How much to deduct for cracked block?

[BRG25]

1994 Starcraft with 3.0L Mercruiser and Alpha 1. I bought this boat used from a dealer 3 years ago and found out receintly that it has a crack in the block that the previous owner must have filled with epoxy because of freeze damage. Bottom line is that I was naive when I bought the boat and didn't have anyone check it out with me when I bought it. With that being said, the engine has run perfectly since I've owned it, there has been no water in the engine oil or bilge and I have had all proper maintainence and winterization done every year. So...if I were to sell the boat outright rather than trade it in...what would be a fair amount to deduct for this? I almost hate to get sell it but I've got a serious case of 2 foot-itus and with the boat show coming up in February...well you know. Any and all oppinions are appreciated. Thanks! Here is a link showing the crack.<br /><br /> Cracked Block

 

[Mufasa]

Re: How much to deduct for cracked block?

If it has run fine for three years don't worry about the crack. It would have been trouble after the first few heat cycles if it were going to leak. Shoot that repair with some black paint and count your blessings it did not bite you.

 

[magster65]

Re: How much to deduct for cracked block?

Tough call... morals or money? Only because it's been trouble free is this a tough call. A friend of mine had his block crack in his Dodge van from freezing, he sealed it up with some 'liquid metal' (I think it was called marine-tex) about 10 years ago and it's still ok. I'm leaning towards the black paint idea although I'd be a little bummed out if I bought your boat and didn't know about it...

 

[DJ]

Re: How much to deduct for cracked block?

BRG25,<br /><br />Just disclose it. You have a good story in that you've had absolutely no trouble from it.<br /><br />Replacing a block is at least $2g's.

 

[Summer Fun]

Re: How much to deduct for cracked block?

hey master tech... remind me to never buy a boat from you just tell the buyer about the crack and you'll sleep better at night knowing you didn't screw the people that bought the boat.......just my $2 worth...

 

[kdmiller8251]

Re: How much to deduct for cracked block?

Just my 2 cents:<br /><br />Very tough choice to make. <br /><br />1. If I was looking at your boat and you told me the block was cracked but fixed I wouldnt buy it how do I know you arent pulling my leg?..<br /><br />2. When you gonna tell the buyers? Before they look at it, or after? If you do it before, I bet you wont get many lookers, if you do it after, depending on how far they drive, they may be pissed. I know I would...<br /><br />Sample ad you could run<br /><br />"1994 Starcraft with 3.0L Mercruiser with Alpha I, block was cracked.. But was fixed and engine runs great." <br /><br />see how many people call ya...<br /><br />Personally I dont like to screw anyone, but you have had it for 3 years with no problems.. Paint it and forget about it.... Its not a problem...<br /><br />Tallman

 

[ODDD1]

Re: How much to deduct for cracked block?

Absolutely disclose it... this is the kind of deal breaker that will end in small claims...you have momentum on your side, 3 years happy boating on a repair, give a little on $$$$, move the boat, buyer an seller happy.......but how much?...new replacement long block set you back $1800....used motor, you take half....give a grand under fair value and nobody can say you screwed them....

 

[BRG25]

Re: How much to deduct for cracked block?

Obviously I got burned on this boat but I have no way to prove I didn't cause the damage...oh well, buyer beware. Lesson learned...get a SURVEY or at the very least have a reputable mechanic look it over if you (meaning me) don't know what to look for. At least the outdrive is in good shape. Thanks guys, I apprecate the input. Take care.

 

[Bondo]

Re: How much to deduct for cracked block?

This IS a Tuff Call..... I think it comes down to "Known Defects"....<br /> But, 3 years run time is Proof the repair is a good one..... I'm leaning towards painting it, Then explain "Late" in the negociations that it had a "water leak, repaired before you bought it".... Sounds better than "cracked block".... If it's not allowed to freeze again, it looks like it'll last another 10 years....

 

[fone_man]

Re: How much to deduct for cracked block?

