thinking of buying this boat

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beboater

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20' thompson2.jpgI'm looking to buy a new to me boat this year and want to know what signs to look for so I don't get burned. here is the listing

20' thompson.jpgBoat - 1989 20 Foot Thompson Carrera 205 Cuddy Cabin.
Engine - 3.7 Litre 165hp Alpha One MerCruiser.
Trailer - EZ Loader.

This is an entire boating package...

All-around boat for cruising, fishing, towing, swimming, sleeping. Included are all necessary items for safe and enjoyable boating: radio, horn, lights, anchor, bumpers, fire extinguisher, cd player, tube, skis, oars, life jackets, ropes, extra removable seats (individual seats for 6 on deck, + 2 couches in cabin), spare parts, ect. Work done since last pulled out of the water two years ago include: outdrive refurbished (new gears, bellows, water pump, impeller, shift cable, u-joint, gimble bearing, ect.) carburator cleaned, oil changed, new starter installed, breakers, gas water seperator lines and filters, new bilge pump and line. It could be sold for more in parts than as a whole. I have all receipts, title, registrations available. Boat comes with matching green behimini top and mooring cover, also has a large swim platform with cleats for towing.

Any thoughts would be appreciated I get to look at the boat this weekend.
 
tpenfield

tpenfield

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Re: thinking of buying this boat

Thompson's are out of business ( I believe). The interior looks nice in the picture.

A boat of that age should be checked for rotten stringers, floors, transom.

Run a compression test of the engine, do a cylinder leak test, if you have the stuff for it.

3.7 may be a bit on the light side for a 20 footer.

Can you go for a ride?

Check the wheels, bearings, brakes on the trailer.

Check your pricing on www.nada.com
 
bruceb58

bruceb58

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Re: thinking of buying this boat

Don't buy that boat because of the engine that is in it. That is the notoriously bad 470 motor. Do some research on here and you will see why.
 
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beboater

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Re: thinking of buying this boat

I don't have the tools are the know how to do a compression test. I'm very familar with chevy small block non marine though. he's asking 3k but NADA says only 2,500. I get nervous about the motor because it sounds as if it hasn't been in the water in 2 years and had some repairs done to it already. Curious how much would a new motor or rebuilt one a larger size.
 
bruceb58

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Re: thinking of buying this boat

It has a 470...DO NOT BUY IT

You will have nothing but headaches with an engine that does not have a real alternator, head gaskets that blow, water pumps that leak into the crankcase...
 
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beboater

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Re: thinking of buying this boat

Okay I won't but if you had 3k to spend and want to get a sea worthy boat that could also take the family for a ride now and then what would you suggest
 
bruceb58

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Re: thinking of buying this boat

Its going to take some looking. The biggest problem with older boats is going to to transom, stringer and floor rot so you need to have someone help you who is knowlegable in being able to see if those things exist.

Also, stay away from anything that says OMC on it or the merc 470 which this boat has.

Its good you are asking these questions now vs coming around here after you buy a dog of a boat and asking how to fix it.
 
LippCJ7

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Re: thinking of buying this boat

We would suggest you keep looking.


Your in a good situation, its not boating season unless your doomed with living in Florida, so keep looking. I know your looking forward to getting the wife and kids out on the water, but if your out on the water getting a tow back to the ramp constantly then who exactly is having fun?

There is a couple sayings in Boating, first is Boat stands for Break Out Another Thousand, another famous saying is that there are two great days in a Boat Owners life, when he purchases a boat and when he sells it. Both of these sayings are directed at YOU, and were trying to keep you Boating not be someone who says those things. This boat is not for you, keep looking and be patient.
 
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beboater

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Re: thinking of buying this boat

LippCJ7 said:
We would suggest you keep looking.


Your in a good situation, its not boating season unless your doomed with living in Florida, so keep looking. I know your looking forward to getting the wife and kids out on the water, but if your out on the water getting a tow back to the ramp constantly then who exactly is having fun?

