Re: ?'s on buying a "new" boat...what to look for?
thanks for the information. neither of those issues you describe seem like that big of a deal, but the practical side of me says that i should just hold out (forever?) until the perfect boat comes along...
can anyone tell if this is a 470?
The photo is a little small and dark. To me, it looks like a 120hp 4cyl. I don't recall the Merc model number.
You will know when you are looking at a 470. It is as long as a Jeep inline six 4.0. Some told me it is half of a Ford 460. Who knows. The 470 had 170 or 175 hp but was heavier than the 120hp 4 cyl.
The 470 will also have a heat exchanger on the port side near the bottom of the block. The factory exchanger was about 18" long by 3" in diameter. Coolant and sea water hoses will run to each end.
The aftermarket exhangers are 4" (or more) in diameter and about 20-24" long. I think I remember the aftermarket alternator kit was also around $400. You may want to do some searching for confirmation.
If the boat met my needs and expectations, I would consider buying another 470. The only reason I sold my old WebbCraft is because I couldn't refuse the deal on my "new" one. Having said that, it would be hard to give up a 4.3or 5.0 and go back to the 470.
I would suggest contacting your nearest marine center where you will most likely be servicing the boat and see what they say. Take the boat to them for a check up before taking the plunge.
Happy hunting!
