is this a good boat?

[apm]

Im looking at a 1986 tidecraft 16ft. with a 75 hpr. motor and the owner says its in great shape but i have never bought a boat. Whats some things i should look at when buying. Owner says its been in storage in garage covered for years. im planning on using this boat for mostly fishing and some swimming will it work and will the floor hold up from some water getting on it. I ask that because i have read alot about floor rot and such on this site.thanks alot. Also a friend has looked at this boat and says it looks like new.

 

[Darian F.]

Re: is this a good boat?

Feel free to walk on that floor alot from front to back and side to side. Bring along a 220 pound friend. ( if it is going bad a heavier man would feel it better)<br /><br />now to check the transom <br />With the motor tilted and locked securely so it dosent move.<br />lightly rock (the lower unit of the outboard)<br />in an up and downward motion <br />if the transom is weak it should flex abit.<br />It is a good idea to bring along someone who knows about boats even if you have to pay them.<br />It could mean paying a little now to save a lot later.<br />good luck. keep posting questions <br />Maybe others have better "tricks" : to show you.

 

[Scott Sutphen]

Re: is this a good boat?

See if the owner will take you out in the boat(hopefully there's a lake closeby). If he won't take you out, run away very fast. See how it starts, does it run smooth, does it have good pick-up and get on plane quickly. What extra equipment does it have? See if all lights and electronics work. You can push with you hands on the top of the trailer tires inward to see if the wheel bearings are loose. Any play in the wheel could mean a bearing repack or new bearings? By all means walk on the floor and feel for weak places. Look in the rear compartment where the batteries are. Batteries should be in a battery box and cables free from corrosion. Also ask if there are any records for repairs or maintenance.<br /><br />Remember, the first apostles were fishermen!

 

[rickdb1boat]

Re: is this a good boat?

If the deck is solid, water on it from swimming won't hurt a thing. Check the lower unit fluid for signs of water intrusion by draining it and checking the condition of it.(Take along a bottle of new fluid to re-fill it) It should not be milky looking or have water come out when you take the screw out. Plan on rebuilding the carbs, as they will have varnish in them from sitting so long. If it has been stored in a garage, chances are good the deck is good, but you never know. A compression check is a must to determine the overall condition of the motor. What brand motor is it? I would ask the owner if he minded if you could have a marine mechanic check it out. If he says no, pass on it... Others may throw in their opinions and advice.

 

[cobra 3.0]

Re: is this a good boat?

What brand and year motor is it?

 

[Solittle]

Re: is this a good boat?

It kinda goes without saying but all boat sellers will tell you that "it" is in great shape. And when the motor is running a bit rough they will tell you that all it neeeds are new plugs or the thingus just needs a minor adjustment. Remember it will be your money that goes into his pocket and your money & time will go into fixing what is not right.

 

[POINTER94]

Re: is this a good boat?

I will piggyback on solittle. The guy selling may be a nice little old man, and he may believe everything he tells you but, BUYER BEWARE. <br /><br />I hope it is everything you want and a good deal but very infrequently the first boat you look at is the one you should buy. <br /><br />With that said, good luck

 

[elcamino12sec]

Re: is this a good boat?

On all outboards, look very closely at all the bolts on the powerhead under the cowling, one can usually tell what has been removed and taken apart and put back togeather. Most manufatctures paint the motor and bolts, so if the bolts have chips on them, you know something has been removed, like head bolts, bolts to the lower unit, powerhead, manifolds, etx, oi its clean and good compression, and a virgin powerhead than it may be a good buy, but definately take it out on the water first, run it for at least 20 min, make sure it shifts well etc, also, look at the color of the heads, if there is drastic color of the heads than the motor, than there is a good chance that is has ran hot or the cooling system need maintanance. Just my 2 cents.

 

[apm]

Re: is this a good boat?

thanks for the help. i went to look at it today and everything looks solid. its actually a 1983 and the motor is a chrysler 75.

 

[DJ]

Re: is this a good boat?

apm,<br /><br />Unless you are very mechanically adept and enjoy chasing parts leads, stay away from the Chrysler.<br /><br />They have not been made for quite some time and the resale value is virtually nil.<br /><br />Some on this board are real Chrysler fans. THat's fine, I just would not want to depend on it for a pleasure boat.