What to look for?

[WakeMaker]

Hello everyone! going to be buying a boat next weekend, and I have 3 to look at...a nautique, a centurian and a malibu. What or where on the boat should I be looking for damage or rot? I will be having an inspection done and compression test, but before I waste anyones time, I want to get a better idea what I should be looking for?

Much thanks,

Rhonda

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: What to look for?

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. You walk all over the deck, that a mallot, or hammer with wooden handle, using handle, tap all over the transom, a shape rap is good solid base, a thud, is questionable base.

The motor should be clean, no spots where the paint is discolored, or pealing from heat, having run hot. (This part for outboard motors 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.
boat motor combo, A 30 year old may be in better condition, than a 3 year old.

 

[oops!]

Re: What to look for?

Hello everyone! going to be buying a boat next weekend, and I have 3 to look at...a nautique, a centurian and a malibu. What or where on the boat should I be looking for damage or rot? I will be having an inspection done and compression test, but before I waste anyones time, I want to get a better idea what I should be looking for?

Much thanks,

Rhonda

hi ....welcome to i boats.....this place is boat university......

id suggest you read that list given above twice.

then if you want more info.........there is a restoration section here that people are fixing everything on a boat that can go wrong.....read transom....stringers....deck.......

then in the motor forums......

read about the drives or motors.

oh yeah.......stay far far away from any thing that says omc.

cheers
oops

 

[mthieme]

Re: What to look for?

Welcome aboard.
I have two friends who have Nautiques and they are very good boats.
You first impression should be positive.
Is it clean and apparently well maintained as opposed to the hull faded, scratched, dinged, etc.
Any boat needs to be maintained and it would be a huge plus if it were documented. Ask to see any pertinent records.
How old is it and how many hours are on it. If it has 10 years or 2000 hours in brackish or salt water, it's probably overdue for money to be sunk into the power train.
Do all the systems work? Lights, bilge, etc.
Is the upholstery faded, ragged, suffering UV damage, etc.
Is the bilge clean or dirty? wet or dry?
Any exposed wood dryrotted? If you can, take a small plastic hammer and gently tap the transom all around listening for a difference in tone which could indicate wet or soft areas. You can do this anywhere there is wood such as the floor...particularly at the walk through area of a bow rider or companionway in a cuddy.
Stress cracks in fiberglass are not abnormal and usually an issue. But are there any long cracks anywhere?
You should also take a test drive. Does it shift smoothly? Does it steer easily? Any unusual sounds (from the engine) - tapping, rapping, squealing, thumping, whatever. Take note of the gauge readings while underway. Water temp should be about 160-170. Oil pressure should be 20-40 at idle and 40-60 underway. Voltmeter should read in between 13 and 14 particularly when cold.
Are the bottoms painted? Why?
This outta get you started.
Good luck and enjoy.