How many hours is a lot for a boat?

Question

Is 300 hours on a boat engine a lot? I'm looking at an Ocean boat, Express class.

Answer 1

Depends on how old the boat is and how well it was taken care of. I have many customers that have well over a thousand hours on thier motors with no problems.

Answer 2

Actually, it really doesn't mean all that much- here are some reasons why. It depends on the way the hour meter is wired, too. For example when you're out on the water and you shut the engine off but leave the radio on, I have seen in this case where the hour meter still runs unless everything is completely off. Another example is the fact that hour meters can be changed by even the novice mechanic. In this case you'll never know the "true" hours on a boat. Also, just because a boat has low hours doesn't mean the previous owner had it winterized, shrink wrapped, etc. Basically, the hours on a boat are useless when you know what to look for and signs of abuse. Look at the hull (bottom of the boat) for any damage, dents, cracks. Look in the inside for mold. Make sure all the electrical stuff works such as switches, radio, lights, etc. Very important- before you buy the boat, start it up and run the boat in forward and then in reverse. The prop should work in both directions, if not, the transom, or outdrive, (transmission) is no good and that's big bucks. The old saying goes like this- the 2 happiest days of your life are when you buy the boat and when you sell the boat.

Answer 3

This Site Might Help You.

RE:
How many hours is a lot for a boat?
Is 300 hours on a boat engine a lot? I'm looking at an Ocean boat, Express class.

Answer 4

Depending on the year of the boat, 300 hours could be low. In the northern climates the average amount of hours per season is 50-75. Since you did not give a year or where the boat is located, and whether or not the engines are gas or diesel you're asking a pretty tough question. If you want ot email me personally with the above information I would be glad to help you. I was in the boating business for 30 years and know a little about what you're asking.

Answer 5

no 300 hours isn't too bad at all. Depending on who used it and what year it is that could be anywhere from 1 to 5 seasons of use. Find out how often they used the boat.

Answer 6

30 minutes is high time on an engine with no oil or coolant. 1,000 hrs is no problem if well maintained. The hour meter only tells you how many hours are on the meter.

The cheapest answer is to get a professional to check it out. Other wise you might find out why the definition of a boat is; a hole in the water you throw money into.

Answer 7

You don't say what type of engine, boat if its an Ocean it is a diesel. 300 hours is nothing for a diesel. If its an outboard or an inboard or inboard outboard it is still not much. Even so it would be good to check the maintenance records for oil changes and to see if the zincs have been replaced on the engines.