Looking to buy a boat...water in oil...newbie in need of help :(

[xlur8ed]

Hello all,

I posted a thread a few days ago with some gratitude for all of you and your kind help on this forum...I am in need of much more....and perhaps even some advice from some seasoned boaters.

This is my FIRST boat buying experience, and would be my FIRST boat owned, so please be gentle. I have used the search button and google, and think I have an idea of the issue, just want opinions on where to go.

1992 Glastron G1900 Mercruiser 4.3L. It is in great, if not fantastic condition for a 20 year old boat. One owner, and has every ounce of paperwork for the last 20 years for maintenance. It is a 'barn find' of sorts, meaning: a) it has been sitting for awhile (last registration tag says 07' on the hull) b) great deal ($2500).

Situation is this: I gave the owner (very kind gentleman) $1000 deposit and the rest would be due upon complete inspection of the motor/a tune up/change fluids. It also needed a coil. It sounded like he was going to foot the bill for the tune up/fluids/coil, so I wouldn't have any issues and it should be turn key. Well I made the trek to pick it up from the marine shop 110 miles away, and upon arriving they said they had 2 issues: 1) alternator was not charging battery; 2) milky oil/water in oil. Now I have read as much as I could on this forum about 4.3L's and their 'issues', being this is my first boat and I know NOTHING about them. I came across a few threads of milky oil, and found that there is a common issue with intake manifold gasket failure, but more concerning is that when these are first ran in the Spring after a winterization, if there is water in the oil, it tends to be a cracked block. The mechanic mentioned a few things (I will list them so you know the whole story):

1) The oil drain plug was broken off in the motor, and they had to spend 3 hours getting it out

2) After they replaced the coil and started the motor, it sounded very strong

3) Upon shutting the motor off, they found water in oil/milky oil.

4) It needs an alternator

Now, I am not committed to buy this boat. The owner has no problem returning my $1000. It was never listed 'for sale', it was a friend of a friend that knew of a very honest couple with a boat that has discussed selling it 'someday'.

The interior and exterior is 9/10, which I know is hard to find for a 20 year old boat. The vinyl looks bright and plyable, with just a little mildew on the surface that I'm sure can be removed.

Short of the long:
Knowing the boat sat for ~3-4 years, am I getting into something that more than likely deteriorated over time? Gaskets/Seals/etc... all stuff to constantly deal with failing? This issue could be manifolds, block, gaskets...but if it works out that it is an easy fix, should I still walk away? I don't want too, but I also do not want to constantly have it in the shop.... Thoughts? Keep in mind, buying price is $2500, and from what I have found online in the area, that is a VERY great deal...but if I have to get it fixed every week, I don't care how much of a deal it is.

Thank you all so very much for any help/insight/advice you can offer.

 

[joncrisler]

Re: Looking to buy a boat...water in oil...newbie in need of help

Briefly- milky oil could be due to cracked block, bad exhaust manifolds, bad intake gaskets and a host of other things. rebuilt 4.3s are quite reasonably priced but you are still looking at a $2500 repair or higher. The question is- if you put a new motor into it, is the resulting boat worth $6-8k ? The mechanic needs to give you guidance on if he feels its motor or other things.

Look at NADA or Buc Book and see what the average value of this boat is. If it were me I would just toss a new engine and manifolds on it (assuming I took the project at all and could afford it). If it was constantly winterized properly, I would suspect manifolds or intake gasket.

 

[FreeBeeTony]

Re: Looking to buy a boat...water in oil...newbie in need of help

Offer him $1500..............in light of the problems.

 

[egldvrbags]

Re: Looking to buy a boat...water in oil...newbie in need of help

I recommend before buying a boat that you know has milky oil, you find out what is causing it. Mechanical problems don't get better with time. Otherwise you may be buying a boat that turns into a huge (read expensive) project, especially if you know nothing about boats.

 

[jmorgan87]

Re: Looking to buy a boat...water in oil...newbie in need of help

The oil definitely did not have water in it prior to running? It be unlikely, but if it's been sitting water could of gotten in through other ways. condensation. rain, etc.

If they just changed the oil, and then after a short run it was milky. I'd walk away.

On a very basic level..
Water runs through the engine.
Oil runs through the engine.
They should never meet and if they do the cause is rarely ever a simple or cheap fix in my experience. You also should not run the engine in this condition. It's a serious, and if left uncorrected will cause additional issues.... the only time it's a 'cheap' fix is when you can do the labor yourself.

Removing a head and replacing a head gasket is not necessarily a difficult task if you are comfortable doing it. It is however a time consuming task and generally speaking the labor cost of paying a mechanic greatly outweighs the actual cost of the parts being replaced...

 

[Don S]

Re: Looking to buy a boat...water in oil...newbie in need of help

Situation is this: I gave the owner (very kind gentleman) $1000 deposit and the rest would be due upon complete inspection of the motor/a tune up/change fluids.

Do an on the water test, no matter what. Many times on the hose a cracked engine block will not show up. Check the oil before and after the test and run the boat for a good 20-30 minutes. Then you will know if a cracked block is the problem.
Exhaust manifolds WILL NOT cause water in the oil while the engine is running.

