Used boats

[CWCW]

I wanna hear your thoughts on buying a used boat somewhere in the range of 1 to 5 years old. I have heard of getting a compression test done on a used motor. Does this apply to all types (ie. 2stroke carb, 4stroke, DFI, etc.)? What else do i need to look for besides exterior defects of hull or decks and abuse to prop? Any other motor tests besides tests driving it? Oh by the way it will probably be an aluminum bass boat.

 

[Silvertip]

Re: Used boats

Compression is compression -- any engine needs good compression in order to develop maximum power so yes -- have a compression test done and watch the test. Do not take someones word for it. Pull the lower unit drain plug and check for water. If water comes out before lub, you have a lower unit that neads re-sealing. By all means an on water test is necessary. Check the voltmeter to make sure the charging system works. Less than 13 volts at 1000 RPm or so says it isn't working. Check the telltale stream to make sure the water pump is working. If the boat has a water pressure gauge it should read about 4-5 PSI at idle and about 15-17 PSI at wide open throttle. That varies of course by manufacturer and horsepower. Corroded battery cables indicates lack of maintenance. Wiring that looks like a rats nest is an indication that the previous owner or owners have been doing "Sparky" impersonations. Does everything work. Check for rotten decking, water in storage areas. Tilt the motor up and then push down on the lower unit while watching the transom. The trim system should work smoothly and not fall down on its own when raised. If the transom flexes, it is water soaked and will need replacement. If this boat includes a trailer, check the tires for weather checking. Make sure the trailer can handle the load. If the trailer has brakes (electric or surge) make sure they work.

 

[rndn]

Re: Used boats

Something to think about is that bass boats are typically used full throttle for most of the hours on the outboard. I know of several bass boat owners that have had to do an engine rebuild after 7-8 years. The boats are also subjected to severe abuse. All of this applies to tournament fishing but many people still subject their bass boat to severe abuse.

 

[CWCW]

Re: Used boats

Silvertip,
If the boat is being sold used from a dealer should i still ask to watch a compression test be done? If buying from an individual, I was told i could rent the equipment from an autoparts store to do a compression test myself before buying the boat. I was told it was easy to do even if i have never dealt with an outboard motor. Is this true? I have knowledge of how an engine works and the parts of an engine but can i do a compression test my self or is it better to have a mechanic do it?

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: Used boats

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. 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.

 

[CWCW]

Re: Used boats

Ive also heard of a leak down test. Is this a good thing to have do also?

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: Used boats

yes

 

[wbeaton]

Re: Used boats

Silvertip,
If the boat is being sold used from a dealer should i still ask to watch a compression test be done? If buying from an individual, I was told i could rent the equipment from an autoparts store to do a compression test myself before buying the boat. I was told it was easy to do even if i have never dealt with an outboard motor. Is this true? I have knowledge of how an engine works and the parts of an engine but can i do a compression test my self or is it better to have a mechanic do it?

The tester is cheap. I paid $20 for mine. Get the test done even if from a dealer. My friend bought a used boat from a dealer and it never ran right. Turned out to have bad rings on the bottom cylinder.

 

[johnandmarybeth]

Re: Used boats

Silver tip,
If the boat is being sold used from a dealer should i still ask to watch a compression test be done? If buying from an individual, I was told i could rent the equipment from an auto parts store to do a compression test myself before buying the boat. I was told it was easy to do even if i have never dealt with an outboard motor. Is this true? I have knowledge of how an engine works and the parts of an engine but can i do a compression test my self or is it better to have a mechanic do it?

Yes compression testers are inexpensive. $20-as much as you want to pay. Make sure if you buy one to purchase at least a model that has a flex tube coming from the gauge and fittings that screw to that. The different fittings that come with the gauge will fit a multitude of different spark plug types. I remember my Dad having a compression tester that just had a rubber nipple on the end that you would hold in the spark plug hole, needless to say it didn't work to well and wasn't conducive to using yourself!

IMOP a outboard motor would have to be the easiest motor to run a compression check on. Spark plugs are very accessible and usually waist to head high, it don't get much easier. The gauge will usually come with fairly thorough instructions including the bleed down test.

If purchasing a boat from a dealer, call me skeptic, but I would never trust someone trying to sell me something to do a test that would determine if I would purchase or not. The statement will always be, "yup, tested fine! When do you want to pick it up?" A reputable dealer would never have a problem using a independent third party to do the test.

As far as the boat goes... In the Northwest the word is ROT! If your boat has anything wood, look for it! Upon one boat survey that I witnessed the boat surveyor would use a scratch awl or other sharp abject to test the wood for rot. Idea is that the sharp object will enter rotten wood much easier then good wood. He focused on the transom quite a bit being that the boat in question had a plywood transom that was covered in fiberglass. A rotten transom is a deal breaker! Make sure to test wood where water may be present, IE corners, along the bottom, low spots, etc.

Good luck and hope this helps!