There is a couple sayings in Boating, first is Boat stands for Break Out Another Thousand, another famous saying is that there are two great days in a Boat Owners life, when he purchases a boat and when he sells it. Both of these sayings are directed at YOU, and were trying to keep you Boating not be someone who says those things. This boat is not for you, keep looking and be patient.
Click to expand...


I really apprecite the responses and I learned a hard leason the first time when I traded my bike for a boston whaler 13' that needed tlc. I think the transom is in need of serious repair and i'm sure the foam is all water logged I might just clean it up and sell it or keep it as a fun little project restore boat.

How about This one

hi i have a 1979 classic by white waters bro comp it is a 21 foot boat it runs, clean needs a windshield nothing else.I just rewired all of the electronics, it has a porto potty, mini fridge and a sink the interior was redone two years ago but never used has trailer just redid the bearings it is a deep v boat has a small block 327 nice and clean i want 1500
 
bruceb58

bruceb58

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Re: thinking of buying this boat

http://boston.craigslist.org/gbs/boa/2811448818.html

It might be a little underpowered but at least it has a Mercruiser and it isn't a 470. I would definitley take it for a test ride with someone who is knowledgable.

Sometimes windshields are tough to find if its a molded glass and/or the frame needs replacing.
 
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beboater

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Re: thinking of buying this boat

I'll take a look at it then but i'll keep looking I've got time I'm just getting cabin fever and want to get out on the water in my own boat instead of waiting for my buddy to take his out
 
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beboater

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Re: thinking of buying this boat

Okay so I am open to suggestions on makes but what I'm looking for is a boat I can take fishing in the ocean on the cape. I also spend time with my wife and kids so I think it would need to have a cutty cabin. I'm not looking to spend more than 4-5k so I know my options are limited to older boats. Are there any older boats that seam to be more reliable in the engine department? Is glass or metal better my friend is dead set on his starcrafts but the ones he has all leak and the pump is kicking on every hr.
 
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beboater

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Re: thinking of buying this boat

1985 SeaRay Seville, 19', cubby cabin with trailer. 170hp inboard/outboard motor.

Interior gutted down to hull, worked back up with new carpets, cubby cabin doors, new swivel seats, interior refreshed. All work done two seasons ago.

Wiring all redone throughout boat. Carburetor rebuilt, oil always changed and motor flushed. New marine grade battery, one season old. New throttle control linkages. Newer radio deck and speakers which sound great. All gages and lights working throughout. Also includes an oar, life preservers, fire extinguisher and anchor.

Also comes with a biminy top, not bent, broken, or ripped (clean).

Boat always stored in a garage.

Minimal use throughout past four seasons.

Runs great, overall in really really great shape.

Price: $2,700.00
 
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beboater

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Re: thinking of buying this boat

Tpenfield didn't even realize you are local. I'm on a mission for stripers this season. It had been over 7 yrs since I've done serious fishing and used to go all the time. I have since moved back to Massachusetts and go the canal as much as possible when I can't get out on my friends boat. I know once I get my wife out on the water shes going to love it as much I do. SO I'm boat searching.
 
tpenfield

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Re: thinking of buying this boat

beboater said:
Tpenfield didn't even realize you are local. I'm on a mission for stripers this season. It had been over 7 yrs since I've done serious fishing and used to go all the time. I have since moved back to Massachusetts and go the canal as much as possible when I can't get out on my friends boat. I know once I get my wife out on the water shes going to love it as much I do. SO I'm boat searching.
Click to expand...

You will definitely want a cuddy with a porta-pottie for the wife. Fishing boats are more typically the center console type, but I suppose anything will work.

Of course this time of year is going to be tough to really look at boats. You will probably have to wait until April at the earliest.

In addition to craigslist, you could check out boats.com for something in the 20 foot range. If your budget is $3K, look for boats up to $5K. and maybe you can make a deal.

If I see anything, I'll send it your way.
 
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