COMPRESSION TEST.... Should i still buy it?

I say no way even if they get that motor to run in spec. Raw water cooled motors no bueno where we live. Also I am leery of the 165 cylinder on compression test.
 
liv2ryde100 said:
I say no way even if they get that motor to run in spec. Raw water cooled motors no bueno where we live. Also I am leery of the 165 cylinder on compression test.
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I agree with this. I hate to put the damper on someone's excitement of buying their next boat and there are those on here that would argue otherwise but raw water cooled motors cast iron motors that run in salt water have a live expectancy of 10-15 years. I personally would not even go look at a boat that has raw water cooled motors. Ask most marine mechanics and they would agree.
 
I went and looked at a chaparral for my brother in law two weeks ago, walked on the boat and saw motors were raw water cooled, got back in the car and left. Guy says u wanna make an offer the seller is motivated. I said no thank you
 
I like the boat and the price is good. The transom assembly service is due now 3K, the port fuel gauge is probably a bad sender and needs to be fixed. The compression issue could be a problem coming, bad valve, leaking head gasket. The dry joint manifolds and risers are good foe 8-10 years in salt water. I'd tune it up and have the props scanned. If you are buying the boat and planning to due the work it needs it will be fine for a few years even with the 165 on one cylinder. If you're a typical L.I. boater you'll be under 50 hours a season so no big deal but if you're a 100 hour per season boater walk away now. Just my two cents, Good Luck!
 
@Brite Idea thank you for your comment I am from NJ I maybe drive the boat 20 min to tices shoal a sand bar and maybe do a quick ride on the way back to the marina no more than 30 min.

My last boat I bough it with 353 hrs sold it with 390 so I don’t drive much.
 
hottoddie said:
I agree with this. I hate to put the damper on someone's excitement of buying their next boat and there are those on here that would argue otherwise but raw water cooled motors cast iron motors that run in salt water have a live expectancy of 10-15 years. I personally would not even go look at a boat that has raw water cooled motors. Ask most marine mechanics and they would agree.
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On the flip side, I've owned nothing BUT raw water cooled boats and they have treated me perfectly fine. You'll come across just as many closed cooling engines that are in rough shape as compared to raw water cooled engines.
 
I agree w others here who suggest you walk. I’ve owned several raw water in salt and you have an engine issue, a leak into your bilge, and misc minor items.

A tune up does nothing to repair and bad cylinder. If it’s low on compression but hits max rpm at wot, it’s not tuning. It’s cylinder/ rings / valves. No bueno.

Don’t make an emotional decision because she’s pretty. It’ll cost you big and when you go to sell her the next buyer will be hard to find.
 
DjNiki4 said:
I still think for the price I’m getting it and the surveyor priced it at $42000 with 5-7k into it I should be safe for few years I’m not planning on keeping it for more than 2/3 seasons ‍♂️
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It really does not make financial sense to buy a boat with the idea of selling it in 2-3 seasons, especially with a weak cylinder. Figure out what you are going to by in 2-3 seasons and buy that boat with a view to keeping it 10-12 years. You will likely spend less on your boating experience.
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sbw1 said:
It really does not make financial sense to buy a boat with the idea of selling it in 2-3 seasons, especially with a weak cylinder. Figure out what you are going to by in 2-3 seasons an buy that boat with a view to keeping it 10-12 years. You will likely spend less on your boating experience. View attachment 70609
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This is sound advice. My last boat I owned for 10 years and I'm on year 9 with this one and no end in sight. I came close to buying a 34ft Express Sea ray but decided I wanted 3 things. 1-Island bed. 2-full size refrigerator. 3-separate shower. I got all 3 with my 390.
 
Hi guys I get your point trust me. But for the price I’m getting this 300 even if my mechanic says u need a new head I’m gonna do it and I’ll still be in the positive end financially.

This is my 3rd year boating 3rd boat I am not ready just yet to jump into a 38 or 40 ft boat. I can buy the boat but the slip and maintenance on that will be way more than what I have for fun money.

I am happy to say that I just did the closing on the boat today. She will be arriving at my marina on Saturday.

My mechanic is right away going to do both sides:
bellows
shift cables
gimbles
Oil changes
New plugs
Possible new injectors (depends on the the current ones)
Full tune up on both engines

Will run the boat for a day at the end of the day he will do another compression test if the numbers are still all over the map I’ll have him open it up and change gaskets rings and etc.

Finally even with the money putting in for service there was nothing on the market near its price or the hours. Fingers crossed for me.

Thank you
 
DjNiki4 said:
Hi guys I get your point trust me. But for the price I’m getting this 300 even if my mechanic says u need a new head I’m gonna do it and I’ll still be in the positive end financially.

This is my 3rd year boating 3rd boat I am not ready just yet to jump into a 38 or 40 ft boat. I can buy the boat but the slip and maintenance on that will be way more than what I have for fun money.

I am happy to say that I just did the closing on the boat today. She will be arriving at my marina on Saturday.

My mechanic is right away going to do both sides:
bellows
shift cables
gimbles
Oil changes
New plugs
Possible new injectors (depends on the the current ones)
Full tune up on both engines

Will run the boat for a day at the end of the day he will do another compression test if the numbers are still all over the map I’ll have him open it up and change gaskets rings and etc.

Finally even with the money putting in for service there was nothing on the market near its price or the hours. Fingers crossed for me.

Thank you
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Congrats!!
 
I just purchased a 2003 300Da this year needed a lot of cleanup. I took it out for first time and both engines would not go over 4000 rpm. I just did a compression test last weekend and the readings were 180-190 on both engines. I'm assuming Bad Gas and water seperators. Boat has 260 hrs and belive it just sat in marina for years. Put all new plugs and belts port was squeaking bad. Going to finish the tune up this weeked oil and filters. Check rotor cap. etc. Keep us posted and Congrats!
 
I’d never rely on a compression test alone - a leakdown should always go with it. Learned that the hard way.
 
Boats at the mechanic yard talked to him and he is not worried about the engine with low compressions he said to take it on a ride for a day then to do another compression and leak down.
 
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DjNiki4 said:
Boats at the mechanic yard talked to him and he is not worried about the engine with low compressions he said to take it on a ride for a day then to do another compression and leak down.
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What did the leak down test tell you? If it is solid them the low compression could be a valve train issue.
 
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