Question about buying a boat.

[Dave 2002]

I am looking at buying a 1991 Bayliner Trophy 2002. I know it need plenty of work which I like to do but the 150 mercury which is a 1998 is bolted to a 1.5' by 1.5' aluminum plate (which is on the out side of the transom) I cant see any cracks on the inside or out side but of corse the aluminum plate is covering most of the area. I this somthing I should stay away from?

 

[geneseo1911]

Re: Question about buying a boat.

Danger, Danger Will Robinson!
Think about it...why would someone go to the trouble of removing the motor and installing that plate? For Looks? I doubt it.
Now if you're buying it for the price of the motor alone, and you need a project for the next year or two...

 

[Dave 2002]

Re: Question about buying a boat.

Thank you thats what I thought but the price of $1100.00 with a galvanized tandom trailer might be worth the work but the motor needs to be re built also. So I guess I will pass, sounds like to much work.

 

[hibbert6]

Re: Question about buying a boat.

Dave,

My boat has the motor mounted to what's called a "jack plate". Here's a link so you can see some examples:
http://www.vancemfg.com/projects.html

It's purpose is to provide an adjustable mounting plate, set back a few inches from the transom. My boat goes on plane almost instantly with this device. It can be removed to inspect the transom, but it will take a couple of strong people and a rented "cherry picker" to lift the motor off and then replace it after the inspection.

Dave H.

 

[Texasmark]

Re: Question about buying a boat.

Dave,

My boat has the motor mounted to what's called a "jack plate". Here's a link so you can see some examples:
http://www.vancemfg.com/projects.html

It's purpose is to provide an adjustable mounting plate, set back a few inches from the transom. My boat goes on plane almost instantly with this device. It can be removed to inspect the transom, but it will take a couple of strong people and a rented "cherry picker" to lift the motor off and then replace it after the inspection.

Dave H.

Clarifying what may not be obvious: If you have an aluminum plate that is part of the transom, as said, you have a hidden problem. However if you have a Jack plate which is a plate mounted to the transom but is on a bracket which puts it behind the transom a few inches, purpose being to raise the engine for more performance, then that is a good deal.

HTH,
Mark

 

[Dave 2002]

Re: Question about buying a boat.

Thanks to all for responding. This is not a jack plate from what I can tell. I am sure that the transom wood is weak and they put the plate there for support. I hate to back out of this boat but it may be the right thing to do. I did look at the jack plates this is for sure not one this is just a flat peice of aluminum mounted to the transom.

 

[lakelover]

Re: Question about buying a boat.

Run!

 

[sschefer]

Re: Question about buying a boat.

hummmm... 91 Brunswick Bayliner Trophy, 98 2.5l Merc .. Aluminum plate under motor bracket... With raised eybrows I asked the original owner,,,"How fast were you going when you hit the rock that ripped the other motor off???

Yes my friend, unless you want to try to make a few bucks parting it all out, I would take lakelovers advice.