Looking to buy 1988 180V

[btowndms]

Just wanted to get some opinions on this boat! This will be my first boat and I am purchasing from a friend at work. He has owned the boat for approx 10-11 years and has taken very good care of it doing regular maintenance. He said his bottom dollar is $3900. It has a 4.3 GM V6 with Merc out drive. The boat has not been in the water for the last two years but has been in a garage the entire time he has been the owner. It seems to be a good deal after taking a couple of weeks looking to see what I can get for the same price. Thanks for your opinions in advance!

 

[mvn]

Re: Looking to buy 1988 180V

Well, if it's coming from a trusted source, you know the history and it looks good, you can't go wrong for that kind of money. I noticed that they are older photos. Does it look the same now? If you're picky about upholstery, carpets, tops, etc., take a very close look.

Be aware however that you will have to spend a little bit before it goes in the water. With it being stored for a couple of years, you'll have to replace the raw water pump impeller for sure. Also, inspect the bellows very carefully for aging, cracks, etc. Get as much details regarding maintenance as possible.

You should also change all fluids, grease everything up and check all rubber hoses and belts for cracks. If the belts haven't been changed recently, I'd probably change them out. Better safe than sorry.

If you search around this board for a used boat checklist, I'm sure you'll find more detailed information.

Good luck and let us know how it goes!

 

[btowndms]

Re: Looking to buy 1988 180V

Hey MVN, Thanks for the good advice.

The boat still looks the same! I saw the boat two weeks ago. We went over the boat in detail and he is planning on draining the gas and changing all the fluids before I would even pull it away.

I am however thinking about asking for him to bring it to the lake and having a trial run first. You think that is a good idea?

 

[mvn]

Re: Looking to buy 1988 180V

Getting to test drive/ride a boat is somewhat rare. If you have the opportunity and he's willing, what to you have to lose?

Mark

 

[ArkBoater]

Re: Looking to buy 1988 180V

Hey MVN, Thanks for the good advice.

The boat still looks the same! I saw the boat two weeks ago. We went over the boat in detail and he is planning on draining the gas and changing all the fluids before I would even pull it away.

I am however thinking about asking for him to bring it to the lake and having a trial run first. You think that is a good idea?

unless you were doing a refurb on a boat, I wouldn't buy one without test driving it. Boat looks nice though!

check the floor for soft spots too! Take an ice pick and poke around on the floor if you can.

 

[Dakota47]

Re: Looking to buy 1988 180V

Buy it. i paid $3.000 for mine