Okay, I don't know that much about boats, but I found a '79 Larson bowrider, 17', 120 HP Merc I/O...looks good. It is said to run great. Comes on a trailer. There is an obvious repair to the lower hull - looks like a very good repair, but wasn't repainted. The floor deck needs replaced, it sat uncovered for a long time.
I know enough (construction, mechanics) to replace the floor myself, and be able to do any mechanical maintenance/repairs myself (probably)...
They only want $600...seems like a great deal to me, but...
I did search here for similar questions, and found some, but none specific to my situation.
What else should I look for, and do I bother them to take me out in it when they're asking so little for it?
2006-07-24 05:33:29 · 10 answers · asked by a kinder, gentler me 7 in Cars & Transportation ➔ Boats & Boating
First, if you've seen the boat and think it's a good deal, then it's time to do some checking.
Take the boat out for a test drive. If the engine works well, that 17' should get up to about 45 MPH or so, depending on altitude and temperature along with propeller pitch. If you can do the maintenance yourself, you'll save tons of $$. Boat mechanics make comperable hourly rates as car mechanics do, but a simple tune up and oil change will run you $350 or more. A boat gets about 50 hours a year in usage, use this as a baseline for determining the use of the motor.
To get an accurate valuation, check out http://www.nadaguides.com and tunnel through to get a rough valuation. Then check out the online used boat listings on the many services out there. http://www.boattraderonline.com comes to mind. Search for a similar boat / year/ power package. This will be more accurate that Nada guides, because actual valuation is based on the damand at the time.
Don't forget to figure in the cost to replace the deck, paint the hull, and replace the seats (the other poster was correct, they'll need some attention soon if the deck is gone). This late date in the season, you'll probably be sitting on it till next season starts.
If this is going to be your first boat, this might be the right choice, since it's obviously not a "big baller" $100,000 1500 HP Catamaran. If you do buy it, get familiar with it on a small lake and practice safe boating. If you're not too familiar with it's operation, wear your lifejacket until you get very comfortable with it.
And when anyone exits the boat to get into the water to cool off, always always always turn the engine off, trans in neutral, and red flag displayed to show people in the water...follow all safety rules at all time.
Have fun and good luck
2006-07-24 06:38:40 · answer #1 · answered by kb6jra 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
The first thing that you MUST do is get a marine mechanic to look at the engine I once bought a boat where they told me the engine was fine and it ran great, I took it to a dealership and there were to be $5000 in repairs. Also have the mechanic check out the hull repair it could look fine and then sink as soon as it hits the water. If this is your first boat then I would recomend a newer boat, say 1985 and up it will cost more but there will be many less problems. Next, absolutly make him take you out on it, that was my mistake too. In summary I belive you should probably keep looking if it is $600 there has to really be some thing wrong normally a boat like that (even with the floor) would go for $1800-$2500. I hope you take my advice, I gurantee that you'll at least have peace of mind if nothing is wrong, good luck and good boating
2006-07-25 04:10:30 · answer #2 · answered by Captain C 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
A '79 model boat is how old?
And it needs enough in repairs to purchase a much younger boat that is in good condition.
If it sat uncovered for a while, more than the decking is gone. So are the seats, the engine seals and problably the engine itself.
Trailor might be worth 400 though.
Go into web site for used boats. Might find your dream there.
2006-07-24 05:41:13 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
For $600 if you like the boat, you won't go wrong. Make sure, that besides the obvious cosmetics you already know about, that there are no leaks and the engine will actually make the boat move in both directions. Just remember what the initials for BOAT stand for! Bring Out Another Thousand!
2006-07-24 07:37:26 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Probably needs more work than they are saying. Absolutely take a test ride and a long one. I've owned boats for 30 years and would never buy one that old unless I personally knew the owner and had been around it myself.
2006-07-24 10:17:30 · answer #5 · answered by teamkimme 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
always take a long test drive before you purchase it.second,old engines emit alot,alot,alot,alot of fumes that can kill you or make u dizzy. pick a calm weather day and see if you can stand the exhaust fume. i saw once incident where a new owner brought a new boat but could not stand the exhaust fume. the dealer refuse to take back his new boat.
2006-07-24 05:42:27 · answer #6 · answered by LEXUSRY 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Get a professional survey. Could save you a PILE of $ on repairs in the long run.
2006-07-24 06:00:31 · answer #7 · answered by Audio God™ 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
sounds like a good project boat .... but i'm sure you'll have prob. with that repair on the lower hull later on ....
2006-07-24 16:47:46 · answer #8 · answered by Supa 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I have a similar boat. Don't use it these days. It costs me so much in gas and oil to take it out! Using my canoe now.
2006-07-24 05:39:01 · answer #9 · answered by Wiser1 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
slip fees and anchorage fees...docking and landing access in your area are the questions that you should be asking yourself!!!!one can make a concrete fuel barge float for "houseboat"live-aboarding seaside....but those fees and slippage costs are the"REAL" daunting concern!!!!!and they're usually calculated by tens of feet in ship's length!!!find your slip first!!!!one where living aboard isn't frowned upon!!!!!in case that situaton occurs!!
2006-07-24 08:03:39 · answer #10 · answered by eldoradoreefgold 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