need advice, first boat purchase '90 Maxum 21'

[Kurt V]

Re: need advice, first boat purchase '90 Maxum 21'

You already got a lot of good advice to stay away from that POS of a boat. If people around your area are asking top dollar you need to expand your area. Where I live (close to Lake of the Ozarks in Missouri) it is an absolute buyers market. You get on Craigslist for this area and every day there is one great deal after another, and these boats are not selling fast. Now that it is getting close to the end of summer, there will be even more great deals. You find one in my area that you are really serious about, I will go check it out for you!

Lake of the Ozarks CL: http://loz.craigslist.org/boa/

 

[southkogs]

Re: need advice, first boat purchase '90 Maxum 21'

If my only concern was a rotten floor and wet foam, would it be wise to buy a boat that someone was in the process already of restoring and replaced that stuff, but doesnt have time for it anymore? I see a lot of those, even a nice 97 model boat but I think it was a cuddy cabin.

I would try my best to stay away from something with a crumby floor or with wet foam. For your budget, you can get a project boat that is much more cosmetic in need, rather than structural.

 

[sprobst]

Re: need advice, first boat purchase '90 Maxum 21'

Just remember that rotten floor often also means rotten stringers which often also means rotten transom. Any part of that is a huge restoration (and lots of time and money, more than the boat is often worth). Most of the time, rotten transom means the end of the life of the boat. If you can stretch your budget to $3K or so you might have better luck finding something in better structural & mechanical shape.

 

[Hit It]

Re: need advice, first boat purchase '90 Maxum 21'

Red flags all over on this boat. The condition of the seats and interior is a sure sign of neglect and exposure to the elements. I could almost guarantee you'd find rot somewhere in the floor/stringers/transom. The other thing to be leery about is the L-drive motor. Besides the fact that its way underpowered, I've read nothing but bad things about the L-drive. For $2K you can definitely get something better - keep looking and be patient, you'll find something that works for you.

 

[sjohnson44]

Re: need advice, first boat purchase '90 Maxum 21'

So I supposed the general consensus is a 4cyl engine is not big enough for a 20ft boat. Right?

 

[produceguy]

Re: need advice, first boat purchase '90 Maxum 21'

Correct. For that size it should have v6.

 

[John_S]

Re: need advice, first boat purchase '90 Maxum 21'

So I supposed the general consensus is a 4cyl engine is not big enough for a 20ft boat. Right?

Correct. If you looked at new 20-21' boats, it would be hard to find some that even offer that package these days. And since you are looking at used, make sure it is at least a V6, ie 4.3L. You don't want the old straght 6cyl, or any version of 4cyl.

 

[sjohnson44]

Re: need advice, first boat purchase '90 Maxum 21'

Ok thanks again guys. I think I may have found my winter project. Its a 96 Bayliner Capri 2050 model with a 5.7L 40th Anniversary Edition. Just called him and he said interior is fine, but the motor he said and I quote. "I bled the pistons and the rings rusted up, some brake fluid should loosen them up."

Still its got a great price on it and plus its LOCAL!! For the money he is asking, I will have plenty left in my budget for engine work.

here is the ad.
jacksontn.craigslist.org/boa/2576546384.html

 

[John_S]

Re: need advice, first boat purchase '90 Maxum 21'

Ok thanks again guys. I think I may have found my winter project. Its a 96 Bayliner Capri 2050 model with a 5.7L 40th Anniversary Edition. Just called him and he said interior is fine, but the motor he said and I quote. "I bled the pistons and the rings rusted up, some brake fluid should loosen them up."

Still its got a great price on it and plus its LOCAL!! For the money he is asking, I will have plenty left in my budget for engine work.

here is the ad.
jacksontn.craigslist.org/boa/2576546384.html

My interpretation: "motor is toast" otherwise he'd do it and have it running.

Looks in much better condition than the prior boat, but pictures do not reveal much. I'm also a little partial to 2050 w/5.7L,

 

[mpdive]

Re: need advice, first boat purchase '90 Maxum 21'

That leaves you some play money even if you have to pop an engine in it. If the rest of it checks out, that may be a great project boat.

 

[sjohnson44]

Re: need advice, first boat purchase '90 Maxum 21'

My interpretation: "motor is toast" otherwise he'd do it and have it running.

