I am considering purchasing a very nice mid-90' Formula 27' cruiser. It is being sold by someone I know (not a friend, just some guy i know). The boat is very inexpensive compared to similar boats I see listed AND in absolutely great cosmetic shape - nearly like new. However, one BIG problem - the engines are crapped out. He wants to sell it fast because he needs the cash now so I'm trying to quantify the likely cost of fixing or replacing the engines.
Here is what he says about the engine problem:
"last season before taking the boat out I felt loss of power so I did a compression check on all cylinders, and number 4 and 6 cylinders had no compression, so I filled oil through the spark plug holes and re tested, and still it had no compression, so this shows that the valves are burned on those cylinders. the motors idled fine except when needed power. so if you can swap heads on the motors you got yourself a beautiful boat"
Now, I know this guy well enough and have talked with him so I do believe he thinks they just need the heads swapped ...... and maybe that's so. However, i also know it could be lots of other issues. The engine looks clean and well-maintained externally.
Both engines have similar problems and need rebuilding, according to the seller. maybe replacing I guess. It's a 1995 boat so I'd be fine using a remanufactured engine or whatever - as long as it does the job.
there is a well-regarded shop near me that does rebuilds for $1650, plus cost of heads if needed. So, around $5k for both engine rebuilds, heads and in/out. That keeps me well under the value of the boat still. What I'm wondering is what COULD be cheaper (just heads needed ???) and what could cost more? I just want the info to make an informed decision, knowing the risks.
Thanks, as always.
Here is what he says about the engine problem:
"last season before taking the boat out I felt loss of power so I did a compression check on all cylinders, and number 4 and 6 cylinders had no compression, so I filled oil through the spark plug holes and re tested, and still it had no compression, so this shows that the valves are burned on those cylinders. the motors idled fine except when needed power. so if you can swap heads on the motors you got yourself a beautiful boat"
Now, I know this guy well enough and have talked with him so I do believe he thinks they just need the heads swapped ...... and maybe that's so. However, i also know it could be lots of other issues. The engine looks clean and well-maintained externally.
Both engines have similar problems and need rebuilding, according to the seller. maybe replacing I guess. It's a 1995 boat so I'd be fine using a remanufactured engine or whatever - as long as it does the job.
there is a well-regarded shop near me that does rebuilds for $1650, plus cost of heads if needed. So, around $5k for both engine rebuilds, heads and in/out. That keeps me well under the value of the boat still. What I'm wondering is what COULD be cheaper (just heads needed ???) and what could cost more? I just want the info to make an informed decision, knowing the risks.
Thanks, as always.
