[harper]

Can any one come up with a list of questions that I should ask when looking at used boats? In addition to a list of questions, how do you tell if the engine's been winterized properly? What other things are important to be observant about? How do you assess the trailer?
Thanks everyone.

[Mischief Managed]

here's a site I found woith google:

http://waterski.about.com/od/boats/a/buyused_boat.htm

Honestly though, if you do not have the ability to check things yourself, you would be wise to hire a reputable marine surveyor to look at everything about the boat (except the engine and drive) and factory-trained master mechanic to look at the engine and drive. It's not as expensive as it sounds and will give you great peace of mind.

Whatcha lookin' to buy?

[harper]

1990 Regal 19 foot, V6, 4.3 litre Mercruiser, trailer, sport interior, comfortable bench. That's all I know. $10,000 Canadian dollars or about $8,500 US dollars. That's all I know for now. I will be able to test drive it but that means nothing to the uninitiated. I will have to get a mechanic. I don't know whether it's sterndrive or I/O and from reading some of the threads, everyone seems to like I/O for ease of repair, accessibility, less damage when you hit something, less costly to fix, less hassle to replace temporarily, etc.

[Mischief Managed]

Stern drive and I/O are the same thing and that is what it is. A mechanic will be able to go through the all the mechanical parts for ya, and Merc mechaincs are easy to find. You'll want to inspect the trailer too. New brakes, tires and bearings are not free so if it needs them, perhaps you can use that as a bargaining chip.

If you can find a surveyor, go for it. If not, I'd be most concerned with rotted stringers, floor and transom. The stringers and transom are encapsulated in fiberglass, but if there were any mistakes in manufacturing or improperly sealed holes, water can get inside and make a mess of the plywood. Bring a small mallet and tap on the transom all over the place. It should sound solid everywhere. The stringers are under the floor and may take some crawling around with a flashlight and mirror to inspect. The floor should feel springy but not spongy. Look in the bilge for bits of rotted plywood and feel under the foor for loose wood anywhere you can.

You will have more responses if you post in the general boating forum here, rather than in the brand specific area.

I also highly recommend boatingabc.com.