Looks in much better condition than the prior boat, but pictures do not reveal much. I'm also a little partial to 2050 w/5.7L,

lol as am I sir
The boat is only an hour away if that, and Im going to go look at it at 7 today. Im not planning on taking it out this year regardless, so that gives me about 8 months to work on it.
And when the boat is in good running condition, nada says it to be worth about 5 grand. So that gives me a lot of room from going overboard and putting more money than its worth into it. As long as floors are not rotten and seats/foam in good shape, no cracks in hull. I think I may be pulling it home

 

[Knightrider2]

Re: need advice, first boat purchase '90 Maxum 21'

Not sure where you are at, but the boating season is coming to an end for many of us. Some deals should show up. Be patient, a better deal will probably be found. Replacing vynel and foam seats is one thing, but dealing with rotted floors/stringers is another whole level. Read about some of the projects in the 'rebuilding" forum.

2nd this comment. Things will appear before Christmas and still give you time to work on what ever you end up with, but this is not it.

 

[John_S]

Re: need advice, first boat purchase '90 Maxum 21'

lol as am I sir
The boat is only an hour away if that, and Im going to go look at it at 7 today. Im not planning on taking it out this year regardless, so that gives me about 8 months to work on it.
And when the boat is in good running condition, nada says it to be worth about 5 grand. So that gives me a lot of room from going overboard and putting more money than its worth into it. As long as floors are not rotten and seats/foam in good shape, no cracks in hull. I think I may be pulling it home

Let us know how you make out, and if you puchase, we expect allot more pictures.

 

[sjohnson44]

Re: need advice, first boat purchase '90 Maxum 21'

Well guys shes sittin in my backyard! We had our mishaps on the way home...blow out. The tires were brand new on the trailer, I supposed I must have hit something. I did find some small soft spots in the floor and the interior was actually in good shape with all original coverings and such. Nothing close to mint or anything, but with a little work would definately be comfortable to cruise in. No pics as of yet, only the one I took in burger king parking lot. Will get more pics tommorrow when I start cleaning her out. Oh, the trailer even has surge brakes.

 

[sjohnson44]

Re: need advice, first boat purchase '90 Maxum 21'

I have been searching online and it looks like Im going to be able to buy a lot of the knick knack stuff pretty cheap. Cup holders etc.

I plan on getting up early in the morning and getting to work on it. When I spoke with the man before buying the boat, he has said that his brother had it and drained the oil out of the motor and he had said that it had a little water in it, but he didnt put any oil back in and then he parked it in his barn since April. He had said that he has talked to some boat mechanics and they had all said to take the spark plugs out and pour brake fluid in all the holes and let it soak. Then try to turn the crankshaft. Could anyone else comment on this?

 

[John_S]

Re: need advice, first boat purchase '90 Maxum 21'

Brake fluid or your favorite penetrating lubricant. I'd throw some straight 30 oil in crankcase for now. Turn engine by hand.

Having water in there indicates another problem, leaking exhaust manifolds/risors, cracked heads, etc.

Check the sides of the block for freeze cracks. If you find any, you can go ahead and pull engine.

Small soft spots do indicate rot. At this point, I wouldn't worry about that until you know what you are into with the motor.

 

[Friscoboater]

Re: need advice, first boat purchase '90 Maxum 21'

Around here 2k will not get you much. To get a good running boat, you will most likely have to spend more.

 

[southkogs]

Re: need advice, first boat purchase '90 Maxum 21'

Well guys shes sittin in my backyard! We had our mishaps on the way home...blow out. The tires were brand new on the trailer, I supposed I must have hit something. I did find some small soft spots in the floor and the interior was actually in good shape with all original coverings and such. Nothing close to mint or anything, but with a little work would definately be comfortable to cruise in. No pics as of yet, only the one I took in burger king parking lot. Will get more pics tommorrow when I start cleaning her out. Oh, the trailer even has surge brakes.

Let the good times roll! Hope you get it going easily, though it sounds like the engine might give you a headache or two. Jump on some of the restoration threads. They'll likely help you figure out what you're up against.

 

[Augoose]

Re: need advice, first boat purchase '90 Maxum 21'

After I posted this I read that you already bought the boat. Hope it works well for you - good luck!