need help (know nada about boats)

[roeski1]

hey guys, i can really use some help with something.<br /><br />in the car world, the general rule-of-thumb/industry standard for an older car is one that as over 75k miles. it is usually at that point where the car-owner has to start worrying a little about the car and start treating it better. for example, putting motor oil that is designed for high miles and etc.<br /><br />now in the boating world, what would u define as "older" boat? where you have to start treating it better? i've heard that age is a factor (boats over 20 years old). i've also heard hours. but how many hours will it need to be to deem a boat "older?" <br /><br />so now let's say that i'm selling transmission fluid or something for older cars i would say:<br />"for cars with over 75 k miles"<br /><br />what would i say for boats? "for boats with _____"<br /><br />thanks for any advice that you can give me. i really appreciate it.

 

[DJ]

Re: need help (know nada about boats)

Boats are an entirely different world. IMHO, NADA on boats is a guess-at best.<br /><br />Boats are bought and sold based on condition. Just like real estate, which says: location, location, location. Boats are: condition, condition, condition.<br /><br />I've sold 20 year old boats in perfect condtion for five times what NADA said.<br /><br />Everybody can shop NEW boat prices, noone can shop used boat prices, just like cars. They (boats/cars-used) are all unique.

 

[wespants]

Re: need help (know nada about boats)

Roeski1,<br /><br />A lot of it would depend on the type of boat and the type of powerplant it has, and really, the powerplant and boat have to be considered separately. <br /><br />The hull of quality fiberglass boat will last years and years. I would say 30+. Some boats though may have issues with decks, stringers, or transoms much sooner, but good quality boats properly maintained should steer clear of those problems, and shouldn't require much "extra" care as they age. Just waxing, etc.<br /><br />The mech/elec system I would say would need some TLC after 5yrs of age, esp. in saltwater. By mech/elec I mean things like switches, lights, gauges, pumps, etc. My boat is a '98 and I'm starting to have some connection issues and a couple of pump issues, but my boat is always used in saltwater.<br /><br />The engine, if it is an outboard, I have heard has an expectancy of around 1000hrs or so, but I guess that all just depends. Moderate use by the average person would probably put 100+ hrs/year on one. One with say 50hrs/year is probably considered a low time engine. I/O gas engines or inboard diesel power may differ, so I'll let someone else handle those. But if you are looking at a boat old enough to be repowered already or if repower is imminent, boat and motor should probably be considered separately. By that I mean if you have a 20 year old quality boat with a 1 year old outboard, don't consider the whole rig to be 20 years old. Actually, if the boat is in good shape and has newer wiring, etc., it is probably more accurate to consider it closer to 1 year old.<br />I hope I have helped and not confused you here!

 

[BoatBuoy]

Re: need help (know nada about boats)

If it's a boat, I'd say don't use transmission fluid in it. <br /><br />Seriously, the condition of a boat is more a function of how the maintenance was kept up rather than how many "miles" it has on it. Unless you run it all the time, such as a commercial use, it will last longer than most owners want to keep it. Consider this - a vehicle with 75k miles probably has between <br />2000 and 2500 hours on it. If you ran a boat 10 hours a day, every Saturday and Sunday for the 3-month summer season, you would only put about 240 hours on it. <br /><br />The attention to maintenance on a 1-year old motor should be no different than a 20-year old motor. I will defer discussion of a fiberglass boat to others. I have aluminum.<br /><br />Bottom line, age for a boat motor is almost moot. Critical path is maintenance, maintenance, maintenance - past as well as future.<br /><br />As far as high mileage vehicles, I use the same oil at 190k miles as I did at 50k miles. I won't mention brand for fear of starting yet another tempest.

 

[salty87]

Re: need help (know nada about boats)

too many variables without more info....outboard, inboard, i/o....salt/fresh water...diesel, gas<br /><br />in addition to what's been said above, there's also a line of thought that an older boat that has been run regularly is often in better shape than an older boat that has been used infrequently and has lower hours. example, 10 year old boat with 500 hours is probably better off than a 10 year old boat with only 100 hours. but again, it depends on the specifics of the boat.<br /><br />i have an inboard running gas and expect to get 1000 hours before seeing signs of any major repairs needed from the engine. i hope to see it get to 2000 with proper care.

 

[NYMINUTE]

Re: need help (know nada about boats)

In regard to low hours...Consider the fact that a 10 year old boat with 400 hours has done alot of sitting idle. This could indicate that routine maintenence was neglected (oil-filters-wires-etc.) Often a boat with higher hours has seen more mechanical and structural attention. This is not always true. If you can take a pro with you, or have a marine mech. do a compression test, and general inspection of the vessel you are interested in. Best of Luck.

 

[roeski1]

Re: need help (know nada about boats)

Wow, thanks so much for all the information. It is very helpful. One day, I will become fortunate enough to buy my own boat and worthy of contributing to this great forum. I wish the best to you all. Cheers!

 

[tfjrc2]

Re: need help (know nada about boats)

roeski1:<br />Please buy your own boat as soon as you can. You will never know what you are missing till you do!<br />It is the most fun you can have with your clothes on!!!

 

[Triton II]

Re: need help (know nada about boats)

Or off... sad isn't it?!!

 

[beniam]

Re: need help (know nada about boats)

Aluminum older boats are easier to inspect-check for corrosion (white powder),loose or popped rivets,bottom damage, drilled holes from disconnected depthfinder,etc. An older aluminum in good condition, you can see what you get. Motor-more difficult,you need professional testing(a mechanic). Wiring-can be rewired fairly easily. Consider remotering(4 cycle new is sooo cool). Trailers-visual check, new wheels,meaning tires, ,check to regrease or replace bearings.<br />Fibreglass boats are out of my realm of experience. Batavier

 

[flashback]

Re: need help (know nada about boats)

lot a good folks here,,,, good info too.......just look around, you can find 30 year old cars worth 20 times their orginal cost....same with boats it is a..... (striving for perfection).....that makes the boat or car worth it..........good luck........and stick with the forum, it's a good place...........