1st Time Buyer

[tommiekinz]

HI ALL, I hope to get as much useful info as possible. I am a 1st time buyer and I am looking to buy a 1999 CROWNLINE 202BR W/TRAILER! - $8900 Everything looks good as I have spoken with the owner and she seemed to have kept it up in good condition. 1 thing that does concern me is the engine has 410 hrs on it. Should this be a concern. Please bring any and all comments, the trailier is a tandem. Thanks to all who comment

 

[BeaufortTJustice]

Re: 1st Time Buyer

Couple things to keep in mind when looking at/purchasing a used boat -

1) a survey of the boat by a professional is usually worth the expense and should prevent nasty surprises later on.
2) test the boat prior to purchase "on the water" in real conditions, not on muffs in the yard.
3) mere quantity of hours is not as important as how well maintained the motor/drive has been...a meticulously maintained engine and drive with 410 hrs is more desirable to me than lower hours with questionable maintenance history.

4) related to #3...ask for service/maintenance records...most people who are meticulous in their upkeep are also meticulous in their record keeping. This will also give you a starting point to take over the maintenance.

Hope this helps...this is by no means a complete list, but just a few things I learned from others on this forum while shopping for my own used boat. Good luck and let us know what comes of your prospective purchase.

 

[Philster]

Re: 1st Time Buyer

Crownlines seem to hold up well.

Get a boat survey done. 410 hours is nothing when maintained, and everything when neglected. You need to know if this thing is gonna need things like exhaust risers, and other bits that might cost you the engine if not replaced.

Get a surveyor... get a surveyor.

You probably need one for insurance anyway. Man, you will feel good when you get a survey done.

 

[tommiekinz]

Re: 1st Time Buyer

THANK YOU very very much for your responses. When you say survey of the boat is this the same thing as having a mechanic looking at it?

 

[Philster]

Re: 1st Time Buyer

A boat surveyor is more like a home inspector. Actually, better than a home inspector. The Society of Accredited Marine Surveyors has some seriously knowledgeable folks.

http://www.marinesurvey.org/

You can find one there. You will need a survey done for insurance.

 

[BeaufortTJustice]

Re: 1st Time Buyer

THANK YOU very very much for your responses. When you say survey of the boat is this the same thing as having a mechanic looking at it?

Not necessarily...I think some surveyors will also check the engine, but not all mechanics can or will do a proper survey of a boat.

Ask the potential surveyor what, if anything, they do to check motor and drive.

Worst case scenario: you'll have to hire a surveyor and a mechanic to get a full picture of the boats condition.

 

[tommiekinz]

Re: 1st Time Buyer

Thanks for your help

 

[tommiekinz]

Re: 1st Time Buyer

does this seem like a fair price??

 

[ezmobee]

Re: 1st Time Buyer

Need to know what motor/drive are on it....