Advice on potential purchase

[JoeLo]

Hi guys,
I am looking at an 86 Dynatrak 166 SS and was wondering if anybody could tell me about Ebbtides. The price seems right (2500.00) and it's got a Merc 110HP on it. Interior looks pretty good for the age ,Trailer could use some new paint though. I had the guy start it with muffs on anf there was a slight leak fuel leak at carb. also steering cable may need to be replaced because engine would turn completely left but only half way right. What do you guys think and how expensive to fix? Boat has a trolling motor, skis, full cover few other extras. Oh and gas guage looks like it needs replacing.

 

[fishingdan]

Re: Advice on potential purchase

That price sounds high. I bet the seller would come down quite a bit, but depends.

- It is a 23 year old boat
- What year is the engine?
- fuel leaking from the carb would indicate that the carbs probably need to be cleaned and rebuilt (new gaskets, needle valves and valve seat). The kits are not expensive and you could do it yourself if you enjoy that type of thing. If you need a mechanic to do it, it will probably cost $100 per carb.
- The steering cable isn't terribly expense and again you could probably do it yourself. On some boats, you need to temporarily lift the engine off to get the steering cable into the engine bracket.

Really check out the boat and the engine. If it were in perfect condition, maybe $2500 would be a fair price. It doesn't sound like it is. Take your time and check it out. The condition of the engine will mostly determine the value of the package.

Don't get me wrong, I love older boats and I usually sell/buy a boat every couple of years myself (I won't buy new). However, there are a lot of used boats around. Don't be in a hurry. Look at others (if you haven't already) before you make any decision.

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: Advice on potential purchase

23 year old hull and motor????????? your are looking at $300 to rebuild carbs. steering was improperly installed, is that problem. corrrectable. i would definately want a 1 hour test ride. and a negoitiate the price, it is high.

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.

 

[JoeLo]

Re: Advice on potential purchase

Fishingdan, Thanks for the reply. I doublechecked my notes on this boat, the motor is a 115 HP not a 110 also the trailer is 1 year newer. . The guy(friend of a friend) bought it 3 years ago for 4 grand and boat has only been in water 3 times in last 2 years. he claims to have put about a grand into it since he bought it. I can walk away with no regrets. I was looking before I found this one I can keep looking.

 

[JoeLo]

Re: Advice on potential purchase

Tashadaddy,
I knew I was at the right website! A thousand thank you's. I will use you advice on the next one I consider buying. It definitly pays to talk to the experts.