Re: 1995 5.8 Volvo/Penta
That wasn't MY quote, but for me it would be because some of us have had enough experience buying used boats that did NOT appear to need almost 2k in work out of the box and ended up dumping that and then some into what seemed like meticulously cared for machines.
For instance I bought bought my present boat which actually cleared two surveys two years apart. The boat had little use for a couple seasons from the previous owner. Prior to that the engine was rebuilt. Thought I was getting a great deal. Because of lack of USE I ended up replacing almost everything on the boat that required a motor or pump. Needed and entirely new waste system etc. Replaced bilge pumps, washdown, fresh water pumps, hot water heater on and on. And this was all coming from a running start. Dropped almost 1500.00 alone on new mans and risers. Everything worked and passed tests, but failed within the first year after I got it.
So no, I wouldn't buy a boat which I already know has maintenance problems.
Thanks for the help guys, I am thinking about having a mechanic do all of this since I don't have some of these tools yet.
I think this is a good idea. Get a marine mechanic though, and not a buddy who wants you to own a boat. You need someone objective down in there. You still need someone to check the transom and the stringers. A marine mechanic might at least give you an idea. A car mechanic not familiar with boats isn't a whole lot better than a used cay guy selling boats.
I was planning on asking if it was kept in water, what maint was done and things of that nature.
You want to know if it was stored in fresh or salt water. In fresh water you have fewer concerns about engine/manifold rust and electrical connections, but you have serious concerns about transom and stringer rot if they are wet. The opposite in saltwater. Remember, Salt rots metal, fresh rots wood.
As for asking the guy what he did for maint, you can ask, but I'm not sure what his word is. If he tells you the oil was changed every month are you going to believe him? The bottom line is this thing has been sitting a while and one of two things has happened. Either is sat long enough that the injectors gummed up and that indicates a lot of other problems to come in other systems, or not maint was preformed prior to layup, they thing started to come off the rails and he shelved the boat and now wants to unload his problems.
If the hull/interior/electronics are all good and we will say I need to spend 1800 on the motor, what would you pay for the boat?
Impossible to say since we have no idea what the boat is. Could be anything from a souped up dinghy to an underpowered 28' cruiser. What are you trying to buy?
