A good boat for water skiing?

[GEDENS]

I have the opportunity to buy a 18 foot Stuery 1972 year, with 1989 Yamaha 115 outboard motor, for half a grand. Will this boat work for water skiing?

Thanks

Greg

 

[mthieme]

Re: A good boat for water skiing?

Yes.
Have you checked the boat out?
I assume this is the one posted on Craig's list in Reading?

"the motor will need a little carburator ajustment but does run good."
I would be very suspicious and inquisitive of this.

 

[GEDENS]

Re: A good boat for water skiing?

You're right on target. The pics look good. By inquisitive and suspicious, what questions would you recommend, and what reasonable things can I do to check it out? I've never worked on an outboard motor, but I've worked on cars. Are the skills transferrable? Where would I get manuals for this boat and motor?
Thanks
Greg

 

[Chris1956]

Re: A good boat for water skiing?

Gregg, That boat will be acceptable for waterskiing, but not what I would consider good. A good ski boat produces no or very little wake and is proped for low end power. That boat will produce a normal wake, and will have acceptable power.

Your skills in car repair are transferable to outboards. The most important things to check on the motor are compression and condition of the gearcase. A compression check should show a cylingers within 10% of each other. Let some grease out of the gearcase. If it is milky, there is a water leak. If it is brown or black it is likely OK. If it looks brand new, ask why. Run the motor and see if it charges the battery. Look over the motor for signs of rust or overheating.