What's first with used boat?

[GEDENS]

I'm about to buy a used boat with OMC inboard engine. The engine has not been run in a year and the boat has been sitting outside, uncovered. Is there some maintenance that I should do first before trying to start the engine?
Thanks
Greg

 

[mthieme]

Re: What's first with used boat?

Welcome aboard.
Some pics would go a long way.
The bulk of the crew is going to advise you to steer away from OMC.
Any clue what kinda boat it is? year?

 

[GEDENS]

Re: What's first with used boat?

It is a 1981 19 foot Renken with inboard/outboard OMC. Boat pictures attached.

 

[Robj]

Re: What's first with used boat?

Run away as fast as you can.

Two things that are huge problems with this boat:

1 OMC stay away from it. They have been out of business for a long time, and even when they were, their drives weren't that great.

2 Stored outdoors, there is a good chance that it is all rotten and you will end up replacing the interior, deck, stringers and transom, and removing lots of wet stinky foam. That is how to quickly kill a boat, store it outdoors, uncovered so it can get soaked.

There are alot of better boats out there, just keep looking.

 

[cbavier]

Re: What's first with used boat?

Welcome aboard iboats Greg. Stay away from this one and keep looking. You never said where are you are from. Up here in Michigan we are at least two months away from splash. There will be lots of good boats and good buys out there without getting into something over your head to start out with. Keep looking. OMC is obsolete. and junk.

 

[chiefalen]

Re: What's first with used boat?

Welcome aboard ! I have that setup. I can't recommend buying it. One thing i can point out, that drive is known as a 400 or ( stringer ).

1982-1985 drives were the best drives, in the stringer series, because they are full mechanical shift models.

It is not unheard of to have a 1981 boat and have say a 1980 drive or maybe even a 1979 drive, it depends on who setup the system in the boat and what they hand on hand at the time.

Now the 1980 drive had a hydro-mechanical shift system in the drive. The worst of the latter series. And the rarest, meaning the parts are the very hardest to come by for the drive.

I didn't ask at the start of this reply if you are wrencher?

I have been one for over 40 years working on airplanes, autos, boats. I have been certified in aircraft mechanics for jets and reciprocating engines, and believe you me this drive has taxed my understanding on why it was designed the way it was.

Last word from me don't buy it, because no matter how cheap it is will cost you more in the end then let's say buying a latter year drive and motor setup that is modern.

My recommendation is a Volvo first merc second in the mid 90's 18 footer 3.0 motor.

Good luck !