Re: 1994 Chaparral - potential new boat owner?
Here is some advice I would give to anyone buying a boat.<br /><br />*What ever you do dont buy any boat without a test drive. <br />*Make sure the engine is cold and has not been previously warmed up. You will want to see how it cranks and runs after its been sitting for an extended period.<br />*Always check all fluid levels before test drive. <br />*After the test drive ck all fluid levels again for color and consistancy, looking for any water intrusion or fluid level changes. <br />*Make sure bildge area is dry before and after test drive. <br />*When test driving dont make a quick trip out and back, give it a real test drive. Put it thru the paces, run it hard, hit some waves, run it long enough to show up any problems. <br />*Pay special attention to how solid the boat feels when you hit a wave, if it feels loose/shakey it may have structural problems. *Reach under the floors and try to dig your hands into any exposed wood.<br />*Stop and restart the engne several times. <br />*Make sure everything on the boat works, guages, bildge pump, blowers, lights, wires are still in their looms, ect. <br />*Make sure all thru hull fittings are tight, in good condition, and well sealed.<br />Make sure all deck hardware i.e. bow rails, cleats, tow eyes, windshield, seats, and ect. are solid on their mount.<br />*Dont just accept it. <br />*Dont buy while your overly impressed. <br />*Take your time and look it over well.<br /><br />Something I noticed in the pics you posted, the battery looks like it is not mounted properly (held in place by wire) and is missing terminal post covers.<br /><br />Good luck