Intro and newbie questions

[jeremyjay46]

Hello everyone. Jeremy here from the Midwest. I am looking to become a first time boat owner and have a couple quick questions. I am going to look at a 1996 Islander 208 this weekend... is there anything specific I should check on this boat? I have done my homework and have a full list of items to check. I am pretty mechanically inclined, will do a compression check, etc... but is there anything specific on this boat that could be a problem area?

Also... I want to check the outdrive oil. However, in searching online, I have found some sites that say I just pull the two plugs (drain plug is in front of the impeller), and some that say I have to pull the prop to get at the drain plug. It is a Bravo 1 outdrive, again 1996 boat... Does anyone know which it will be?

Thank you much!

 

[rndn]

Re: Intro and newbie questions

Welcome to the forum!!
Although the boat you are looking to buy is a Baja, you would get better responses if you posted this in the Mercruiser forum.

 

[MikDee]

Re: Intro and newbie questions

I knew you meant a BAJA immediately,,, I love those boats! but, I've heard they use some balsa wood in construction, so check it out for any questionable soft spots. The Bravo drive, oil vent, & drain, should each be a large head screw on the left side of the drive, like the rest of the mercruisers.
If it's a 20footer (208?) with a big block (Bravo drive?) That sounds pretty cool!

 

[jeremyjay46]

Re: Intro and newbie questions

Yeah, it's got a 454, 300 hp. The owner claims it will easily run 60 with four adults. That said though, I'm mostly attracted to it because of the looks. In the photos it looks immaculate for it's age... it's about a 3 hour drive to go look at it though, so I'm doing as much homework before hand as possible.

One guy said over at the Baja forums that I'd have to pull the prop to get at the drain plug on that style Bravo 1. Not sure how much of a pain that is to do yet.

 

[NSBCraig]

Re: Intro and newbie questions

I knew you meant a BAJA immediately,,, I love those boats! but, I've heard they use some balsa wood in construction, so check it out for any questionable soft spots.:

Almost all performance boats use balsa coring.