FIRST TIME BUYER ... need some advice.

[Canister]

Hey all, I am looking at buying a used boat this year, and I am a first timer. I found a Baja that I'm interested in ... I'm looking at a 1997 232. My concern is obviously that I'm a first time buyer and I need to know, what are the big things to look for when I go look at this boat.
From what I understand, Baja is known for problems with the stringers, and motor mounts in the late 90's, but I was told that they have been replaced on this boat along with the bell housing, gimbal bearing, and a recent tune-up.
I've been on numerous boats, driven a few, and even helped with some bilge pump repairs on one. But I've never owned one myself, and I my main concern is that I don't know how to tell if there is something on the boat that should be a real deal breaker. I don't mind a few small repairs like replacing the impeller, and a few other small things that he mentioned, but what are they key things that I should check for when I go out to see and drive this boat?
Any help that you can give me is greatly appreciated. Thanks!

 

[Tolyn]

Re: FIRST TIME BUYER ... need some advice.

Greetings and welcome to Iboats!

Admittedly I know little of Baja boats. I would be skeptical of the seller telling me the stringers and mounts were replaced, especially if you explicitly asked about them. I easily see them just telling you what you want to hear if they got the sense you didn't know much about boats.

So if it were me.... Dig in and Climb around in there! Look in all the nooks and crannys for signs of rot, soft spots, loose seats, etc.. Odds are if the stringers are rotting the mount probably is not far behind and neither is the transom (see my project link for the nightmare that might await you).

If it was a boat I was really interested in and one that looked decent I would be tempted to buy a tube of 5200 and request permission to core sample the mount/string/transom or engage a 3d party professional to inspect for you.

Take some pictures and post them here. Folks here are pretty sharp and can often spot things that you or somebody else missed or forgot about.

Respectfully,
-T

 

[emilsr]

Re: FIRST TIME BUYER ... need some advice.

A lot of boats in the 80's-90's had rot problems....wasn't exclusive to Baja but they had their share of issues. Stringers and transoms have had to be replaced on more than a few of them. Not all were bad though. My advice would be to hire a competent surveyor and make the sales contract contingent upon a sucessful survey....something like a home sale being contingent upon the inspection. If the seller doesn't want to do this then I'd run (not walk) away from this boat; there are plenty of other ones out there. The survey will be a couple hundred bucks or so, but if it keeps you from buying a money pit it's a worthwhile investment. Also, if the surveyor will let you tag along (most will), he'll give you some good advice on the care and maintenance of your boat, should you decide to buy it. At the very least, tap around on the stringers and transom; if you hear a dull thud as you move near the places that have holes drilled in them (or it feels soft to the touch) that's an indication there could be problems....but if you have a pro look at it you'll have no doubt what is good and what is not.

Good luck!

 

[Canister]

Re: FIRST TIME BUYER ... need some advice.

This is great advice, thanks.
And Tolyn, the seller actually mentioned to me that the stringers were an issue with these boats, and explained that they were replaced as were the motor mounts. I didn't bring it up to him. But I definitely think that I will get in touch with a surveyor to take a look at the boat.
Is there anything other than the stringer issues that I should really be looking for? Especially mechanically? Engine issues?

 

[Ob1415]

Re: FIRST TIME BUYER ... need some advice.

Spend the money to have a professional do an inspection and a sea trial. If you can't get the boat on the water to test do NOT buy it.

+1 on this

 

[Sikboats]

Re: FIRST TIME BUYER ... need some advice.

See if it has trim tabs , some Bajas porpose like crazy

 

[DuckHunterJon]

Re: FIRST TIME BUYER ... need some advice.

Yup, as a beginning boater, definitely have a surveyor go over the boat. At the very least, see if you can find a friend that is knowledgeable around boats to look at it with you. Two other comments. Don't be afraid to walk away if it doesn't feel right. Baha's are flashy, and it's easy to get caught up in the moment and end up with something you will regret later.

Second suggestion - I may catch flack for this - a Baha is alot of boat for a first time boater. I'd personally start with something a bit smaller, a bit less power, and perhaps most importantly - something that won't depreciate much if you decide to sell it in a year. I always reccomend starting with a starter boat - not just for the safety aspect, but because until you are on the water, you won't really know what you want. Just a suggestion, worth about what you paid for it!

Either way, good luck with the purchase and enjoy the heck out of what ever you end up buying.

 

[ezmobee]

Re: FIRST TIME BUYER ... need some advice.

Deck and stringer replacement is a major job if done correctly. It's an easy job if you half-a$s it. You need to find out which was done here.

 

[Boobie Trap]

Re: FIRST TIME BUYER ... need some advice.

If you are a first time boater, WELCOME to the boating world!!
Do yourself and others a favor, find out where and take a certified Coast Guard Safety class. It is well worth the money and you will get a discount from you insurance carrier. It will show you many things about being on the water and the waterway courtesy.

The comments are very true above. There are a ton of boats out there for sale. You are in the drivers seat when buying in this economy!!

ENJOY the water, it is a different world of FUN!!!