How easy is it to fake computer hrs?

[b.gagnon]

I put a deposit on a boat today.....
It has a 2001 150 Yamaha HDPI

How easy is it to fake computer hrs?
I have a printout from it's last service in August 2015, and it says it only has 172hrs (majority under 2000rpm)
It seems a bit low but the owner has only had it for 2 seasons and has no history of it from the previous owner
The owner had the whole fuel system done with new high pressure fuel pump and all other maintenance needed receipts totaled $2700....The engine looks great and so does the hull. It also does not appear to be painted (decals are faded)
Thanks....

 

[GA_Boater]

Depending on the maker and I have no idea about Yamahas, but a new computer usually starts a zero hours and all history is lost.

Can the hours be changed - Anything is possible, but it isn't easy. It sounds this one had a new computer or it would have history from 2001-2013, before the seller got it.

 

[b.gagnon]

Unfortunately the printout did not show the date of the hrs...Just the breakdown at rpm. I know that changing the computer will start @0 but was not sure if the computer could be flashed to start over. The owner did not state the hrs so he was not trying to lie... We both noticed it in the printout.
This was the my first time ever looking at a boat that was actually better in person than in pictures! The hull is in crazy good condition. At the end of the day it is a very clean motor (skeg is barely missing paint) and it does not look abused, so I am not too worried, just curious if I got a better deal than I expected.

 

[Scott Danforth]

most people who own boats do not use them. The average is actually 12 hours per year. so the 172 hours is probable. most avid boaters average closer to 45 hours per year.

 

[GA_Boater]

If the owner spent $2700 on a new fuel pump and sundry maintenance, that seems to show the pump was acting up. I would expect some codes to be stored, but again, I don't know about Yammies and it's possible codes can be cleared using the diagnostic tools.

How did the water test go? Bottom line, If you're happy with the boat and feel you got a good deal, you got a good deal.

 

[bruceb58]

Codes can be cleared with scan tools. When a fault code is set, you always clear it to make sure you fixed the problem so that they were cleared is totally understandable.

The scan tool reads the total hours and hours through every RPM range. There is never a date with the hours unless they read and log them manually every year. I have a scanner for my motor and I just manually log how many hours are on the motor every season end.

 

[b.gagnon]

He said that he lost rpm's over 4000.... I have all the paperwork before and after the repair... It had low pressure (300psi).