No Hour Counter - Reason for Concern?

[logman96]

Looking for a used boat - never owned before. Found a Four Winns Freedom 180 ('04) on the internet. Boat looks to be in extremely good shape in the pictures (haven't looked in person yet). Seller didn't list hours, so I asked. Says boat doesn't have hour counter on it.

How concerned should I be? I figure I can have a marine shop test the engine. I am in MN, can't put it in the water yet. Does lack of hours ring any alarm bells for you more experienced folk? What about when I go to re-sell in 5-6 years. Will I have trouble selling it?

Thanks for the advice.

 

[themaniam1]

Re: No Hour Counter - Reason for Concern?

My boat did/does not have a hour meter. We looked it over, talked with the seller and got his best guess. The boat was in great shape, looked welled cared for and he had maintenance records so I was not worried. I would rather have a boat with higher hours that has been well maintained then one that has low hours in poor or unknown shape.

If you want, you could have the boat taken to a marine shop and have them scan the engine and get the actual engine hours. A meter does not always indicate engine time. Some meters are just hooked up to the ignition so anytime the key is on the meter is running.

 

[smokeonthewater]

Re: No Hour Counter - Reason for Concern?

main purpose of hour meter is to keep up on maintenance... it really means nothing as to engine condition....200 hours in 10 years on two oil changes would be way bad where 1500 in 10 years with synthetic oil changed 3 times each season could be like new

 

[Bondo]

Re: No Hour Counter - Reason for Concern?

Ayuh,... Standard production boats Rarely come from the factory with hourmeters,...
Most are added by POs...