98, same with Yamaha IO's, was only here for a couple of years and left US with IO's in 91
Since you are new to IO's and Inboards, when you do find something you like, ask here before buying.

Always take the boat on a test run on the water. To many things don't show up when running on muffs.

 

[Bondo]

Re: What Should I Look For?

Ayuh,.... 'n Don't buy a Mercruiser 470.....

Matter of fact, buy a Chevy based motor, Merc or Volvo....

 

[achris]

Re: What Should I Look For?

Hey all...

I'm looking to upgrade into a bigger boat with an inboard. Never had an inboard before (had a couple outboards), and since most of the used boats around me seem to be Mercruiser powered, I thought I'd post this here....

My primary concern with this purchase would be the mechanical side of things. That being said, what should I look for or look to avoid with this potential upgrade? Any tests I should run? Etc. General advice?

First mistake... Your primary concern should be the hull.

EVERYTHING else is changeable/repairable, but if you start off with a bad hull it only goes downhill from there. By all means have the engine/s checked, but if they show up bad, all it gives you is a negotiating tool. In fact plenty of people go out looking for good hulls with bad engines, buy them for way under hull value, repair/replace the engine and sell on for a HUGE profit....

Chris........

 

[sasto]

Re: What Should I Look For?

So let's get terminology correct to start with. An INBOARD uses a "V-drive" setup.!

Very good info here. I don't see too many "V-drives" on an inboard though. Normally straight drive grear box.


Good Luck!

 

[achris]

Re: What Should I Look For?

Very good info here. I don't see too many "V-drives" on an inboard though. Normally straight drive gear box.

Good Luck!

Mainly see V-drives on inboard ski boats....

 

[avpaulb]

Re: What Should I Look For?

terminology correction: an i/o.

the main interest is overall functionality. having the capability of pullling/etc is a plus. and i fish in big water. so having a slightly bigger , more capable vessel is a plus. i`m thinking something in the v6 realm would suit my needs just fine. bit of power as well as functional.

intimately familiar with the mech aspects of car motors, especially of the older chev/ford variety. but a boat and car are two different things mechanically. similar but not.

guess i`ll stick with the tried and true: test drive and a mechanic visit.?

pardon the grammar.... typing from a phone.


been there done that structurally.

 

[sasto]

Re: What Should I Look For?

Mainly see V-drives on inboard ski boats....

Thanks for straightening me out, achris. I guess since I haven't been on a modern ski boat in awhile, I wouldn't have known.