i/o newbie looking for info

[fishfeatures]

My other half or "the accountant" as I call her has agreed that it is ok for us to splash out and buy a bigger craft. The thing is ........I know squat about i/o and what to look for.
I have a good knowledge of outboards mainly 2 stroke and have worked on cars and tractors, so am mechanically inclined.

I have spotted a Rinker Cativa 206 which ticks all the boxes and it has a 4.3 Merc with an Alpha one leg. Besides wood rot, compression, electrics, gelcoat, pumps, altenators, gear oil, engine oil etc.... what else should I look for when I go to view it and whilst taking it on a test drive??

I know nothing of bellows, exhausts so am unsure of what to look for or at....

Also Alpha one legs are they of good name , are parts easy to get , etc...


any help appreciated.

 

[fishfeatures]

Re: i/o newbie looking for info

80 views and no responses.....c'mon guys maybe just a little pointer or two.

 

[Bondo]

Re: i/o newbie looking for info

Besides wood rot, compression, electrics, gelcoat, pumps, altenators, gear oil, engine oil etc....

Ayuh,.... All the usual stuff,...

The 4.3l, Alpha is a Great solid combo....
What Vintage is it,..??
The Gen.IIs appeared in 91....

 

[fishfeatures]

Re: i/o newbie looking for info

The Gen.IIs appeared in 91....

I'm led to believe it's early 90's,
when you say GenII what is that referring to??

oh and thanks for responding Bond-o

 

[Bondo]

Re: i/o newbie looking for info

I'm led to believe it's early 90's,
when you say GenII what is that referring to??

oh and thanks for responding Bond-o

Ayuh,... Alpha 1, Gen.II...

 

[fishfeatures]

Re: i/o newbie looking for info

There are no checks that substitute for an on the water trial. Does the engine reach rated WOT RPM? Does it start and idle easily? Is there any indication of over heating? Any water in the bilge? Does it shift in and out of gear (forward and reverse) smoothly? Is the throttle easy to operate? Do all accesories (lights, horn, bilge pump, etc.) work properly? Does the tilt and trim work as it should? Are you satisfied with the boats over all performance / speed? Any vibration on knocking when you turn hard over in either direction?

If you are going to trailer the boat, what condition is the trailer in? Tires, lights, brakes, rusted frame, etc. Does it fit the boat properly? (Far too often people don't pay attention to the trailer and end up spending $$$ just to make it safe.)

well Bubba, I think you covered everything there ... thanks for that..

 

[fishfeatures]

Re: i/o newbie looking for info

Ayuh,... Alpha 1, Gen.II...

thanks Bond-0 a bit of googling and I now know the differences between Gen I and Gen II, alphas and Bravo I,II,III

cheers just the stuff I guess I need to know....

 

[southkogs]

Re: i/o newbie looking for info

Also make sure it's comfortable to to you. If it just doesn't "feel" right, move on. I'm not sure about that side of the "pond," but over here there are plenty of boats available. No need to settle.