Looking at boat

[Geer1]

Hi, sorry I know I could likely find this by searching but hoping someone can help out with a quick answer.

Thinking about going to look at a 84 Tempest with Mercruiser 228.

Listing says he replaced gimbal bearing, u-joints, bellows, exhaust bellows, hoses, tilt/trim senders and shift cable. No mention of impeller, haven't phoned to ask when he last replaced it.

Hydraulic unit for bennet trim tabs needs to be replaced(says it is easy and believe it comes with the boat).

Was wondering what the main things to look for/at are as I have never owned one of these before. I would like to do a compression test, is this possible without dewinterizing the boat? Still below freezing here...

Thanks for any quick replies, thinking about looking at it later today if possible just wanted to get some research in first.

 

[Don S]

Re: Looking at boat

I would like to do a compression test, is this possible without dewinterizing the boat?

A compression test on a boat that has been setting all winter, and was probably fogged is a waste of time. You need to run the engine and clear the fogging oil out before the test.
Before you buy any boat, take it for a test run. Just because it may pass a compression test and start and run in the driveway doesn't mean anything about how it will work out on the water.

 

[Geer1]

Re: Looking at boat

Thanks for the reply, was figuring that might be the case.

Unfortunately a test run is impossible right now.

It sounds like the work he did last fall(what I listed) is just general maintenance type stuff? Says he just bought a new boat so is letting this one go. Will have to contact him and see if he can guarantee it runs or something like that.

 

[Bondo]

Re: Looking at boat

Ayuh,... At 24 years old,...
I'd be looking for Rot in the stringers, 'n transom...

 

[Geer1]

Re: Looking at boat

The boat looks like it has been taken care of, that is why I am really thinking about taking a look at it.

http://img1.classistatic.com/cps/kj/110325/827r7/8110gkm_20.jpeg

http://img1.classistatic.com/cps/kj/110325/828r2/2835fjg_20.jpeg

http://img1.classistatic.com/cps/kj/110325/829r4/2198697_20.jpeg

http://img1.classistatic.com/cps/kj/110325/830r2/2729l09_20.jpeg

http://img1.classistatic.com/cps/kj/110325/834r7/33115n_20.jpeg

I am searching for a boat but need a good deal, this looks like one just was hoping there was a way I could get a good idea of the shape it is in mechanically since a test drive is not an option.

 

[Bondo]

Re: Looking at boat

Ayuh,... She's a nice lookin' clean barge,...
But, then again, any Rot will be well hidden...

 

[stonyloam]

Re: Looking at boat

The boat looks like it has been taken care of, that is why I am really thinking about taking a look at it.

I am searching for a boat but need a good deal, this looks like one just was hoping there was a way I could get a good idea of the shape it is in mechanically since a test drive is not an option.

Suggest that you hire a qualified boat surveyor to look it over, hull, engine and outdrive. Could be shiny an the outside and bad on the inside, rot or a repaired crack in the block. Paying someone that knows what to look for will be well worth it.