Used boat - replaced many things - what else to check?

Boater71

Member
Mar 5, 2018
321
Boston, MA
Boat Info
2008 Sea Ray 310 Sundancer
Engines
MX6.2 MPI Bravo III DTS with Axius and SeaCore
Kohler Genset
I purchased last year a 2008 SR310 used boat from a reputable marina. the hull/shell were in immaculate condition as the boat was stored high in a boat garage. The engines are Merc 6.2l DTS Seacore 320hp i/o with Bravo 3's with AXIOS - 200 hours. The boat had many issues and the marina worked on replacing all the parts needed - the boat surveyed very well through a reputable captain. I'm trying to see what else I can ask for before final delivery. Here is the list of updates by marina:
  • Starboard engine:
    • rebuilt with valve job, new manifolds and risers
    • Replace Fuel Module
    • Replace Distributor
    • Replace Starter
    • Replace Risers, Elbows and Manifolds
    • Replace Head Gasket
    • Replace Spark Plugs
  • Replace Water Pressure Senders on each engine
  • Replace carrier bearing on starboard drive
  • New VHF radio and VHF antenna, Garmin GPS head unit and antenna
  • Replace Glomex
  • Replace prop nuts
  • Change Anodes
  • Replaced all hoses on each engine
  • Initially Replaced both lower drives and then replaced upper drives (basically new Bravo 3?!?!?)
  • New clutch cable
  • Few cosmetic replacement (new Isenglass in Canvas, light bulbs in cabin, few)
  • I have asked to check end of life for Risers and Manifolds on the port engine
what else should i be looking for before final delivery or ask for preventive maintenance I can ask for? Boat was stored and launched by the marina. I did not pay for any of these services.

appreciate your input!!!
 
At first glance, it looks like much has been done. But then as I re-read your post I'm asking myself how a boat that is only 11 years old needed so much repaired or replaced. You've asked what else you should be looking at and to be honest, with what you are sharing, it could be anything. It seems a boat that was apparently grossly neglected could have anything go wrong with it. I'm not sure how you'd know what to check.

I think if it were me, and the reputable marina is in such a giving mood, I'd ask for some kind of all-boat warranty coverage for 3-6 months. Once you start using this boat and put some hours and use on it, other, previously unforeseen issues could pop up. I think I'd want to know I had some assurance I wouldn't be left hanging in the wind. A request like this may be unprecedented but at this point, what have you got to lose?

I hope you got a smokin' deal. Best of luck to you.
Shawn
 
Did the surveyor provide a report? Mine gave me a full 30 page report on every system and the condition and any issues (except the engines). More importantly, I would hire a mechanic to survey the engines. He can provide real advice because he is looking at and testing those engines. I’d be extremely cautious about engines that are over 11 years old and only 200 hours. No engine does well just sitting around. How did the engines perform at sea trial? Did they get up to the recommended rpms at WOT?
 
I went through about 6 months of replacing various parts on the outside of my engines. Relays, fuses, water pressure sensors, IACs, etc, and now recently, water pumps and every pulley. The water pumps on my engines tend to wear out after 10 years (350 MPI Horizon) but I have v-drive inboards, so not sure if the water pumps are the same on a stern drive.
 
Thank you for your feedback. I did a professional survey, boat performed to specs, hit recommended rpm for WOT, and received the detailed 30+ page report - received very good condition. Did the compression test which was good as well. I did get the boat for a good deal - I think. To cover my risk, if I have to replace one engine, I would be at low end of market value or at survey value. With new Bravo 3's, that is even a bonus. IN the spring, Marina discovered a leaky lower drive after launch, pulled the boat out and replaced with new ones, then replaced the uppers and new clutch cables.

I'm just trying to be proactive and estimate end of life for parts which can fail.

I dock in Freshwater and boat in salt water. I did ask about the summer warranty and received assurance that I will be taken care off - they have so far!
 
A friend of mine had problems with his 2011 Merc 8.2 Seacores and had extensive work done on his due to water intrusion on one engine (replaced). Apparently much of it was covered under warranty as there was an known issue that Merc was covering. So, its not necessarily the fact that the boat was neglected. See if you get get the details behind why it was all done.

As far as what else... I would make sure all the systems and sensor connected to the axius are working.

-Kevin
 
A friend of mine had problems with his 2011 Merc 8.2 Seacores and had extensive work done on his due to water intrusion on one engine (replaced). Apparently much of it was covered under warranty as there was an known issue that Merc was covering. So, its not necessarily the fact that the boat was neglected. See if you get get the details behind why it was all done.

As far as what else... I would make sure all the systems and sensor connected to the axius are working.

-Kevin

thanks Kevin, good point. I will ask about what happened and why? The boat was not much neglected as much as not used as often. I have the service records from the day the boat hit the water (09) until today. It was serviced and maintained by the marina with all the services, warranty claims and repairs.

The Axius systems worked when I used it the few times I was on the boat - not sure how to test or stress test it!!
 
Sounds like you've covered your bases. Last item for your checklist should be - GO BOATING! She'll tell you what she needs moving forward....weekly, if not more frequently. ha.
 
Sounds like you've covered your bases. Last item for your checklist should be - GO BOATING! She'll tell you what she needs moving forward....weekly, if not more frequently. ha.

as frequently as I can!!!!
 
Just to be clear....you keep stating "clutch cables" and boats don't have clutches at least in a Bravo III. Are you referring to "shift cables"?
 
Just to be clear....you keep stating "clutch cables" and boats don't have clutches at least in a Bravo III. Are you referring to "shift cables"?

Shift cable!! initially mechanic said it's the clutch cone (that is why clutch cable stuck in my head). They ended up replacing both upper and lower drives.

Thank YOU for reading and answering.
 
"I did ask about the summer warranty and received assurance that I will be taken care off - they have so far! " GET IT IN WRITING!!!!!!!!
 
We started using the boat for almost 10 hours plus spent couple of nights. Here are reading I get on VV:
Port
Rpm: 4240
Temp: 162
Pressure: 59.4 PSI
Battery: 13.9v
Pressure: 20.7

Starboard:
Rpm: 4250
Temp: 163
Pressure: 50.7 PSI
Battery: 13.5v
Pressure: 17.2

The values are pretty consistent at various rpm speeds. The question I have is the pressure deltas, what does the difference represent?
 
Rpms look to low for those motors. 4800 to 5200 I think is spec. Everything else looks fine to me. Boat trimmed properly? Check and make sure prop pitch is what is recommended.
 
Rpms look to low for those motors. 4800 to 5200 I think is spec. Everything else looks fine to me. Boat trimmed properly? Check and make sure prop pitch is what is recommended.

Thanks Craig, I was not doing WOT. I was cruising around at the time. I was mostly cruising around 3800 so I thought to take picture when I was able. As for trimming the drives, I Wahbe not done that year.
 
Let her eat and see if it makes it to recommended wot range. Then you'll know your set.
 
Let her eat and see if it makes it to recommended wot range. Then you'll know your set.
Thanks. Will try it. How long should I run it @WOT? 5 minutes?
 
I usually just wind it up for a minute or two a couple times a season.
 

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