Think I found something.......

[inthedirtagain]

Since our previous boat was lost to a roll-over accident and fire last summer on our big family vacation, we're in the market for another affordable family boat. I found a 1990 Blue Water Blazer (16ft BR) in great visual condition for $3900 out the door. It has less than 400hrs, but I'm not sure what that even means. Is that a lot for this kind of boat? Also, it has the 4.3L Merc in it, and that something else I'm not terribly familiar with. Our last two boats were both outboards. I know that this boat will be heavier than our last (16ft Larson BR), but there is much more power pushing this one. My wife and 3 kids (7/10/13) enjoy tubing and are learning to knee board. Knowing this, what kind of real-world performance can I expect? Our Larson, with 90hp Merc 6, ran about 34mph @ 5100 rpm. Can I assume about the same for the Blue Water? Thanks in advance.

 

[jestor68]

Re: Think I found something.......

A 2000 pound boat with a 4.3 L should perform pretty well provided the motor is reasonably healthy. I would guess around 47-50 mph.

The two barrel version is 175 hp; the four barrel is 205 hp.

I would check the compression of the motor prior to purchase. Four hundred hours could be a lot(or not), depending on how hard it was beaten on. A compression test will tell you that. New compression would be about 180 psi.

NADA price for that boat is well under $3900.

 

[Bob_VT]

Re: Think I found something.......

That boat should fly! you are talking about 190 hp and it will shame your old outboard and probably do better on economy too.

I would thoroughly inspect that boat since it is 23 years old and water test it. Those boats came with a standard 3.0L and maybe someone optioned up but the inspection of the deck and transom, the water test and any maintenance records....... Then offer the guy a lowball amount and negotiate...... it is about 8-900 above average retail.

 

[inthedirtagain]

Re: Think I found something.......

I checked on book values for my area, and came up with about $3500 as optioned. Around here, boats fetch a premium, so I'm happy to see that this one is at least CLOSE to book value. Believe me, I'd love to pay less. Its at a consignment shop, so I doubt that I would be able to put it on the water. Besides, this is Idaho and not many places are available right now. I had a decent look at it today and the floor is solid, no exposed wiring, good upholstery/carpet. He offered to fire it up, but I declined knowing that it would need to be winterized again. The price of $3900 included, tax/title and all fees. Knowing this, I'm right around book value. Included is a couple of nicer neoprene vests, ropes, and anchor. Here's the ad:

1990-16ft Blue Water Open bow Boat

 

[tazrig]

Re: Think I found something.......

If you can't take it for a sea trial then walk away from the deal no matter how good. You'll have no idea how the engine performs under load (compression is a great start but doesn't tell the whole story) or how the boat handles in general. Make sure there aren't any soft spots in the floor and for a couple of hundred bucks it might be worth your while to have a marine surveyor take a peek. With a 23' year old boat there are way too many things that c-o-u-l-d be wrong to list here. A competent surveyor would know where to look. Don't worry about the 4.3 though. It's a good engine. Just make sure it has the updated 2 piece manifolds. (I don't remember what year Mercrusier switched over to the new ones) Good Luck. Sounds nice!

 

[Bob_VT]

Re: Think I found something.......

One of the nasty things I have seen ......people place plywood over bad decks and then recarpet

Since this is the first IO to you I would be very diligent in checking it out....... drive bellows??? The bearings inside the drive are also the most neglected.

The water test is a tough one and muffs with a hose will NOT demonstrate under load.

 

[inthedirtagain]

Re: Think I found something.......

I understand, and share, your concerns. I'd hate to let a good deal pass me by, but I'd also hate to be bent over, too. I'll put a deposit down on it and take it to be inspected. Knowing that my knowledge on I/Os is pretty limited, I think that this will be the safest bet. The owner lives in a resort town about 2hrs away. He might be willing to take it out with me if he know's I'm serious about purchasing. It doesn't hurt to ask. My only fear is that it is starting to thaw, and prices tend to skyrocket this time of year.

 

[UncleWillie]

Re: Think I found something.......

That boat should fly! you are talking about 190 hp ...

I have a 4.3L MPI 220hp in an 18 footer that weighs in at a little over 3000lbs with full fuel and 2 passengers on board.
It tops out at just slightly under 60 mph.
A 2000lb boat with 190hp is on the verge of being Overpowered. It is truly going to fly, possibly literally!

400 Boat hours is roughly equivalent to the same engine wear as 40,000 car miles.
If well maintained it has another 800-1000 hours left in it.

 

[roscoe]

Re: Think I found something.......

Thats an awful lot of motor for a 16'.

