Need advice on boat purchase

[eavega]

Hello folks,

I am a noob at I/O boats, and needed advice. I've previously re-habbed a few small ( less than 25 HP) two-stroke johnnyrudes (circa 1960-1978) for use on my fishing boat, but I have an opportunity to upgrade to something the entire family can enjoy.

The boat in question is described as a 1977 Marquis Stingray with a 120 HP I/O Mercruiser. I don't have serial numbers on the motor yet, so for the time being I will assume the motor is a contemporary with the hull. Looking at the boat, its obvious that the owner has taken care of it. The hull really looks to be in great shape, as does the interior. From what I am told its stored at a marina where all the maintenance is done on it. It has not been in the water for the last two years, though (hence the reason for selling).

Just wanted to know if anyone had heard negative things about this vintage of motor; any pitfalls or gotchas with I/O power versus outboards. Are these easy enough to work on with a manual and the right tools. that kind of thing. Any words of wisdom would be appreciated.

Thanks

Eric

 

[Fishermark]

Re: Need advice on boat purchase

The 120 is a basic straight four engine - very simple and easy to work on. The outdrive itself requires special tools to do the seals, etc. But the "regular" maintenance items - impeller, bellows, shift cable, etc are fairly easy and straight forward. go to the "Adults only" sticky at the top and download the appropriate manual and take a look.

 

[sailfish252]

Re: Need advice on boat purchase

What will you be using the boat for? fishing, crusing waterskiing? What size is the boat? Comming from outboards 25 hp or less 120 hp sounds like alot but in an I/O in a boat bigger than a 17' is really not much power. If you load it up with people and gear waterskiing will most be very hard. Drive it first decide if you like it then worry about how to work on it. GOOD LUCK

 

[eavega]

Re: Need advice on boat purchase

What will you be using the boat for

Honestly, that is yet to be determined. I would assume the majority of the use this boat will get will be for fishing (that's what I use my 14' semi-v john boat for now). Skiing/tubing not so much, as my kids are 4 yrs and 3 yrs old respectively. In later years I can see this boat falling to that use, but not for at least another couple of years.

What size is the boat?

Boat is listed at 17 feet. I don't see it being loaded up heavily, but I would expect if it is used for skiing, we'll probably have at least 4 people on board, plus a skier.

Comming from outboards 25 hp or less 120 hp sounds like alot but in an I/O in a boat bigger than a 17' is really not much power.

Yeah, I am ready for that, given that my fishing boat may weight about 700 Lbs fully loaded with two people on it, but this boat is probably closer to the 1800 Lbs range empty.

Drive it first decide if you like it then worry about how to work on it.

This may be a bit of a sticky wicket. Although the boat looks to be in pristine shape, I am not going to be able to drive it before buying it; its winterized, and if I want to take it out prior to buying it, I have to either buy it or pay to have it re-winterized if I don't. I'm trying to work something out with the seller now. The thing is that the price is so reasonable I may be willing to risk it with just the OK of my mechanic.

Thanks for the response

-Eric

 

[chris0061]

Re: Need advice on boat purchase

I'd try to work it out with the seller that you take it out and if everything is good you'll buy it, if not you walk away. If the boat is good with no problems he should go for that. The reason I say that is I bought one on similar circumstances and on the 3rd outing the outdrive gave way, I knew on the first outing something was wrong and when I replace the outdrive and took the old one apart what I found could not have happened on a couple outings.

 

[Fishermark]

Re: Need advice on boat purchase

Although the boat looks to be in pristine shape, I am not going to be able to drive it before buying it; its winterized, and if I want to take it out prior to buying it, I have to either buy it or pay to have it re-winterized if I don't.

Does that mean they are expecting you to buy it without even running it on muffs?? Granted, it may take some work to get it re-winterized, but to me, if someone is wanting to sell a boat, they ought to expect someone will want to hear it run at the very least - even if a water trial is not possible.

I'm trying to work something out with the seller now. The thing is that the price is so reasonable I may be willing to risk it with just the OK of my mechanic.

Thanks for the response

-Eric

The mechanic who gives the "OK" - is he going to be able to go with you to see it?

 

[chiefalen]

Re: Need advice on boat purchase

This is a 1977 boat?? My math 32 years old. Even with a guy that is a fanatic with keeping up with oil changes and everything, i would bet a re-power is due real, real, soon.

And whats the inside look like, the controls work, have a floor?

So the boat is a project, and i would consider that nothing works anymore.

Whats a 77' hull worth?? Got a good trailer, i bought my trailer and the guy threw in the boat. Went to go buy a motor the guy threw in the boat and trailer.

300 dollars and no more then 500 dollars. Thats my opinion.

 

[Bondo]

Re: Need advice on boat purchase

Just wanted to know if anyone had heard negative things about this vintage of motor; any pitfalls or gotchas with I/O power versus outboards. Are these easy enough to work on with a manual and the right tools.

Ayuh,...

That was a Tried,+ True package when it was New,...
Merc had about 10 years experince with it by then,...
And,.. It's newer sisters are still being built Today...

The Real Question you have to answer is,...

What kinda Shape is the package in,..??
A Compression Test,+ general Going Over will determine if the motor/ drive is worthy,....
Crawling thru the bilges,+ inspecting the Wood in the hull will determne if It's worthy...

 

[eavega]

Re: Need advice on boat purchase

The mechanic who gives the "OK" - is he going to be able to go with you to see it?

Yes. The mechanic in question is a marine mechanic in the area who has been working on boats around here for about 20 yrs. He helped me through some issues with my outboard repairs, and I went to him on the recommendation of the store I usually buy my parts from (their mechanic wouldn't work on older motors). I'm paying him for his time, and he is coming with me.

And whats the inside look like, the controls work, have a floor?

I've only seen the boat from the outside (I saw it advertised in the paper, and drove by to see it at the marina that its stored at, but it was closed for the day) plus pictures sent by the current owner. From what I can see, the interior is in great shape; the upholstery is not torn anywhere, I couldn't see any obvious mold or discoloration on the carpets, the chrome shone, etc. The owner did tell me the transom had been replaced two years previous, and he paid to have it done by someone the marina recommended. I didn't spot any cracks or blisters on the outside of the hull. The outdrive looked clean and had no indications of corrosion.

I'm going Tuesday to inspect the boat with the mechanic. I am now leaning towards insisting on a run on the lake before purchase. If the seller has a problem with that, I'll just keep looking.

-Eric

 

[chiefalen]

Re: Need advice on boat purchase

Ok compression check after the the boat comes off the water and test, and check the oil, and outdrive oil, after you come off the water.

If it's going to be milky it will be after you come off the water.

Good luck !