initial boat inspection how to's

jlh3rd

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I'm might be looking at an '01 sea ray 260...just testing the water...kinda 1st time looking at a fiberglassed, big boat.
So, what are the tell tail signs of stringer, engine mount, hull, etc rot...especially in a boat this size. Anything you can see with your eyes?

What are things to check on the merc 5.7 efi, bravo III. Common problems to look out for?

Which brings up the question, if I pursue further, how to pick a good inspector, and what is a good price...
thanks..
 

tpenfield

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Here is a buyer's checklist.

https://forums.iboats.com/threads/f...help-buying-a-boat-a-buyers-checklist.612841/

SAMS and NAMS are 2 marine surveyor accreditation organizations that have directories, so you can find a surveyor in your area. I also recommend Googling the names to see if there are good/bad reviews of them on boating forums. Plan on spending about $800 on a surveyor. Also you may want a separate engine inspection, as surveyors generally don't do that. Some have both vessel and engine certifications, or have someone they work with. FWIW - I spent $1500 on survey/sea trial/engine inspection for a 33 foot boat last year. Usually they charge 'by the foot', so you should be a bit less than that.

A sea trial (lake trial) with the surveyor/inspector aboard is probably the best way to test a boat. Putting an engine under its typical load is the way to see if there are any issues. Too many folks just rely on running the engine(s) on land (supplying water from a garden hose), only to find that the engine can barely get out of its own way once in the water.

Obvious signs of structural rot would be cracks in the fiberglass covering the stringers, loose engine mounting bolts, brown discoloration at structural joints, delamination, leaks around the transom plate of the outdrive.

Mercruiser upgraded the corrosion protection on the Bravo 3 outdrives on/about 2004, so the SeaRay probably has the older style anodes. There are retrofit kits to add the prop anode. If there is a bit of corrosion on the outdrive - beware - as it may have not been maintained properly. I've seen worse issues in fresh water than salt water, because many fresh water guys don't think they need to do any maintenance of the anode protection.
 
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Buster53

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My .02 worth, a 260 really needs a big block. A 5.7 is just adequate. If you do pursue it, sea trail with full tanks and 4 people.
As far as a surveyor goes, tell us where you are and maybe we can make a couple suggestions.
 

jlh3rd

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location is essex, Md. So chesapeake bay mostly...it an '01...no pics of the outdrive, but this of the engine......corrosion on outdrive ?... you mean on the black painted outdrive housing?...
...merc 5.7's had no problems with cracked manifolds, blocks , etc?...
will read the checklist.....
inspection costs..ok...its a B.O.A.T.....
thanks....additional info welcome.....
a sea trial will tell a lot....overall power....and equipped props/ max rpm/speed will tell me a lot about engine condition.

this is not a mustdo/have....fix'n to call, may see it today....will take my own pics.........
 

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jlh3rd

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and just read the checklist....good stuff....
this sale is being handled by a dealer...so there's that....
 

Buster53

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Bill Weyant of East Coast Marine up in Havre de Grace. Really takes his time to explain all systems to make sure the buyer understands how everything works. I used him on my Carver 356 over on Kent Island. My brother used him previously and referred him to me.
I might add, he wants you involved in the survey, following around and being a part of the survey.
 
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tpenfield

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One thing to keep in mind is that the engine is 21 years old, raw water cooled, and has been run in salt water. The exhaust manifolds and risers can be (and usually are) replaced on a 5-7 year interval in salt water, but the engine block is not easily replaced. You will certainly get more longevity out of the engine block, but 20 years may be about the maximum.

Perhaps you should inquire about the boat's history in terms of if it has been run in salt water its entire life.
 

jlh3rd

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I will....but so far no response from my call this morning......so we'll see.....
engine has 337 hrs.
So ,what visible signs would point to possibly salt water issues with blocks, manifolds and risers?....or is that an undetectable problem, until it becomes one......
 

tpenfield

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I will....but so far no response from my call this morning......so we'll see.....
engine has 337 hrs.
So ,what visible signs would point to possibly salt water issues with blocks, manifolds and risers?....or is that an undetectable problem, until it becomes one......
Rust and rusty seepage at the joints of the exhaust components
 

Scott Danforth

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location is essex, Md. So chesapeake bay mostly...it an '01...no pics of the outdrive, but this of the engine......corrosion on outdrive ?... you mean on the black painted outdrive housing?...
...merc 5.7's had no problems with cracked manifolds, blocks , etc?...
will read the checklist.....
inspection costs..ok...its a B.O.A.T.....
thanks....additional info welcome.....
a sea trial will tell a lot....overall power....and equipped props/ max rpm/speed will tell me a lot about engine condition.

this is not a mustdo/have....fix'n to call, may see it today....will take my own pics.........
all boats are subjected to how it is cared for and maintained

that is how manifolds and blocks crack. only from lack of care and maintenance, especially lack of proper winterization.

Ted has you covered on the rest.
 

jlh3rd

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appreciated....will call east coast marine.....pick their brain....
 
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