Opinions wanted on 1988 boat

[Gyrene]

Considering a 1988 GradyWhite 20' overnighter.
All pics I got look good, except this one:

Concerned about engine mounting below waterline - engine itself has only 150 hours...
Have NOT seen it in person - what should I look for?

 

[Bondo]

Ayuh,..... On a 1988 boat, I'd count on there's rotten wood in there, until Proven otherwise,.....

 

[Gyrene]

Ayuh,..... On a 1988 boat, I'd count on there's rotten wood in there, until Proven otherwise,.....

That was my concern - how do I "prove" one way or another?
I read the Sticky on looking at a used boat, but the sound of a transom is a very subjective thing, and with the motor on, I don't think there would be a hollow sound.
I asked seller - he says transom is fine (for what THAT is worth).

 

[Scott Danforth]

from the sticky at the top of the forum - guidelines on buying a boat
http://forums.iboats.com/forum/gene...eeding-help-buying-a-boat-a-buyer-s-checklist

as far as the transom goes, most likely you will need to drill some core samples.

 

[Gyrene]

from the sticky at the top of the forum - guidelines on buying a boat
http://forums.iboats.com/forum/gene...eeding-help-buying-a-boat-a-buyer-s-checklist

as far as the transom goes, most likely you will need to drill some core samples.

I read the sticky - nothing I saw there about core samples - not sure seller would agree to that, and, frankly, I'd be concerned that doing core samples would introduce possible leaks into the transom.

 

[mjf55]

Does not seem to be in the sticky. Most folks use a 1/4 to 3/8 in drill bit ( or metric equivalent) and drill into the transome or stringer or motor mount maybe 1/2 inch. Check shaving from the wood. If nice and white and dry, then it is ok. If wet or mush , not ok.
When done, fill hole with 5200. It will not leak or cause water intrusion.

Search the forums for more details. Its been discussed many times.

 

[Starcraft5834]

have a realistic view of what condition a 1988 will be in... as Bondo said,,, that year boat was prior to all fiberglass deck construction, so the likelihood that part of the floor is soft, with rotten stringers.. how much, for you to determine.... check engine health, compression check, get service records if avail.. condition, condition, condition.. be prepared to put $ into it.. what's the price of this boat?

 

[Gyrene]

have a realistic view of what condition a 1988 will be in... as Bondo said,,, that year boat was prior to all fiberglass deck construction, so the likelihood that part of the floor is soft, with rotten stringers.. how much, for you to determine.... check engine health, compression check, get service records if avail.. condition, condition, condition.. be prepared to put $ into it.. what's the price of this boat?

$7,700 - Engine is a 2008 w/ only 150 hours. Seems to me engine alone is worth near that much.

 

[ondarvr]

$7,700 - Engine is a 2008 w/ only 150 hours. Seems to me engine alone is worth near that much.

And what engine would that be?

 

[Starcraft5834]

And what engine would that be?

my ? too......... that boat would have to be in darn near perfect condition to justify that price.... IMHO..

 

[mr 88]

Google Grady White transom /stringer/core problems or words to that effect. Grady has had there issues in the 80's and 90's with rotten wood. Maybe the boat has a transducer on it that the owner will let you unscrew. Take a small pick and probe around to see if it feels solid or maybe water drains out of them,not so good. He can recaulk those when the screws are put back in. A deadblow/plastic hammer is good for tapping and just listen for the different pings. Can it be solid ? yes, but the odds aren't that good . After looking at it yourself and deciding if you like the layout etc you could always hire a surveyor for 400-500 bucks and tell him your concerns. They should have a moisture meter along with experience in looking for what has been mentioned in all the above replys.

 

[Gyrene]

And what engine would that be?

in the picture - 2008 150 HP Yamaha 4 stroke 150 hours

 

[Gyrene]

Google Grady White transom /stringer/core problems or words to that effect. Grady has had there issues in the 80's and 90's with rotten wood. Maybe the boat has a transducer on it that the owner will let you unscrew. Take a small pick and probe around to see if it feels solid or maybe water drains out of them,not so good. He can recaulk those when the screws are put back in. A deadblow/plastic hammer is good for tapping and just listen for the different pings. Can it be solid ? yes, but the odds aren't that good . After looking at it yourself and deciding if you like the layout etc you could always hire a surveyor for 400-500 bucks and tell him your concerns. They should have a moisture meter along with experience in looking for what has been mentioned in all the above replys.

Thank you for your thorough reply.
I'll look for a surveyor.

 

[ondarvr]

in the picture - 2008 150 HP Yamaha 4 stroke 150 hours

No pic on my screen. Check for corrosion in the exhaust housing, it was a big issue on early Yamahas.

 

[Starcraft5834]

get an independent assessment by local marine shop... if your seller objects, run the other way fast... your engine can be checked out, the boat assessed.. and dont forget about the trailer.... assuming there is one? you can drop an easy grand on that if faulty.. Im not speaking of wiring,, but breaks, axle, hubs..

 

[mr 88]

www.greatgrady.com You may want to check that site out and search out model and year. From what I saw on google it sounds like a foregone conclusion that something is going to be rotted out, floor/ gas tank / transom were the big 3 that I read about.