1st time buyer - looking for advice

[PWH1]

Hello,

I am considering my first boat purchase for family fun and enjoyment. Even though I am not a rookie with boats this will be my first boat (my dad and grandparents have owned boats for years). I intrested in the opinions of the many well versed and experianced members of this form.

I am looking at a 1994 Monterey 190 Bowrider for sale at a local marina. The boat is exceptionally clean and has a 4.3XL with the Alpha outdrive. I have researched the Monterey brand and find a good deal of positive feedback.

The asking price for the boat is $5995, although I am hoping to barter and get them down to $5300 (cash deal). What should I consider or be particular attention to when evaluating the boat? I have a appointment this Saturday to take a look. I will not hear the boat run as its currently winterized, but is being sold with a 90 day warranty. Did this boat have any known issue with flooring? Engine reliability, ect.

Any feedback is appreciated.

Thanks!

 

[Triton II]

Re: 1st time buyer - looking for advice

I suggest you take a look and if you like the looks of it get an independent inspection by a marine surveyor. Welcome to iboats!

 

[NYBo]

Re: 1st time buyer - looking for advice

Welcome to iboats!

When does the clock start ticking on that warranty? If it's now, it will be over before boating season starts in many parts of the country, so it would be pretty worthless.

 

[saumon]

Re: 1st time buyer - looking for advice

I suggest you take a look and if you like the looks of it get an independent inspection by a marine surveyor. Welcome to iboats!

As he said! Probably the best investment you can made.

 

[BTMCB]

Re: 1st time buyer - looking for advice

What they said^^^^^! A pro survey and be careful about the warranty period and who is "backing" the warranty! Financial status of warranty provider? Don't want to end up with a worthless piece of paper in this economy. Good luck, welcome aboard and hope it works out for you.

 

[PWH1]

Re: 1st time buyer - looking for advice

Thanks for the welcome and feedback. I found a local surveyor that I will be contacting this week. I also plan to ask the marina to run the motor. I cannot spend several thousand dollars without hearing it run.

Thanks.

 

[ziggy]

Re: 1st time buyer - looking for advice

I cannot spend several thousand dollars without hearing it run.

keep in mind that hearing it run on land, w/o a load may not be the same as if it were under load in the water...

i would only finalize the sale after a sea trial... which obviously won't be till spring and the ice thaws...

 

[fat fanny]

Re: 1st time buyer - looking for advice

To protest yourself from the possible financial loss the surveyor is the best investment possible but I would only agree to the deal upon a sea trial in the spring and if thats agreable w/ the dealer have them hold the boat until the trial so a winterization cost isn't added to the exspenses but there is no way in h-ll I would buy a boat without a sea trial or at leat hearing it run and the waranty not starting till the weather is acceptable for boating. Offer them 5000 and show it to them!!!!!!!!!!1