 

[joncrisler]

Re: Looking to buy a boat...water in oil...newbie in need of help

Do an on the water test, no matter what. Many times on the hose a cracked engine block will not show up. Check the oil before and after the test and run the boat for a good 20-30 minutes. Then you will know if a cracked block is the problem.
Exhaust manifolds WILL NOT cause water in the oil while the engine is running.

Good point about the exhaust manifolds- I should have been a bit clearer.

 

[xlur8ed]

Re: Looking to buy a boat...water in oil...newbie in need of help

perhaps I should be a bit more clear. I have not purchased the boat yet, and the seller has NO problem giving my deposit back and feels horrible that this arose... I wouldn't buy it without putting it in a lake for an hour or so, but my question is: Do I even want to waste my time with this boat, or move on? The marine shop is going to get back at this boat on Monday to see what the issue is.

I am not looking for 'what causes this issue', but moreso, how would you guys feel about buying a boat that has been in storage for 4 years, has water in the oil, etc... I am just wondering if I should close this door and keep looking for a boat (knowing I will NEVER find a boat that looks this nice for $2500), or do I try negociate a further deal on the boat and fix it.

My main concern is that it sat for 4 years. Is that something to be concerned about???

Thanks!

 

[Don S]

Re: Looking to buy a boat...water in oil...newbie in need of help

I am not looking for 'what causes this issue', but moreso, how would you guys feel about buying a boat that has been in storage for 4 years, has water in the oil, etc... I am just wondering if I should close this door and keep looking for a boat (knowing I will NEVER find a boat that looks this nice for $2500), or do I try negociate a further deal on the boat and fix it.

This is not an IO forum question, moving to boat topics.

 

[Maclin]

Re: Looking to buy a boat...water in oil...newbie in need of help

Pardon me if I am not gentle, but you really do not need gentle right now if your reason for asking for opinions is to not get ripped off and have a bad first experience.

Kind seller or not, everybody fibs about something they want to sell, and will think it is worth way more than it really is to the rest of the world. If this is your first experience then you will not be the one to tell if any boat is on great or good or fantastic condition, so you need to keep an open mind.

My first reactions...:

• $2500 is not that great of a deal for a boat that old that has not been kept up and you cannot just hop in the water and go for a trial.
• The oil plug did not break off all by itself while it was sitting. Plus, oil should be removed via suction thru the dipstick, so sounds like no one there knows proper servicing and the boat has suffered some because of this.
• I think your idea of the intake gasket causing milky oil is not on the mark. Corroded intake manifold water passage(s) is more likely.
• Motors rev good and sound strong in neutral, like me lifting a balloon instad of a barbell.
• Most of what you state as issues that could be fixed add up, and if not repaired all at once will make for a miserable and short season with little time on the water in a shiny boat.
• You have not even gotten to what outdrive problems it (probably) has.
• Also, it probably did not need a coil. (Inside joke, pardon my indulgence).

If you want something to work on instead of use a lot then this may be the ticket, Glastrons are pretty cool. If you do get it just be ready for one thing after another unless you renew it all now (engine, exhaust manifolds, alternator/electrical, transom/tilt/bellows/outdrive, fuel tank, flooring, etc.).

I think $1000 is tops for it in the non-trial-able condition it is in. I expect you will spend another $2500 on it even though right now it looks great. Just be ready for that if you get it.

 

[xlur8ed]

Re: Looking to buy a boat...water in oil...newbie in need of help

Pardon me if I am not gentle, but you really do not need gentle right now if your reason for asking for opinions is to not get ripped off and have a bad first experience.

Kind seller or not, everybody fibs about something they want to sell, and will think it is worth way more than it really is to the rest of the world. If this is your first experience then you will not be the one to tell if any boat is on great or good or fantastic condition, so you need to keep an open mind.

My first reactions...:

• $2500 is not that great of a deal for a boat that old that has not been kept up and you cannot just hop in the water and go for a trial.
• The oil plug did not break off all by itself while it was sitting. Plus, oil should be removed via suction thru the dipstick, so sounds like no one there knows proper servicing and the boat has suffered some because of this.
• I think your idea of the intake gasket causing milky oil is not on the mark. Corroded intake manifold water passage(s) is more likely.
• Motors rev good and sound strong in neutral, like me lifting a balloon instad of a barbell.
• Most of what you state as issues that could be fixed add up, and if not repaired all at once will make for a miserable and short season with little time on the water in a shiny boat.
• You have not even gotten to what outdrive problems it (probably) has.
• Also, it probably did not need a coil. (Inside joke, pardon my indulgence).

If you want something to work on instead of use a lot then this may be the ticket, Glastrons are pretty cool. If you do get it just be ready for one thing after another unless you renew it all now (engine, exhaust manifolds, alternator/electrical, transom/tilt/bellows/outdrive, fuel tank, flooring, etc.).

I think $1000 is tops for it in the non-trial-able condition it is in. I expect you will spend another $2500 on it even though right now it looks great. Just be ready for that if you get it.

