Buying a boat

[Steelhead2634]

Ok, i'm buying a 1995 20ft Sunbird Neptune DC with a 1994 115 Johnson OB. How can i determine from the dealer what condition that OB is in if i am not a marine mechanic? I mean i know i can ask to have them run it etc., but is there any tests that i can request to be done and know what i'm looking at? I know very little about compression or boat motors.<br />Any help would be much appreciated. BTW-The boat itself is in immaculate condition.<br /><br />Thanks!<br />Brent

 

[Solittle]

Re: Buying a boat

Best bet is to bring your own marine mechanic. Remember the dealer's mechanic works for the dealer. What chance do you think you have of him telling you that the engine is no good no matter what you ask him to do?<br /><br />The key test is the compression check. It gives you an indication of the internal condition of the engine.<br /><br />Read your brains out right here at iboats.

 

[timmathis]

Re: Buying a boat

Ask can you take it to somebody and let them check it out!

 

[bigbrownbuku]

Re: Buying a boat

Originally posted by SoLittle:<br /> Best bet is to bring your own marine mechanic. Remember the dealer's mechanic works for the dealer. What chance do you think you have of him telling you that the engine is no good no matter what you ask him to do?<br /><br />The key test is the compression check. It gives you an indication of the internal condition of the engine.<br /><br />Read your brains out right here at iboats. <br />

i get nothing from the sale of second hand boats at my shop. the day i lie to help a used boat salesman im gonna cash in my chips.

 

[danie]

Re: Buying a boat

Youre one of the good guys.

 

[danie]

Re: Buying a boat

Some will lie to keep their jobs.

 

[Twidget]

Re: Buying a boat

Three cheers for BenC. <br /><br />Salesmen used to hate me in my old job for just that reason.

 

[BF]

Re: Buying a boat

If dealer is adamant that OB is in good shape, then maybe they'll give you some warranty (if you ask). Last year I looked at an older (80's) 25 hp and the mechanic said it was so good he'd give me a 90 day warranty if I wanted it (that's almost a season here).<br /><br />You could still take it in to another shop for a check over... but, being a pessimist, I'd be wondering if the 2nd shop would tell me it was lousy, and by the way, I should look at their selection of quality used boats instead!<br /><br />I'd want to see a compression test, and pull plug on lower unit and see what comes out (better be clean, fresh gear oil!), don't drain it, just a tablespoon is enough... look at the plug (magnetic, shouldn't be any filings), and see it run (a test drive is what you really should ask for)... bringing someone familiar with boats is good. If your serious about it, I'd think the sales guy should be willing to spend an hour to take you for a test cruise.<br /><br /><br />good luck.<br /><br />Brent

 

[CATransplant]

Re: Buying a boat

I second the test cruise. I'd never buy a boat for more than $1000 without a trip on the water. Never. Been there...done that...<br /><br />Buying a Boat: A Tragedy in One Act<br /><br />Buyer: So, how's that old Johnson run, then?<br /><br />Seller: Yah, that Johnson's a sweet runner. Worked great the last time I used it.<br /><br />Buyer: Ya think we can fire it up?<br /><br />Seller: Ya know...my wife sold the muffs at the garage sale last weekend, so there's no way to start it up. I wouldn't want to damage the water pump.<br /><br />Buyer: How about we go over to Gervais lake and take a spin?<br /><br />Seller: Well, my mother-in-law is due here any minute, and I wouldn't want to miss her.<br /><br />Buyer: Well, OK, then. Is cash OK?

 

[BF]

Re: Buying a boat

oh, and pull plug on lower unit again after the test cruise... it should still be water and filing free!