Advice on Estate Sale Boat?

[tbrasse1]

I am thinking about bidding on what would be my first boat. It is a 1987 Sunliner with a 302. Allegedly has a cracked head. Interior is out but decent. Showing 345 hours usage total. <br />What is it worth? <br />Are parts hard to come by for these marine application motors? (says pleasurecraft on engine)<br />Any last minute checks prior to purchase?<br /><br />Please email me some advice!<br />Thanks to the knowledge base here...<br />Tom

 

[DJ]

Re: Advice on Estate Sale Boat?

I'm assuming this is a straight inboard or v-drive? I'm not aware of any Pleasurecraft Marine engines in front of I/O's.<br /><br />If that's the case. There is really not anything that can't be replaced. Paarts are readily available.<br /><br />If the engine "froze",I think I would plan on replacing more than a single head.

 

[Solittle]

Re: Advice on Estate Sale Boat?

tbrasse1 - A lot depends on your mind set. I would not generally recommend a boat with a known engine problem to a first time boater. You can get yourself in real deep, money wise, real fast. I would assume that the engine is a total loss if/when you figgure what you want to offer. <br /><br />Ask the seller if he will allow you to have the rig checked over by a surveyor or a professional marine mechanic (this would be at your expense). If this is not OK with the seller I would move on quick. There are probably hundreds of posts here from guys who took the seller at his word and sat down and poured out his soul looking for help here after his first trip.

 

[tbrasse1]

Re: Advice on Estate Sale Boat?

Thanks guys. This is a Ford 302 from what I am told, and it is in front of an I/O. I know the deceased's mechanic, and although it has been a few years, he seems to remember it had one bad head. He also stated that they may be the same as an automotive cylinder head from a 302... Sound plausible?<br /><br />Assuming the Hull and outdrive are very good, and the interior is better than average for an 87, what is this thing worth? (Includes the trailer)<br />Thanks,<br />Tom