Thank you so very much for taking the time to write all of that. It is significantly more drastic than any advice I received locally (which doesn't mean a thing). I just don't want to commit to buying it if it is a boating industry rule to avoid boats that havr sat through 4 seasons without being ran because gasket and seals tend to rot. I just don't know what to do.... The owner of the boat is going to pay to have the issue found, so I guess I will wait and see what comes from it...

You mentioned $2500 not being a great deal. I watched a 91' Glastron go for $1800 in a public online auction with missing outdrive and openly admitted rotten floor and visible major wear on seats...every Glastron I can find locally from say.... 87'+ is minimum $3000, and I have yet to see one in as nice condition...visually.... So as far as protecting an investment (as much as possible), is it more important to a boat buyer to buy a solid running boat, or a 'pretty' one? (I am NOT arguing your point about its value and level of a deal....just trying to understand
so I make a good choice on this boat, or the next.

Thank you again!

 

[shrew]

Re: Looking to buy a boat...water in oil...newbie in need of help

20 year old boats already come with a myriad of problems. You have a significant problem with water in the oil. Maybe fixing the reason water is getting in might not be that big of a deal, however you don't really know how long water has been in there. For all you know, that is the reason it has sat for so long. Time and water are not friends of motors. I predict a future of heartache with this motor. Do yourself a favor. Walk away. There are plenty of boats in this year and price range out there without this type of issue. If you feel you have the money to replace the engine, then take the money for a boat and a new engine and buy something in better shape.

 

[jmarty10]

Re: Looking to buy a boat...water in oil...newbie in need of help

Give him $500 for the hull, find a good mechanic and drop a new motor in it and maybe a drive too. If it sat for 4 years in a barn in North Dakota, chance are freeze damage. You either walk or buy the hull on the cheap with the mindset of putting a new motor in it. If you can afford it you can get years of boating enjoyment.

 

[Maclin]

Re: Looking to buy a boat...water in oil...newbie in need of help

Hey xlur8ed,

Some Glastron models are highly sought after (like Carlson), some are just "normal". Glastrons also have a "look" about them, I really like how they style their boats, old and new.

The one you are looking at, well, how does it make you feel when you look at it? Probably pretty good, I bet it is sharp looking. If you like and want to pay for the looks then go forward but just be prepared to spend the purchase price or more to get it as mechanically "attractive" as the hull and interior. It could end up being just the thing for you.

 

[Maclin]

Re: Looking to buy a boat...water in oil...newbie in need of help

(post a pic or two so we can see what is "working" on you... )

 

[Philster]

Re: Looking to buy a boat...water in oil...newbie in need of help

I can sense the stress and confusion from xlur8ed, and I can solve all his problems, which is what he is here for:

RUN. Let this penetrate your skull, and then it will all make sense: Find a nice hull with a good motor and outdrive, but one that needs some upholstery work or isn't as clean as you want. You will never lose sleep over some faded upholstery and some other cosmetic issues that you can fix/replace, and no one ever went bankrupt or got stranded at sea wondering if the staples under the cushions were going to last.

Just move on, and spend your energy looking for a better mechanical situation. Seriously.

.

 

[Andy'sDelight]

Re: Looking to buy a boat...water in oil...newbie in need of help

You're in the fortunate situation where you are able to buy a boat in a buyer's market. There are boats EVERYWHERE for sale. Good boats, great boats, crappy boats, they're everywhere. Do your homework and go find a boat without the issues. Why buy a headache when you are in the driver's seat in the market?

 

[xlur8ed]

Re: Looking to buy a boat...water in oil...newbie in need of help

Thanks to all of you....really!

I will give a few more bits of info, and if no opinions change, I will walk (or run Haha). It is a one owner boat. There is a stack of receipts for all sorts of repairs and maintenance from the years it was on the boat lift. It didn't have water in the motor fresh put of storage, the water showed up after a complete tuneup with fresh fluids, on the first start in years with cuffs at the marine shop. They said all looked good upon draining previous fluids, the milky mix of death showed up only after it ran for a few minutes. I have always been a huge fan of buying used one owner vehicles, and maybe boats just don't matter as much. I don't have any pictures, but just imagine a 92' Glastron g1900 in about mint condition. The engine looks clean enough to eat from. Someone cared about this boat.... But that does not change the fact that something major has happened. I have $3500 to spend on a boat, and can keep looking, but yes, the Glastron look has me sprung.... I was looking at late 80s bayliner capris, rinkers, etc and they all were thrashed..... Should I just stop looking for a reliable $2500-$3500 boat or does that amount of money allow for a good all around boat? Before I end this final plea, I will remind everyone that I do get the option currently to have this issue found at the sellers expense....knowing all this do I wait to see what the issue is and if it is minimal, fix and buy, or do you all remain planted in the recommendation to move on. This is my list rebuttal, if the mass says to walk, I will. Thanks again to all!

 

[oldjeep]

Re: Looking to buy a boat...water in oil...newbie in need of help

Reliable $2500-$3500 boat = a fancy canoe A 20+ year old runabout in that price range will never fit that description.

 

[Maclin]

Re: Looking to buy a boat...water in oil...newbie in need of help

If $3500 is your cap and you want this boat then do not pay over $1000 unless you get a 30 minute sea trial.