Merc 3.0 litre 4 cyl... all that was cracked was outside water jacket. If you are not getting any water in it (oil) you are OK... since it is an open cooling system, pressure is not high as in closed system so it will not leak if it does it usually stops itself with corrosion. Marine-TEK is the products works well for this purpose.<br /><br />To "disclose or not disclose" is up to you... I bought a boat with cracked jacket, fixed with Marine-TEK never had a problem with boat in 5 years. If you are priced for the market, person buying boat is aware & watches temp guage for any changes above normal... the engine will wear out the boat. But if boat/engine is abuse... this will be the first place it will leak!!!<br /><br />

 

[Rob Lung]

Re: How much to deduct for cracked block?

Sounds to me like the way to sell this boat is on the water. You could save yourself some money and convince any buyer it is ok if you arte on the lake at the time. I'd walk away at your house, but I'd be listening and looking for myself on the lake. A trip to the lake with serious buyer might not be as expensive as deducting for a non-problem.

 

[Doug Durako]

Re: How much to deduct for cracked block?

BRG----how did you feel when you discovered the crack after buying the boat? I think you've answered your own question.<br /><br />I agree with Bondo and ol'268---disclose it and get the buyer on the water. Not only will you sleep better, the buyer won't make your life miserable and clog up the docket in small claims court.

 

[Beaux]

Re: How much to deduct for cracked block?

I think you should disclose the info to the buyer.<br /> <br />But if you decide to keep it quiet, make sure you write on the bill of sale the the boat/motor/trailer is sold "As Is". I also wrote that buyer had chance for prof. mechanic to inspect at his expense. I did that for my jeep and there was NOTHING wrong with it when I sold it. I even gave him all the receipts for any service that had been done on it. I always C.Y.A. !! Good documentation makes those the lawyers run away. After all, it is not illegal to sell a broken motor thats repaired kind of "shady". How do you think used car dealers stay in business.

 

[BRG25]

Re: How much to deduct for cracked block?

Just to reiterate my original post, the question isn't whether or not to disclose the damage. What I was interested in was a fair amount to deduct because of the damage. I'm certainly going to reveal the damage. I don't want some unsuspecting buyer to inherit my problems. Yes, I was p-ssed when I found out about the crack, but I didn't do my homework either. I did talk to the dealer about it and their response was pretty much to just trade it in which I may or may not do. I agree with ODDD1 that $1000 would be a resonable amount to knock of the price because I don't personally believe that the engine is junk (neither does anyone else which makes me feel a little better). Good idea on the water trial...just another excuse to get out on the lake It was -4 degrees when I drove to work this morning, is spring EVER going to get here????

 

[Beaux]

Re: How much to deduct for cracked block?

Edited-

 

[mattttt25]

Re: How much to deduct for cracked block?

i say sell the thing with no disclosure.<br /><br />then in 3 years, the seller will be on here asking the same question.<br /><br />and people will yell at him for asking the same question and not using the search feature on the site.<br /><br />that will be fun to watch...

 

[Gold Bear]

Re: How much to deduct for cracked block?

BRG25<br /><br />Decide for yourself what you think the boat is worth. When you sell it be honest with the buyer about the crack and other conditions of the boat. The buyer should consider the condition then he would likely counter with an offer less than the asking price.<br /><br />Optionally, you can decide the value of the boat, then offer to sell it for say $500.00 less - because of the crack. The buyer can decide if he thinks that amount is reasonable.<br /><br />A good deal occurs when both parties are happy. Also, after you sell this boat you will be able to sleep well.<br /><br />Good Luck,<br /><br />Gold Bear

 

[BRG25]

Re: How much to deduct for cracked block?

I'm not following you Beaux. I never changed my original post. Sorry...you must be mistaken.

 

[Beaux]

Re: How much to deduct for cracked block?

BRG-<br />I am Crazy then....Sorry.<br />I will erase the above post. Had a long day...brain not working.

 

[BRG25]

Re: How much to deduct for cracked block?

I hear you...been pretty busy myself. Thanks for the input.