Boat left out in the rain

[Kaykatz]

I,m thinking about buying a 1986 16' Bayliner bass boat. The owner has left it outside, uncovered for the past 3 months with the drain plug out of it. Should I be concerned about rain/water damage?

 

[JimS123]

Yes

 

[steelespike]

Chances are it may have been left out even more. Carefully check the floor and transom for soft spots weakness.
Check that the bottom is straight no distortions.

 

[rallyart]

steelespike is right, it's probably been left out more than once. At that age there are lots of places where there might be problems.
On the other had it is a boat and designed for water. Many sit on buoys or at marinas uncovered for months, or are used uncovered daily for months.

 

[Kaykatz]

Apparently he had it covered but the cover got torn a few months ago. He says he still has the torn cover. Also said the deck was replaced about 5-6yrs ago.

 

[Grub54891]

Replaced the deck.....they rot from the bottom up. So the deck is solid,but not the structure/stringers/foam/transom......

 

[Kaykatz]

Thanks all, I guess I should pass on this one.

 

[thumpar]

Good idea. I would bet it is not the first time it was left out in the weather.

 

[southkogs]

Good idea. I would bet it is not the first time it was left out in the weather.

... which is probably why it needed the deck replaced

 

[JASinIL2006]

I looked at so many boat that had "been covered until a month or two ago, when the cover ripped". Amazing how many boats had soft floors and rotting bulkheads from only a month or two in the elements...

 

[dingbat]

. Amazing how many boats had soft floors and rotting bulkheads from only a month or two in the elements...

As noted above, literally thousands of slipped boats sit for months at a time uncovered and are none the worst for it. Goes to show just how many boats are built using shoddy, substandard construction processes.