Used Boat Check!

[altjimwilson]

I'm looking at a used boat, here are a few things I know to check, any other ideas? <br /><br />Note - I will do a sea trial, but I probably will not have a compression test or a mechanic check it out. Basically, I'm the one checking this boat over. This is a 90 Wellcraft, 5.7L. merc I/O costing about $10,000 with about 500 hours.<br /><br />1) Check the floor for soft spots (jump around a little).<br />2)Check all guages and lights, tilt/trim...<br />3)Check the engine oil for contaimation and for any leaks.<br />4)Check the boots and hoses for cracks.<br />5)Take the top fluid fill screw off of the lower until and check for water.<br />6) Lift up hard and stand on the lower unit to check for any dry rot. <br />7) Check interior and hull condition.<br />8) Check trailer wiring,surge brakes & lights<br />9) Take it for a good ride!<br /><br />Thanks - I would appreciate any other ideas that you have!

 

[Yepblaze]

Re: Used Boat Check!

Go over to nadaguides http://www.nadaguides.com/ and see how much below the amount you are thinking about spending, they say it is worth. <br /><br />You also might want to drop by http://www.yachtsurvey.com/ and read up on some of the stuff there. (That could take a few days)<br /><br /><br />During that good ride make note of it's performance during slow close in operation. There's not much worse than having a new to you boat, in a confinded area at the dock and have it less than perfect as to idle, gear shifts, and steering operation. <br /><br /><br />Also note how much work it'll be getting it on or off the trailer. And how many you will need on hand for launches.

 

[trevorcday]

Re: Used Boat Check!

For #5 you would be better to take the bottom screw ou to check for water unless you think it is completely full (of water).<br /><br />Some other suggestions:<br />1) Look at prop shaft for straightness.<br />2) If possible remove drive and look at u-joints, gimbal bearing, coupler splines. Look for oil inside u-joint bellows.<br />3) Have a good look at all bellows<br />4) Look at shift cable where it passes through the transom for cracking of the outer cover.<br />5) Inspect the steering cable, it should move freely.<br />6) Make sure boat comes out of gear easily when you sea test it. If not something is wrong with the function of the shift interrupter (eg. sticky shift cable).<br />7) Make sure you get good solid forward and reverse engagement when shifting.