Buying a boat

[swab jockey]

I'm looking at a 89'Bayliner with a 85hp Force. What do I need to look for and what question do I need to ask?<br />If someone can offer me some sound advice I would appreciate it.<br />Swab Jockey (I needed to come up with a name in a hurry, I was in the Navy long time ago)

 

[chris thomas]

Re: Buying a boat

Service records or evidence of rountine service.<br /><br />We abused, used, trashed, neglected, and never flushed out the engine after salt water use. It never failed. But now the maintenance requirements will exceed the value of the engine.<br /><br />1984 Evinrude 140 VRO

 

[swab jockey]

Re: Buying a boat

Thanks, Chris. I live in the north country (Minnesota) The boat is very clean, some small scratchs ont he exterior but the seats are in good shape. I'm concerned about the motor. The guy says it only has between 60/80 hrs on it. Once again thanks.

 

[rogerwa]

Re: Buying a boat

If it were me, and I think you will find these comments reflected elsewhere in this forum, is to have it run on land (on muffs) and a sea trial.<br /><br />On land you can check things like compression, alternator output, condition of spark plugs, water pump output, inspect gear lube for water, etc..<br /><br />During the sea trial you would want to operate at closed throttle for a while and then spend a little time at each throttle setting looking for rough spots or places it doesn't operate correctly, see how it planes and how long it takes, verify the T&T holds under power and operates fully each way. I would run it for an extended period, not just a minute to get on plane and back down. This is a good time to verify the guages work and that what they are reading is within spec (i.e. not overheating, etc.)<br /><br />Also do the sea trial with the normal load you will be carrying.

 

[swab jockey]

Re: Buying a boat

Rogerwa, thank you very much. That sure was some sound advice.

 

[12Footer]

Re: Buying a boat

Nothing to add to Rogerw's comments, but wanted to welcome you to the forum,and to tell you "I feel your pain" ,being an ex-squid myself

 

[dw711]

Re: Buying a boat

roger about wraped it up! good luck!

 

[norman158]

Re: Buying a boat

if they won't let you take it out and run it you dont want it

 

[rogerwa]

Re: Buying a boat

Also, even if the boat looks clean try to look down below at the stringers, preferable as far aft as you can get to look for any signs of rot.<br /><br />Swab, where will you be boating? The St. Croix? I am from the "Northland" myself.