looking for value and advice on i/o tritoon

[markzx7zx7zx7]

looking at buying a 2001 model playcraft tritoon 26' the toon has 1000 hours on it, wondering if that is alot of hours, it has a 350 mercruiser i/o, im going to look at teh boat this weekend and wondering if there any recomendation on things to look for, and what do yall think this boat is worth, im new to this inboard outboard toon stuff so just looking for advice thnaks in advance

 

[pikefisherman]

Re: looking for value and advice on i/o tritoon

I don't know your location, but are you going to be able to let the motor run and get up to temperature? I would be real nervous about a I/o unless I could test run, where I'm at even lake Michigan is froze over.

 

[markzx7zx7zx7]

Re: looking for value and advice on i/o tritoon

I don't know your location, but are you going to be able to let the motor run and get up to temperature? I would be real nervous about a I/o unless I could test run, where I'm at even lake Michigan is froze over.

boats in nc still freezing here, its at a dealer ship but i am nervous with out atleast hearing it run

 

[dls322]

Re: looking for value and advice on i/o tritoon

Defiantly have them run it up to temperature. They will have to re-winterize it if you do not buy it. Just because it runs good with muffs on doesn't mean it will run well under a load in the water.
I personally would not buy and i/o toon. Too much hassle in my opinion and they are a real bear to work on compared to a outboard. Winterizing them is a real chore and if you have engine problems its big bucks....with an outboard you can swap a motor in an hour and be on your way. Positive side is they are quieter and usually have a larger sunpad area to cover the motor.

 

[markzx7zx7zx7]

Re: looking for value and advice on i/o tritoon

Defiantly have them run it up to temperature. They will have to re-winterize it if you do not buy it. Just because it runs good with muffs on doesn't mean it will run well under a load in the water.
I personally would not buy and i/o toon. Too much hassle in my opinion and they are a real bear to work on compared to a outboard. Winterizing them is a real chore and if you have engine problems its big bucks....with an outboard you can swap a motor in an hour and be on your way. Positive side is they are quieter and usually have a larger sunpad area to cover the motor.

is that amount of hours to much for an inboard

 

[HarborRat]

Re: looking for value and advice on i/o tritoon

is that amount of hours to much for an inboard

Is it fresh or raw water cooled? Salt or fresh water use? If it's raw water cooled it's probably due for manifolds and risers soon. Also expect to replace bellows and gimbal bearings/u-joints. If taken care of, the motor should be ok. See what kind of service history it has.

I like I/O's, but would never get one again. I keep my boat in the water year 'round, and you can't lift the outdrive out of the water.

 

[Old Screwball]

Re: looking for value and advice on i/o tritoon

IF it were a car going 50 mph for 1000 hours it would only have 50,000 miles. Maintenance records are very important. Was the oil and filter changed regularly? Out drive service is also very important. Is the prop and skeg nicked up. Is the anode in pretty good shape. Look for corrosion. If the interior looks good, usually a sign the whole boat was cared for. Good Luck, let us know if you are one of us!

 

[bruceb58]

Re: looking for value and advice on i/o tritoon

if you want to equate it to miles on a car, if most of those 1000 hours were done at more than idling, that's the equivalent of 50,000 miles driving up a steep mountain with the engine close to being run at full throttle. 1,000 hours is quite a bit.

 

[markzx7zx7zx7]

Re: looking for value and advice on i/o tritoon

looking at buying a 2001 model playcraft tritoon 26' the toon has 1000 hours on it, wondering if that is alot of hours, it has a 350 mercruiser i/o, im going to look at teh boat this weekend and wondering if there any recomendation on things to look for, and what do yall think this boat is worth, im new to this inboard outboard toon stuff so just looking for advice thnaks in advance

got by there an checked the boat out, the toons and welds and all looked great on it , no ruff marks from beaching or anything, the lower nunit and engine compartment were spotless, even checked in places just cleaning cant get to, the seats and interior were in ok shape, no rips or tears but you can tell the seat are begining to dry and crack, this beeing said with a 1000 hours on a 350mag tritoon what do yall think it worth, i looked book value on this boat on nada and it was 16000 also read nada isnt very accurate on boat values, so what is yalls opinion thnaks for all resposnes

 

[dls322]

Re: looking for value and advice on i/o tritoon

Nada is ok for reference but when it comes to boats actual values never come close.

You can have a compression test done on the engine to check it's health.

Just because the boat is clean doesn't mean it's mechanically sound. It have a a cracked block/riser from in-proper winterization.
Also your bellows are very important. If they are worn and leaky it will allow water to leak into boat in some cases.

A boat is only worth how much the next guy is willing to pay for it!

Unless you have a specific reason that you want an I/O, I would personally look for a Outboard version. But that's just my opinion

 

[smclear]

Re: looking for value and advice on i/o tritoon

Do you like to do your own maintenance? If so, I strongly recommend you evaluate the engine access. Some toons are actually quite good. Most aren't. I had a JC I/O and had to practically stand on my head to get to the engine. I'll never own another I/O toon that doesn't allow easy access. I now have an outboard and love it.