Purchasing a 18' BR that was in Salt Water

[jwharan]

I want to buy a Sea Ray 185. It is in excellent condition on the inside. The boat is several years old (more than 5, less than 10). the only downside to the boat is that it was used in saltwater, but not kept in the water, stored in dry storage. I have noticed that there is salt corrosion on the outdrive, which i guess is normal with Salt water. The engine has less than 80 hours on it. Is there any concern with buying this boat? Or should I be good to go? Are there any parts that I should inspect, or expect to have to replace? Any thoughts are greatly appreciated, thanks!

 

[bayman]

Re: Purchasing a 18' BR that was in Salt Water

Sounds like you hit the main one already. The outdrives and the engine are of primary importance.

 

[jwharan]

Re: Purchasing a 18' BR that was in Salt Water

Bayman:<br /><br />Thanks for the information, do you think this boat is ok to buy? Engine looks good, just a little corrosion on the outdrive? is it worth it?

 

[JRJ]

Re: Purchasing a 18' BR that was in Salt Water

If you haven't, ask about saltwater cooled inboards at the i/o inboard forum. They can tell you plenty. If the boat was not kept in salt water, you shouldn't see any salt residue. Signs of salt are a sign of lack of care. Only 80 hours on a 5 or more year old boat may not be a good thing.

 

[dingbat]

Re: Purchasing a 18' BR that was in Salt Water

Salt corrosion is not normal and would be a good indication that the boat wasn’t taken care of. Are you sure it's not galvanic corrosion? That’s pretty typical if the boat was put away wet and then sat for any length of time.

 

[jwharan]

Re: Purchasing a 18' BR that was in Salt Water

This is the type of corrosion that I am talking about. See Picture.

 

[ALAG3]

Re: Purchasing a 18' BR that was in Salt Water

I just bought a 1998 SeaRay 175 about 2 months ago that had also been run in salt water, but kept in dry storage. Although the outdrive had been stolen and replaced, everything else on the boat seemed fine. After I bought the boat, I discovered an oil leak due to rust on the bottom of the timing chain cover. Get a small mirror and look it over for rust. The repair was not too bad, about $300, but I did not see the damage initially. As far as it being a SeaRay, I have been thrilled with the boat! I think you'll be fine....Good luck!

 

[milkyway]

Re: Purchasing a 18' BR that was in Salt Water

For me the salt corrosion is cosmetic damage. My outdrive is painted and ugly. But the mechanical condition of the drive is more important. Have you tested the boat on water? I don't think you have since you have no propeller. Do not buy a boat without testing it on water. 80 hours in more than 5 years seems short. The anodes are in bad condition. And the hour meter can be replaced you know so don't rely on it. You must test the boat with a surveyor. It won't cost you more than $300, but a water test will reveal many things you can't find from just looking at it. On the water, your surveyor will push the engine to WOT, the trim system will be tested, the manifolds and risers will be checked for temperature, you will know if the water pump and impeller are working, all electrical systems working, and if the boat will plane and run at correct angle. These are my thoughts...

 

[jwharan]

Re: Purchasing a 18' BR that was in Salt Water

This would be my first boat, so when you talk about things like an anode, or the timing chain cover, or pushing the engine to WOT (which i assume is to full power), manifolds risers? This all is somewhat foreign to me at this time.

 

[JRJ]

Re: Purchasing a 18' BR that was in Salt Water

From the photo of the outdrive, I would guess this boat was in salt a lot and not fresh water washed much. Show us more photos of the engine and outdrive. I would pass on this one from what you have shown us so far.

 

[umblecumbuz]

Re: Purchasing a 18' BR that was in Salt Water

Agree with Milkyway.<br /><br />A test is essential. And a surveyor is necessary, especially as you are new to the game.<br /><br />The corrosion you show could just be cosmetic, but it could also be severe internally. Remember that outdrives (and outboards) are painted externally to keep the galvanobug at bay, but they are not protected so well internally.<br /><br />A surveyor will check everything - the outdrive, motor, electrics and hull. You'll get a report based on facts, and you can make your mind up then. It will also give you leverage to get the price down if you still want the boat afterwards. The survey will pay for itself then.

 

[jwharan]

Re: Purchasing a 18' BR that was in Salt Water

Here are a few more pics

 

[JRJ]

Re: Purchasing a 18' BR that was in Salt Water

Looks good. It appears to have bottom paint, which isn't common on boats that haven't been wet slipped. As others suggest, time for a survey and on the water test ride. Good luck.

 

[jwharan]

Re: Purchasing a 18' BR that was in Salt Water

SO barring a solid test ride, and a survey, you would say it is go? I believe the seller is having a survey done this week.<br /><br />Also this will be my first boat, and I have never maintained a boat before, though I have driven many boats. What are the main things that I need to be aware of? I will be dry storing the boat.

 

[JRJ]

Re: Purchasing a 18' BR that was in Salt Water

Normally the buyer hires a surveyor of his choice. The purpose is to have the boat checked completly with your interest in mind. The survey report becomes the property of the person that paid for it. The hull, the engine, and all systems will be checked and noted on a proper survey. Sorry, but I can't say its a go yet. What year is the boat and how much would you be paying? I don't get the impression you want a fixer/upper, so really check this boat out.

 

[dingbat]

Re: Purchasing a 18' BR that was in Salt Water

I'd be very leery here. I blew up the picture of the out drive and the trim cylinder anodes are pretty eaten up and the carrier bearing looks pretty eaten up also. You definatly have some galvanic corrsion working here. Also, if it’s been sitting that long I'll guarantee you that the seals in the lower unit are gone and need replaced and by the looks if it I doubt that the carrier assembly is going to come out in one piece. It may be all right eternally and it’s certainly nothing beyond repair, but I'd make sure to point out theses deficiencies to the seller and expect them to reduce the price accordingly.

 

[jwharan]

Re: Purchasing a 18' BR that was in Salt Water

Lets assume that the anodes, and carrier bearings need to be replaced. lets assume the seals need to be replaced as well. Throw in the carrier assembly too. How much money are we talking here for the repairs, just a rough estimate.

 

[jwharan]

Re: Purchasing a 18' BR that was in Salt Water

The boat is currently at the marina getting checked over before a sale, so that it is in "satisfactory running condition" Lets see what they come back with.

 

[jwharan]

Re: Purchasing a 18' BR that was in Salt Water

dingbat,<br /><br />I noticed you are from maryland as well. Perhaps we could chat a bit more by email?

 

[Solittle]

Re: Purchasing a 18' BR that was in Salt Water

You can't see the rust you need to be concerned about from the outside. The outdrive & engine look OK from the outside. The parts that can cause you trouble on an I/O rig are the exhaust manifolds and the risers. Rust accumulates on the inside and can block the water cooling passages. That doses not mean the the ones on the boat you are looking at are shot but that is a point of failure on these rigs. I have seen a guideline here of 4-7 year life before these components need to be replaced.