I think I'm addicted!!! 1998 Rinker 232 Captiva

[thedukeryan]

I have a serious addiction not only to boats but to craigs list. Anyways I just put down a $100 paypal deposit on a 1998 Rinker 232 Captiva. The pics look great, said it starts and runs great. It has a Bravo 3 outdrive with dual stainless props. Said it has a 320hp 5.7 magnum. I did some reading and I think he is wrong about the hp but not sure. I was thinking they where more like 270-300. Can anyone tell me? Also are these carb or efi? The guy didn't seem to know much about it. Seemed to think it was efi. He pulled the specs off of some site he said. I know for sure it is a 1998 5.7 mag but the remainder of the information he provided is questionable. The guy doesn't seem dishonest just doesn't seem to know all the answers. He has owned it for 4 years and it was given to him by his parents. Said he is just real hard up for cash. Is only asking $5k. I have committed to the point that I put down $100 non refund deposit for holding it. He said it was taken in a month ago to have new rollers and bearings put on the trailer. He had the boat inspected at that time and had some hoses, alternator, one of two batteries replaced. He said he will give me the receipt for the work and inspection. He said the only issue is that it has black bottom epoxy that his parents put on 4-5 years ago and it is rough and peeling. Is there any sort of safe epoxy remover that will take this off with out hurting the original finish? Driving to look at it tomorrow with cash in hand. If all goes well I will post pics tomorrow. Gone through 9 cars and 8 boats in less than a year. I think I need a cheaper hobby.

 

[TilliamWe]

Re: I think I'm addicted!!! 1998 Rinker 232 Captiva

If it's really a Mag, it's efi. But definately not 320hp. 300hp is what it should be.
My 2 biggest concerns are
#1, Why is the bottom paint peeling off? It shouldn't do that.
Yes, you can sand it off, but the original gelcoat should be scuffed up from the original bottom paint application. So it may not shine very nicely.
#2, it was obviously kept in the water. So, corrosion on the rear bearing carrier of a Bravo 3 is a real concern. You need to remove the props to inspect it, and a lot of people don't do it, because it takes a special socket or special prop wrench to do it.
I recommend you check the hull and the drive very closely. Unless the deposit you made obligates you to buy the boat. In that case, go get it, but be prepared for possible unpleasant findings, when you get it home.

 

[JoLin]

Re: I think I'm addicted!!! 1998 Rinker 232 Captiva

If the bottom was painted with an ABLATIVE coating 4-5 years ago, I'd expect to see sections of the paint worn off to the bare hull. Probably what he means by "peeling"- it's working the way it's supposed to.

If it were me, I'd make any deal on this boat contingent upon the results of a professional survey. If it checks out, you've got a great deal there.

GOOD LUCK!

 

[lprizman]

Re: I think I'm addicted!!! 1998 Rinker 232 Captiva

get it surveyed,,,prior to making the purchase

 

[180Fisherman]

Re: I think I'm addicted!!! 1998 Rinker 232 Captiva

Friend of mine had a 1998 232 Captiva. Was a very solid for him until he traded up.

 

[thedukeryan]

Re: I think I'm addicted!!! 1998 Rinker 232 Captiva

Ok I talked to the guy again today. Here is the story he gave me. I guess the boat came from his dad who was the second owner. He bought it when it was only a year old. The boat sat on a lift pretty much the whole time his dad owned it. Said his dad is older and lived right on the Chesapeake bay. I guess he liked the idea of having a boat but was intimidated to take it out. Anyways he gave it to him. Sounds like a real nice guy and just needs the money to help pay his mortgage and bills due to a recent lay off. Anyways he said he recently took it in to have all the maintenance done on the boat/trailer and then shortly after he was let go at work. Sounds like a real bad deal. He has the phone number and receipts for the work/inspection. It was not surveyed but I guess he had them give it a annual look over and some preventive maintenance done on it aka oils changed, new hoses, belts, alternator and battery. I will look into finding someone to survey it. The bottom paint is not peeling as I mentioned but he said it is pretty worn. He said it is really just a eye sore and could be left alone, repainted or removed. The boat is 11 years old but has had very little use. It only has around 200 hours on it which is very low. I looked up the NADA on it and it sells for around $10k on the low end. I meant to make the trip today but the weather did not permit as it is pooring there and raining here. I am going to look at it on Sat. The $100 is just a deposit to hold it for me. We agreed that I am in no way obligated. If it falls through worse case is he keeps the $100. Any other advice or opinions before I make the trip?

