Never owned a boat, thinking about buying this one...Any advice?

[Trimitup]

So, while I've spent time around plenty of boats I really know very little about them. I've been doing my research and now at the buying (breaking) point. Maybe.

If I go with a I/O I want a 4.3 so I'm told, the 3.0 isn't really that jumpy apparently with the added weight of the drive. As well I'm a rather large man and I'm not sure a 3.0 would pull me outta the drink. I'm thinking at least a 17.5 bowrider, (2 dogs, 1 wife and plenty or people that want rides/tubing/skiing/etc.)

So there I sit. This boat comes up for sale and I'm thinking it may be suitable...


http://calgary.kijiji.ca/c-cars-veh...boat-with-175hp-Johnson-OB-W0QQAdIdZ195512399

Now, I'm thinking the price is a bit steep but please, by all means, correct me if I'm wrong (and I have been wrong before!). I'm thinking $7500 or so.

The other concern I have is with the engine. The 175 Johnson. Is it known for being a solid engine? As well, the boat is rated for a 150 hp max according to the manufacturer
(http://www.larsonboats.com/assets/pdf/archives/1987.pdf).
Will that cost me more when I go to insurer it?

I don't get a chance to look at it until monday or tuesday and I want to be prepared with the right questions. I plan on checking compression, leg for bad oil atc, Although, I plan on having it looked at by a boat repair shop pre-purchase as I cannot test it on the water just yet.

There is my boggle. Any thoughts or concerns you have to add would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks.

 

[ezmobee]

Re: Never owned a boat, thinking about buying this one...Any advice?

Looks like a nice boat with a very nice engine.

The basics are: for I/O's stick with Mercruiser or Volvo. The one exceptiong being the Merc 470 which was a 3.7L 4 cyl. It was a problematic design and has many no longer available parts. It has some other names but they are all 3.7 4cyls.

for outboards anything but Chrysler/Force due to them being discontinued over 10 years ago and not fully supported with parts/service.

On a fiberglass boat, your biggest concern will be rot in the wooden components of the hull. you want a solid transom and deck. ANY soft spots in the deck could (and usually do) indicate more serious rot in the stringers below.

 

[ezmobee]

Re: Never owned a boat, thinking about buying this one...Any advice?

Oh yeah, and I can't comment on the price because your prices on used boat in Canada are completely ridiculous by US standards. That would probably be a $3500 boat in my area.

 

[Trimitup]

Re: Never owned a boat, thinking about buying this one...Any advice?

Oh yeah, and I can't comment on the price because your prices on used boat in Canada are completely ridiculous by US standards. That would probably be a $3500 boat in my area.

Wow. $3500 huh? If I could find the time, it would be worth the drive. I'm still considering a drive to the States to pick up a boat. Not sure where I'd go though and what the import regulations are.

 

[ezmobee]

Re: Never owned a boat, thinking about buying this one...Any advice?

(bad at geography) I just google mapped to double check what part of the US Calgary was north of. Forget it. The whole PNW has higher boat prices. Now if you were closer to say, Michigan, I'd say get yourself down there and have a field day.

 

[Trimitup]

Re: Never owned a boat, thinking about buying this one...Any advice?

(bad at geography) I just google mapped to double check what part of the US Calgary was north of. Forget it. The whole PNW has higher boat prices. Now if you were closer to say, Michigan, I'd say get yourself down there and have a field day.

Yup,

One short 32 hour drive and I'd be laughing! It's the same deal north of Michigan in Ontario. Boats and motor-sport toys are rotting on the vine. Just the economic unbalance right now. I just don't want to use up my vacation time getting something that I want to actually use on my vacation. I've never done the drive so I'm sure it would be beautiful.

 

[oops!]

Re: Never owned a boat, thinking about buying this one...Any advice?

that is an older hull.....he is over priced......he is betting on the rebuilt motor.....but the hull is old...its expencive.

but it would do what you want.

sorry bout the stiff water....heh heh heh...come west....its spring here

 

[Trimitup]

Re: Never owned a boat, thinking about buying this one...Any advice?

that is an older hull.....he is over priced......he is betting on the rebuilt motor.....but the hull is old...its expencive.

but it would do what you want.

sorry bout the stiff water....heh heh heh...come west....its spring here

Ha Ha. I just spoke to him on the phone. He said it's not rebuilt, he just had trouble with the lower bearing. He said he replaced the one bearing along with one lifter. Should you not re-build the whole works if you've got it tore apart? Sounds to me like he's trying to get rid of it before it bites the big one.

Hmmmmm?.

 

[This_lil_fishy]

Re: Never owned a boat, thinking about buying this one...Any advice?

Yeah, f-that. It's a 3500-5000 boat at best. If the lower bearing is pooched, it's a good bet the upper bearing is worn. It is common (from what I've heard) for the lower bearings to go first though. Still, that's a bloody old boat for that amount of cash. Although, I'm in Ontario too...so perhaps I am spoiled...heck my brand new 20' boat was $28K out the door on a trailer.

Also if you're a bigger dude, with family, I'd say you should be looking at 18'+ boats. You may find it a pain in arse moving around anything smaller. I find mine is just perfect for four adults to cruise in comfort...couldn't imagine anything smaller.

Ian

 

[rbh]

Re: Never owned a boat, thinking about buying this one...Any advice?

Look through craigslist for boats in Washington state, Idaho and possibly Montana, all those are easly within towing distance from cow town and the CDN bucks almost at par.

 

[UncleBoatMan]

Re: Never owned a boat, thinking about buying this one...Any advice?

That boat is worth $2500 - $3500.

 

[paulspaddle]

Re: Never owned a boat, thinking about buying this one...Any advice?

Ha Ha. I just spoke to him on the phone. He said it's not rebuilt, he just had trouble with the lower bearing. He said he replaced the one bearing along with one lifter. Should you not re-build the whole works if you've got it tore apart? Sounds to me like he's trying to get rid of it before it bites the big one.

Hmmmmm?.

You have a PM.

 

[Jeep Man]

Re: Never owned a boat, thinking about buying this one...Any advice?

Buying one stateside is not an issue. Make a phone call to Canada Customs. No duty to pay. Pay GST only.

 

[Dave Abrahamson]

Re: Never owned a boat, thinking about buying this one...Any advice?

He said he replaced one bearing and one lifter?
2 Strokes don't have lifters.
I wonder if he was referring to the hydraulic tilt/trim cylinders.

 

[jonesg]

Re: Never owned a boat, thinking about buying this one...Any advice?

I think the coast guard will escort you off the water with that engine being over the max limit.

17' is way small for the number of people you're thinking.
(2 dogs, 1 wife and plenty or people that want rides/tubing/skiing/etc.)
I wouldn't do that with my 20 footer.


But I'd drive 32 hrs for $3000 savings.!