Buying a 25yr old boat... Problem?

[LS1Steve]

I have a family member who bought a 1989 Four Winns 200 Horizon brand new, put 40hrs on it the first two years, then another 50hrs in total over the last 23yrs!
The boat has a total of 90hrs on the 5.8 OMC Cobra. It does have the wood/carpet deck, but has only been used in fresh water, cleaned after every use, and stored indoors in a home garage. The damn boat looks mint... The finish on the hull is still glossy. This is a close family member, and there is nothing to hide here, and i've actually been on the boat for 90% of its short use.
It has had no issues at all, and hasn’t been started in probably 3yrs (at which point it ran great).
I have the opportunity to get this thing on the cheap, like I’m talking $2K. I would immediately take it in for a tune-up, oil change, etc, and definitely drain the gas and throw in a new battery.
Any issues with buying this boat? It will cost me money to store it, so I don’t want to get stuck with something that I’ll end up dumping more money into than I expected. I plan to use in fresh water only. I’ve read posts of people putting 2000hrs+ on these with minimal issues, but I don’t know what unforeseen damage 25yrs of unused age does to a boat...

 

[oldjeep]

Just due to age, I'd count on replacing anything rubber that is on the boat - hoses, fuel lines, impeller, belts, bellows and tires. Other than that I wouldn't have any worries about the condition of the boat if it is as you describe.

 

[LS1Steve]

Any concern over fuel pump? I want to do everything I reasonably can here to assure I won't be stranded in the middle of the lake...

Also, where do you suggest going for parts, for this boat? I assume aftermarket parts are available to cover all the rubber? I'm a big car mechanic but have never sourced boat parts...

 

[oldjeep]

I've got lots of suggestions, but since iBoats sponsors the forum all I can do that won't be deleted is suggest you look there and google. Local shop will be the most expensive place to buy, but if you are planning on having them do service then it might be worthwhile.

 

[southkogs]

Are you able to make sure she's runnin' and floating before you make the purchase? I know it's family, but $2k for a boat that doesn't run (currently) and hasn't floated in a while is too risky to me.

For myself, if it floats but doesn't run and it's only few hundred dollars - then I'm okay risking that sometimes. If it runs and floats then $2k may be just fine even if I gotta' fix a few things. But, a $2,000 paperweight in the driveway is a little much for my taste.

Consider your drive, engine, trailer, storage, etc. ... and you realize quickly that there could be a lot to fix that you won't see until you use it a little bit.

 

[NYBo]

In addition to the good suggestions above, a question: Is the paperwork in order? If not, this could end up being the aforementioned paperweight.

EDIT: Where are my manners? Welcome to iboats!:welcome:

 

[greenbush future]

I see very little risk, your situation is one 99% of us dream about being in, when buying a boat. Sounds like you have a great plan to take ownership too. Nice find!!! Have fun, and welcome!

 

[Scott Danforth]

welcome aboard

 

[keith427]

You said you know the history of the boat so if the owner has both trailer and boat titles jump on this. If you can do car mechanic work there is no reason you can't do the above mentioned maintenance items yourself. I would change the fuel pump and bilge pump. They are cheap piece of mind items. It sounds like a good deal.

 

[LS1Steve]

After further discussions with them today... For the price of 'inviting him out now and then', my Uncle is going to give it to me for FREE. Registration is current.

SO.... I don't have much time to work on this boat, so how much should I anticipate paying for the following at a local mechanic:

Transom service
Bellows (comes with transom service kit)
Hoses (is it just the exhaust hose?)
Belts
Impeller
Fuel Pump
Fuel Lines
Bilge Pump
Oil Change
Fuel dump
Plugs
Plug wires
Cap/Rotor

Anything else?

 

[Scott Danforth]

about $2500 ($125/hour)

do the work yourself and save

 

[southkogs]

... For the price of 'inviting him out now and then', my Uncle is going to give it to me for FREE. Registration is current ...

Well that puts the cap on it, eh? Congrats.

I agree with Scott. Do as much as you can at home.