Possible first time boat owner question?

[btowndms]

Hello to all! I am considering the purchase of my first boat and have first bid on a friends 18ft 88 Rinker that has been maintained very well and kept in a garage almost all its life. However, it hasn't seen the water going on three years. I live very close to Lake Monroe in Indiana and will get a lot of use with the family.

Now to my question, should I go with an OB as a first boat instead of and IB/OB?

Not really sure why I am thinking about it since the Rinker is in really good shape. I just wonder if it would be easier to learn with an OB first.

 

[wildmaninal]

Re: Possible first time boat owner question?

Just my 2 cents.....I think it would be easier to learn and maintain an outboard, but I have never owned an inboard and never plan on owning one. I have pulled an inboard motor and out drive off of one boat before and that was enough for me.

 

[cbear34]

Re: Possible first time boat owner question?

Welcome to iboats!
Sterndrive has a lot of maintenance. I have learned a lot on this board and now I am comfortable working on my sterndrive. If you are very handy and can work on your own boat you could try a sterndrive. Outboard is easier to get to everything.
Good luck!!

 

[eaglejim]

Re: Possible first time boat owner question?

I like the OB better for all reasons stated above good luck

 

[rebars1]

Re: Possible first time boat owner question?

It depends on what you want to learn.

Is the Rinker an IB?

For me, I found that an IB has fewer places for potential leaks, but are noisier (although the new four strokes are pretty quiet.)

I was more familiar with automobile type engines, so I also have an IB/OB.

My son uses the OB (I don't have to worry about leaks) and I use the IB/OB and keep an eye on the bilge. Either way we have fun.

Since you are familiar with the history of the boat and know what your friend has experienced, I'd go with the Rinker (assuming your friend is trustworthy!)

The good thing is that whichever you go with, this forum is the best place to get help and direction with any aspect of boat use, maintenance and repair!

 

[btowndms]

Re: Possible first time boat owner question?

Thanks for the input everyone! I like to think I am mechanically inclined or at least I have enough knowledge just to make myself dangerous. The Rinker is a V180 with a Merc V6 IB/OB and my friend has taken very good care of the boat. I really don't have an issue with trying to learn about the setup but was just interested in getting some feedback. I also located another boat same year but it's a Thundercraft Nova 177. It actually has a straight six. Anyone familiar with that?

 

[marine4003]

Re: Possible first time boat owner question?

Btown -
If the Rinker hasn't seen water in 3 years,theres things you need to do prior to running her, change both the gas & oil filters,change oil & drive lube, change bellows & impeller,give her a complete tune-up, fill up the gas tank and add plenty of fuel stabilizers,I don't care how well maintained she is,the above items will insure a pleasant 1st time out,as condensation forms inside motors causing lube breakdown,gas gums up, rubber dryrots.

 

[tmh]

Re: Possible first time boat owner question?

There's a reason most smaller family pleasure boats are IO not OB. There are folks who just prefer an OB, but if you're not one of them then the IO is a great choice. There isn't all that much maintanance for either so don't be scared off.

Garage kept is great for the boat! Not so great that the engine hasn't run in years.

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: Possible first time boat owner question?

important question is when were the bellows (rubber between transom and outdrive) were changed? they keep you from sinking. also when were the exhaust manifolds were last changed? these are big ticket items.

Buying a boat

1st you need to decide what you want to use it for, fishing, cruising, or water sports.

2nd how many people adults, children you want on board of the average outing.

3rd outboard, inboard-outboard, or inboard power plant.

4th Budget, what you want to pay, and what you are willing to pay, when you find
Exactly what you want.

You can hire a marine surveyor, to inspect the boat, or you can do it yourself.

You are mainly looking for soft spots in the deck, transom, cracks, all signs of a rotten, under frame.

The motor should be clean, no spots where the paint is discolored, or pealing from heat, having run hot. (This part for outboard motors Compression should be atleast 100psi, and within 10% of each other,)
Spark on all cylinders, good pee stream, check lower unit for water in oil.

The overall condition of the boat will tell you a lot, as to how it has been maintained.

A 30 year old boat motor combo, may be in better condition, than a 3 year old.