And the 16' might be a little small for your family of 5. Plus friends?

But it WILL be a blast when you throttle up.

 

[cr2k]

Re: Think I found something.......

If you could, take it to a shop with a dyno and you will have an Idea of how it does under load.

 

[tpenfield]

Re: Think I found something.......

With a boat of that age, the big issues are going to be structural rot, soft floors, etc. The engine hours are really low for a 23 year old boat, so it may have sat for periods of time un-used. It may have a replacement engine in it, as 4.3L is quite large for that boat.

 

[steelespike]

Re: Think I found something.......

I really think you should shoot for at least a 18 footer.
Keep in mind your old 90 probably used about 9 gallons per hour at wide open throttle.
A 190 will be at about 19 gph at wot. Lots of power and speed but it will go through some gas when you use it.
There is no doubt an I/O has a higher maintenance requirement than the typical outboard also are pretty heavy in the stern.
You do need more hp for water sports especially as the family grows. Just be aware there will be more fuel use.
You should also try to get an on the water demonstration before a purchase.

 

[southkogs]

Re: Think I found something.......

Y'know ... I'm thinking that might be an 18'. I know what the ad says, but I looked up Blue Water (still in business BTW), and looked up some specs. The 16' I/O open bow was only rated for 130HP. 190 would be REALLY pumping it up! The 18' was rated for 205HP ... so 190 sounds more reasonable for the 18'. Like Bob said, "190 in a 16' should FLY!"

The 18' model was the Eagle according to the web.

Personally, I've been playing on the water for years with a family of 5 first on a 15' with a 65HP and now a 17' with 165. We ain't the biggest boat or the fastest boat on the lake, but it's fine for us. Even with two dogs and a cooler on board it only gets tight sometimes (as opposed to all the time). The boat trailers and stores very conveniently, making boating a little easier.

If I were looking right now, that boat would likely make the short list for a "due diligence" visit.

 

[81 Checkmate]

Re: Think I found something.......

Nice - Looks to be a little bigger than 16'........

Notice that there are muffs still hooked up on the drive......And still snow on the ground..... Check to make sure they have drained the motor and manifolds....before you buy!

They may not know any better.

Just me......but with the kids at that age and growing to bigger and better water sports...a 16 footer is on the small side to my liking.. This is your 2nd boat? It would have to be 18' or bigger.

My Checkmate is at 18'-6" and with 5 people its not alota fun for the Captain! Now my 21' Open bow is just the right size for 6 people and doing water sports. I feel at ease that everyone is going enjoy the ride.....The Captain is Happy!

Good luck!

 

[tazrig]

Re: Think I found something.......

I understand, and share, your concerns. I'd hate to let a good deal pass me by, but I'd also hate to be bent over, too. I'll put a deposit down on it and take it to be inspected. Knowing that my knowledge on I/Os is pretty limited, I think that this will be the safest bet. The owner lives in a resort town about 2hrs away. He might be willing to take it out with me if he know's I'm serious about purchasing. It doesn't hurt to ask. My only fear is that it is starting to thaw, and prices tend to skyrocket this time of year.

Again, can't stress enough the importance of a sea trial so you can run the motor under load. To use your terminology you are looking to get "bent over" if you don't. Good call on having a pro check over the boat BEFORE you buy. Also just FYI:



BoatUS Magazine: Seven Ways To Avoid The Boat Buyer Blues

 

[fishrdan]

Re: Think I found something.......

Y'know ... I'm thinking that might be an 18'.

Same here....

I would also be concerned of the condition of the engine/drive, (rot too). If the consignment shop said they would fire it up, who knows if they have done it before, in weather with freezing temps, and then not winterized it again. Or they didn't run water to it and just ran it dry, which is bad for the impeller, shutters, exhaust couplers, rubber stuff...

It might be interesting to quiz the seller. -When was the last time it was started (for anyone)? -Was water run to the drive? -Was the engine winterized (drained) afterwards? Throw in some other misc BS questions along the way so they don't know what you are really asking.

 

[tazrig]

Re: Think I found something.......

Same here....

I would also be concerned of the condition of the engine/drive, (rot too). If the consignment shop said they would fire it up, who knows if they have done it before, in weather with freezing temps, and then not winterized it again. Or they didn't run water to it and just ran it dry, which is bad for the impeller, shutters, exhaust couplers, rubber stuff...

It might be interesting to quiz the seller. -When was the last time it was started (for anyone)? -Was water run to the drive? -Was the engine winterized (drained) afterwards? Throw in some other misc BS questions along the way so they don't know what you are really asking.

^^^+1