Hi,
I'm looking at buying a 1998-20' Neptune Sunbird. Seems to be a very good deal. It has a '98 Evinrude 115 SPL OMC on back. The agent seller is simply showing it for a friend on his roadside property and knows little about it. The original owner just passed away and the owner's son is in Iraq trying to sell it. The fellah started it up with a hose connection in the yard. It ran, lots of smoke at first then seemed less.
The boat, motor and trailer are all 1998. There is a ding fiber glassed patch on the front hull just a few inches to the right of where the roller/tow up hook is. Seems soundly done. Might have been damage from winching it up wrong or something. Other than that the things looks as if it has been taken care of yet has routine W&T. No evidence of any major hull gouges or repairs.
A motor/engine repair facility told me this motor is strong and reliable if it has been taken care of. They told me to go check the compression. They said it should be 90lbs or 120lbs depending on the model. In surfing about, I read that some SPL motors might have electrical issues? Perhaps not this one. I have no idea but was told the owner loved the package until he died and was using it almost each day for fishing.
My main concern or question is about the motor since I know nothing marine, (but I have owned an auto shop and worked on all my motorcycles, trucks and cars over the last 40 years) what should I look for other than the compression? Is the OMC an issue? Model number: E115TSXECM
I was told that a total rebuild if needed would cost $2600 w/5yr warrantee. A major tune up would be $600.
What kind of GPH fuel consumption should I expect at a reasonable cruise?
I am looking forward to getting into boating and learning. I am very appreciative of any comments, advice about boating in general. Now, I consider this to be a starter package for me. It is affordable and not too big yet seems it will be capable to travel the distances if desired here in the Chesapeake Bay area.
Are there periodic emissions tests from the state as required for cars?
How about licensing to operate the boat? I understand registration/stickers at the state level and assume there are things the coast guard or police need to see on board and operating?
Anything anyone can throw out at me is welcomed.
Thanx
I'm looking at buying a 1998-20' Neptune Sunbird. Seems to be a very good deal. It has a '98 Evinrude 115 SPL OMC on back. The agent seller is simply showing it for a friend on his roadside property and knows little about it. The original owner just passed away and the owner's son is in Iraq trying to sell it. The fellah started it up with a hose connection in the yard. It ran, lots of smoke at first then seemed less.
The boat, motor and trailer are all 1998. There is a ding fiber glassed patch on the front hull just a few inches to the right of where the roller/tow up hook is. Seems soundly done. Might have been damage from winching it up wrong or something. Other than that the things looks as if it has been taken care of yet has routine W&T. No evidence of any major hull gouges or repairs.
A motor/engine repair facility told me this motor is strong and reliable if it has been taken care of. They told me to go check the compression. They said it should be 90lbs or 120lbs depending on the model. In surfing about, I read that some SPL motors might have electrical issues? Perhaps not this one. I have no idea but was told the owner loved the package until he died and was using it almost each day for fishing.
My main concern or question is about the motor since I know nothing marine, (but I have owned an auto shop and worked on all my motorcycles, trucks and cars over the last 40 years) what should I look for other than the compression? Is the OMC an issue? Model number: E115TSXECM
I was told that a total rebuild if needed would cost $2600 w/5yr warrantee. A major tune up would be $600.
What kind of GPH fuel consumption should I expect at a reasonable cruise?
I am looking forward to getting into boating and learning. I am very appreciative of any comments, advice about boating in general. Now, I consider this to be a starter package for me. It is affordable and not too big yet seems it will be capable to travel the distances if desired here in the Chesapeake Bay area.
Are there periodic emissions tests from the state as required for cars?
How about licensing to operate the boat? I understand registration/stickers at the state level and assume there are things the coast guard or police need to see on board and operating?
Anything anyone can throw out at me is welcomed.
Thanx
