1st time boater

[CofCboater]

I am a Senior in college and I have found a 1978 15ft. Renken that I am going to look at to buy. My question is, what should I be looking for when I go to see the boat? I will be taking someone who knows about boats with me but figured coming here first would be a good idea. Some more info is the boat has a 1979 Johnson seahorse 85hp motor. Me and some friends would like to use the boat for skiing and an occasional fishing. The owner said he has replaced the floor, carpet, lights, battery, and a new steering wheel. What else should I inspect when I go to look at it? I have a Jeep that I think should be able to tow it and I am not towing far. Should I make the owner take me out on the boat for a test drive? Is it necessary that he has the old title to the boat and trailer? Thanks for any info ya'll can give me.

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: 1st time boater

welcome to iboats. test drive essential, title essential, look for rot or soft spots in floor. check spark on all cylinders. compression test, lower unit for water in oil.

read this http://forums.iboats.com/showthread.php?t=138594

 

[kdmiller8251]

Re: 1st time boater

Transom, Transom, Transom..
Check for water in the transom, soft spots, Holes etc...
Important part of the boat, motor is back there. if that is garbage the rest is.

 

[bjcsc]

Re: 1st time boater

CofCboater: are you here? at the CofC?

 

[CofCboater]

Re: 1st time boater

Yes, I am at the college of charleston.

 

[Hashi]

Re: 1st time boater

My brother, who is a professional bass fisherman, tells me to bring a creeper along to check the bottom of the hull, too. A lot of people beach their boats causing damage to the hull that goes undetected because the trailer bunks hide any damage.