Buy this boat, or are problems too much?

[Rhadley]

I'm looking at a 1987 17' Baretta with a mercruiser I/O engine (4 cyl, closed cooling, 165 hp). Found no soft spots in hull or transom, and tried to do compression check but could only get guage firmly into first plug hole (150psi) due to adjacent parts (heat exchanger?). Boat had the following symptoms at checkout:<br />1) Took on about 2 gallons of water during 45 minute test run. No obvious leak areas. <br />2) WOT gave 35 mph and 4200 rpm.<br />3) Temp guage seemed to read OK, about 160, but engine and heat exchanger by plugs was very hot while trying to get plugs out. Plug electrodes looked white.<br />4) Engine dies if you try to give it any gas in reverse-only idles in reverse.<br /><br />Do the experienced guys here have any helpful guidance? The seller is now very "motivated", so I could get a good price.<br /><br />Thanks.

 

[beckerdg]

Re: Buy this boat, or are problems too much?

150 is good, but most important part of a compression test is even results across all cylinders. If that is a 224 cubic inch four cylinder 4 usually goes first due to water ingestion. Check the last time they checked or replaced the exhaust riser. Temp seems right where it ought to be. It should be hot in the area around the heat exchanger, that is the exhaust manifold. Engine stalling going in and out of reverse is usually a shift cable out of adjustment or needing replacement. Leaks can come from a lot of places. Check for a coolant leak at the water pump weep hole on the front of the engine. WOT is at the low end of recommended if it is a 470 class engine 4200-4600. Some folks don't like this particular engine. I have one and like it. Do some reading on mercruiser 470s...<br /><br />Don't forget to check out the outdrive to the extent you can. At least take a look at the gear oil for any possible water contamination.

 

[andrewgroup]

Re: Buy this boat, or are problems too much?

remove the drain plug, jamb a screwdriver into the wood transom. If you must remove the drain plate, if the screwdriver penetrated the wood in the least, Beware... Transom may have soaked allowing the water to leak in up and around transom seal....Also try going on reverse for an extended period of time, see if more than usual water comes in....Also leave boat attached at all points on the trailer and let the trailer sink the boat a bit more to put more pressure and expose the leaks better....

 

[MrBill]

Re: Buy this boat, or are problems too much?

I have an 89 Regency (a Regency, great heavy duty hull in excellent condition, with 4 cyl I/L 3.7, 165 HP) I like the motor, have learned to overcome the design charging and cooling design problems. After getting by those issues the engine is a work horse. I'd be concern about the boat...2 gallons of water??...from where? <br /><br />You did not mention price...if under $2500 maybe ok, otherwise punt!

 

[rodbolt]

Re: Buy this boat, or are problems too much?

hello<br /> You may also wish to pull the drive and check the gimbal bearing and ujoints the bellows for the shaft assy like to fail and it can make a mess. you also should check the upper shift shaft seals in the gimal housing. most problems I get stem from bellows or drive malfunctions<br /> and you may even wish to remove the upper bearing cap on the drive and inspect the drive and driven gears. the upper o ring is less than 2 dollars<br />. good luck. and check the rotor very carefully they tend to get pricey but there is a fix.

 

[Rhadley]

Re: Buy this boat, or are problems too much?

Thanks for the inputs-I think this forum is great! If I get this for less than $2k, and have to do some outdrive work (like replace impeller), is it difficult? I can do many mechanical jobs, but don't want to make a career of it. <br /><br />This boat was used only 4 times in the last year. Outdrive fluid was just changed, so I didn't learn anything by checking it. Also, I forgot to mention that there was something oily leaking from the fuel pump-most likely gas except it didn't smell like gas.

 

[crazy charlie]

Re: Buy this boat, or are problems too much?

Dont worry about an impeller replacement,it is one of the easier things to do. Charlie

 

[Doug Durako]

Re: Buy this boat, or are problems too much?

Check the value-----it may not be worth $2K without the leak and motor issues.<br /><br />I'd keep looking---lot's of good boats out there.