Re: Buying first boat, need help!!!
All above advise is good, I would like to mention, that you need to spend a good deal of time in and outside the boat, wear some clothes that you don't mind to get dirty, when looking at a boat first take a walk to the back, Is the outdrive intact ie: skeg missing chewed prop, or lots of corriosion, Look up under the drive when tilted up check ujoint and cable bellows for cracks, Grab them feel them do they feel dry and brittle? next grab outdrive by the gearcase and wiggle it side to side up and down..is there any play..should feel tight,See if you can get a look at the drive oil also. Next point to look at is under the boat, crawl under boat if needed look for any signs of blistering is there any large gouges/cracks or previous signs of repair such as mismatched colouring of gelcoat. Next take a look all around the boat, pay attention to the rubrail for damage or any seperation from hull,could be a sign a deck joint failure if rubrail is pulling away from hull, also make sure all cleats lights and any bow rails are present and tight, Next get inside boat, look into bilge area, is it clean and tidy, run your hand under and around sides of motor, is it clean look for signs of excessive oil or rust,also look around carb.for any signs of fuel leakage. Pull dipstick look/smell/ and feel the oil does it look clean and not totally black or milky from water contamination, does it smell like oil and not gas, if you rub some between your fingers and look at it is there any metallic looking particles?. since your in the bilge area also look closely at he trim pump, is it full, does is leak? also look at the corners of the hull and transom area on the inside for cracks.Next take a good walk around the inside of the boat and feel for any softspots on the floor. work your way up to the helm, if at all possible look up under the dash how does the wiring look is it neat or is it a rats nest, turn key to power up gauges all needles should move, make sure trim/tilt operates, all lights work horn bilge pumps blower and any other accessories ... I know this long post but don't be afraid to spend some time with the boat, and if at all possible try and do your inspection without the seller/owner being right under your feet, take a pen and small pad of paper to make general notes.... and if you like what you see , then ask for a water test, make sure the hull is drained of any water, and motor is started cold, after water test check bilge for water,and check engine oil for any signs of water, also when on water test check guages pay attention to oil pressure should be between 25 to 40lbs for most engines, volt gauge should be 12.5 to 14.5 volts,and watch temp gauge should be 140 to 160 for raw water cooled and no more than 180 for most close cooling,also pay attention to shifting and steering is it easy or tight listen for any strange type noises or strong vibrations when underway. If all goes well I would still get a professional survey.
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