Buying Crowline Merc 5.7 - Opinions? (pics)

[boatgrunt]

Thanks to everyone for the help to date. After doing much research, I have settled on a 1994 Crownline with a 5.7 Merc I/O. I have NEVER seen a cleaner, well maintained engine and outdrive. The interior/exterior is mint. The boat has a VHF radio, cuddy cabin with sink, cooler, stove and table, fish finder and depth finder, cd/stereo and compass. All gauges and electrical items work. She fired up with one turn of the key and idled beautifully. Here is the link: <br /><br /> http://boston.craigslist.org/boa/167733963 <br /><br />Questions:<br /><br />1. I am not familiar with Crownlines. Are they considered a reputable boat manufacturer?<br /><br />2. This boat is so clean in every way, I'm beginning to doubt the need for a surveyor to look it over. What do you think? <br /><br />3. Am I missing anything?<br /><br />4. Any advice for what to include in the P&S?

 

[boathog]

Re: Buying Crowline Merc 5.7 - Opinions? (pics)

compression test is a must and a bay/ocean test to see if you like the ride of that boat 3-4 people in boat.

 

[Fishermark]

Re: Buying Crowline Merc 5.7 - Opinions? (pics)

Looks like a nice boat for the money.<br /><br />Here is the corrected link: boat

 

[Purduebarry]

Re: Buying Crowline Merc 5.7 - Opinions? (pics)

I'm jealous...I can't say about the surveyor, if it were me I'd take it and run. I can't help but to think that the owner is meticulous, to your benefit. Why is it for sale? How many hours? Does the trailer have helper brakes, that's a lot of boat. It's your money, do what feels right. Crownlines down here (Atlanta area lakes) are well regarded. Take it for a spin, beat it with a mallet, hang upside down, you'll know what to do. I checked the NADA and it came in a smidge lower but I don't think that counts the trailer and extras. Good luck, she's a beauty and I think you'll be pleased.

 

[boatgrunt]

Re: Buying Crowline Merc 5.7 - Opinions? (pics)

Thanks purduebarry. I came to the same conclusion from the NASD guide - with the trailer, I think it's a good deal. The trailer has brakes and is mint as well. Literally, not a speck of dust. When I climbed into the boat, the owner put towels down everywhere until I stepped on carpet, so yes, he's meticulous. <br /><br />I thought the compression test was a good idea, so I might do that and the seal trial but skip on the survey

 

[natwales]

Re: Buying Crowline Merc 5.7 - Opinions? (pics)

If it were me I'd make on offer but only contingent upon a sucessfull survey and sea trial. If nothing else it can give you some room to bargain because a boat of that age will always have somthing to fix.<br /><br />Ignoring for the moment the engine, because I am sure others can offer better advice, I would at least give a good investigation into the following things. I am sure there are plenty more suggestions here, but generally this was my routine last time I was looking for a boat.<br /><br />1) leaking gas tank. Open up the access to the gas tank and smell around. If you smell gas, I'd walk away or negotiate the price way down. Replacing a gas tank usually means ripping up the whole deck and it's an expensive project.<br /><br />2) Look for hull blisters and other signs of trouble below the waterline.<br /><br />3) leaking hull to deck joint, hatches or windows. How is the hull to deck fastened? Is it just screwed or is it through bolted in anyway? If just screwed that would be another deal breaker for me. Bring a flash light and look at the interior liner and in and around lockers. See if you can see any signs of water marks that may indicate water having ever leaked in.<br /><br />4)Bring a flashlight and an extendable inspection mirror and try to locate the stringers. How high are they glassed? Is there any sign of delamination? If you can try to poke them with a sharp probe to see if the wood is soft. Also inspect the engine supports for simmilar defects.<br /><br />5)How is the hull built? Is it cored, and if so what is it cored with? Is the core used bellow the waterline? Look around for loose fittings around railings or any other areas that may have let water in. Tap the hull and transom area with the handle of a screw driver and listen for a change in resonance that might indicate delamitation or rotten wood. Walk around the deck and jump up and down to see if you feel any soft spots. Id also check the swim platform if it has one.<br /><br />Finally I'd look around at seemingly small things like cleats. Are they through bolted with a backing plate or just screwed into the glass. Small things like this will tell you a lot about the quality of construction.

 

[KaGee]

Re: Buying Crowline Merc 5.7 - Opinions? (pics)

The boat is 12 years old. You live where the potential for saltwater use is likely. How old are the manifolds and risers?<br /><br />When was the last time the drive was pulled and the routine maintenance performed? When was the last time the impeller was changed on the drive?