Too many hours??

[berkleydetroit]

Looking to purchase a 1987 Sea Ray 300 Weekender with twin 350/260hp Merc inboards. Boat has 900 hours. Current owner doesn't know how many owners before him, but he's had it 4 yrs and did the minor stuff himself. How much longer for a re-build on these motors? Anything else I should know about this boat?

 

[Haut Medoc]

Re: Too many hours??

Welcome to iboats The first thing I would want to know is: Is it a closed cooling system? (The kind with anti- freeze)? Or is it raw water cooled? If so, did it spend most or all of its life in salt water?....JK

 

[waterone1@aol.com]

Re: Too many hours??

The first question in the puzzle was asked by Haut Medoc "salt water.....run through the engine" ? Next question is the up-keep and maintenence.....has it been well cared for ? The next thing would be to determine what shape it is in today ( compression test, look at color of engine oil, pull risers, look at mating surfaces, look at exhaust ports, pull thermostat housing, look at level of corrosion, run engine hard and check oil pressure at idle while hot). Listen for any noisy lifters....or worse.<br />This engine may have 900 or more hours left in her, or she could be due for a rebuild, or even a repower now. Engine hours alone don't say much.

 

[KaGee]

Re: Too many hours??

How many hours is a very subjective question.<br /><br />Still a lot of hours left in them IF they were properly maintained AND the ponies were not whipped every time out.

 

[Doug Durako]

Re: Too many hours??

Unless you know your way around boats exceptionally well, I would hire a surveyor to look at the hull more than anything. That is low use if those are the original motors. I would be more worred about a 1987 hull if it has sat in the water for extended periods.

 

[berkleydetroit]

Re: Too many hours??

Thanks everyone! To answer some questions...<br /><br />-Boat is fresh water. <br />-Current owner had compression test done when he bought the boat 4 yrs ago and all was good. <br />-plan on having a survey and mechanic inspection. <br /><br />Thanks, just wanted to see what everyone thought!