 

[thedukeryan]

Re: I think I'm addicted!!! 1998 Rinker 232 Captiva

My 2 biggest concerns are
#1, Why is the bottom paint peeling off? It shouldn't do that.
Yes, you can sand it off, but the original gelcoat should be scuffed up from the original bottom paint application. So it may not shine very nicely.

Ok I used poor labeling when I said peeling off. The paint is not "peeling" but he said it is pretty worn. Would you guys suggest leaving it alone and maybe it will eventually come off completely, repaint it or try to remove it? Also any sort of heavy solvents that can remove the bottom paint without harming the original gel coat?

#2, it was obviously kept in the water. So, corrosion on the rear bearing carrier of a Bravo 3 is a real concern. You need to remove the props to inspect it, and a lot of people don't do it, because it takes a special socket or special prop wrench to do it.

Ok I have a large locking adjustable wrench that I use to remove the prop on my Alpha 1. Would this wrench work on a Bravo 3 or does it need some sort of special wrench? Also what would I be looking for once the props are removed? Would I see obvious signs of corrosion or would it be not so noticeable? Also I am pretty mechanical and have found the rear bearing carrier online for roughly $200. Is this something that one can fix or does it really need to be done by a pro? Might be a good bargaining tool if it is a easy fix.

If the bottom was painted with an ABLATIVE coating 4-5 years ago, I'd expect to see sections of the paint worn off to the bare hull. Probably what he means by "peeling"- it's working the way it's supposed to.

You are correct. As mentioned above I poorly described the condition. It is worn not peeling. He has owned it for 4 years but it was painted who knows how long ago. I misunderstood him and thought the boat was painted right before he got it. It could of been painted 10yrs ago for all I know. The boat has roughly 200 hours on it so maybe it has been there since new.

 

[TilliamWe]

Re: I think I'm addicted!!! 1998 Rinker 232 Captiva

Ok I used poor labeling when I said peeling off. The paint is not "peeling" but he said it is pretty worn. Would you guys suggest leaving it alone and maybe it will eventually come off completely, repaint it or try to remove it? Also any sort of heavy solvents that can remove the bottom paint without harming the original gel coat?



Ok I have a large locking adjustable wrench that I use to remove the prop on my Alpha 1. Would this wrench work on a Bravo 3 or does it need some sort of special wrench? Also what would I be looking for once the props are removed? Would I see obvious signs of corrosion or would it be not so noticeable? Also I am pretty mechanical and have found the rear bearing carrier online for roughly $200. Is this something that one can fix or does it really need to be done by a pro? Might be a good bargaining tool if it is a easy fix.


You are correct. As mentioned above I poorly described the condition. It is worn not peeling. He has owned it for 4 years but it was painted who knows how long ago. I misunderstood him and thought the boat was painted right before he got it. It could of been painted 10yrs ago for all I know. The boat has roughly 200 hours on it so maybe it has been there since new.

Leave the bottom paint alone if it's just wearing away.

Unless your wrench adjusts to 2 1/4" you'll need a bigger one. Plus it takes a lot of torque. Here's what you are looking for:

That is the most corrosion you want to see.

I would have a pro install a rear carrier, as it was decscribed to me as being in there so tight, that "you think you are going to break the case." Well that case is $1800!

 

[thedukeryan]

Re: I think I'm addicted!!! 1998 Rinker 232 Captiva

Thank you very much for the pics. I take it that much corrosion is considered accecptable but anymore than that will need replacing. I do have a large adjustable wrench that I think will work. Even if I do see come corrosion I will use it in my favor as a bargaining tool. If I get it I will probably just leave the paint alone. I am sure it will be a eye sore while on the trailer but its not hurting anything and should look fine in the water.

 

[TilliamWe]

Re: I think I'm addicted!!! 1998 Rinker 232 Captiva

Correct, while not beautiful, that rear bearing carrier pictured still has a good seal. But if it would be corroded any more than that, the seal edges would be very exposed and leakage would be possible.