05 200 Sport viewing and lake test questions

jeff80kz1000e2

jeff80kz1000e2

Member
Aug 25, 2015
38
NW Burbs Chicagoland
Boat Info
09 185 Sport
2014 Toyota Sienna Van FWD
Air Lift air bags
Class 3 Curt hitch
Engines
4.3L Mercruiser TKS
Hi all,New to the forum and looking for some help and would greatly appreciate it. I am going to view and lake test an 05 200 sport with 50 some odd hours on it this weekend. I have read articles on what to look for on used boats etc. I would appreciate any extra things to look for that I might not think of. I will be going with a checklist in hand to make sure I test and check everything on and off the water. His price is a tiny high, but if in fact the boat checks out to be in great condition it has very low hours and might be worth the price. I am driving 1.5 hours so I asked ahead of time what a bottom dollar would be and he says 17,250 would take it home. He said to he's got a few boards, bumpers, and ropes to throw into the deal ( I have no idea what brand or how much they are worth). Here it the two ads: Thanks! Jeff

https://milwaukee.craigslist.org/boa/5112799405.html

https://milwaukee.craigslist.org/boa/5170744371.html
 
I think $17000 sounds reasonable if the condition is as good as the pictures imply. The tower adds significant value and if it comes with boards and vests as a turn key on the water setup, go for it.

I love mine. It's basically the same boat. If you are going to sea trial yourself without a survey make sure to test every system, open every compartment, check lights, including going over the trailer. Might pull a wheel to check the condition on the brakes. Does one or both axles have brakes? Just be thorough and take your time.

Be prepared to walk away and don't get mesmerized by the moment. He has been trying to sell for two months, its likely not going to sell until he gets aggressive with his pricing. He was priced too high to start and he is sitting on it.
 
I forgot to add, check the belt alignment when you go over the motor. Mine has a different motor but the power steering pump bracket was bent causing the pulley to eat the belt. Another issue I had was the cooler was not well attached. Check the horn, some don't drain spray and rainwater, then malfunction. My bilge pump hose leaked. On the water near the end of the test if the bilge is still dry, add water and pump it out. Check for proper function and leaks. Like I said, be thorough.

Good luck, it looks awesome.
 
blaster said:
I forgot to add, check the belt alignment when you go over the motor. Mine has a different motor but the power steering pump bracket was bent causing the pulley to eat the belt. Another issue I had was the cooler was not well attached. Check the horn, some don't drain spray and rainwater, then malfunction. My bilge pump hose leaked. On the water near the end of the test if the bilge is still dry, add water and pump it out. Check for proper function and leaks. Like I said, be thorough.

Good luck, it looks awesome.
Click to expand...

Right on thx for this reply and the other one. I am going to have a paper checklist of the items to be checked so I don't forget anything. Will test the bilge accordingly as well.

We are going to see two other boats in IL on Saturday with sea trials. One 2009 SeaRay 185 4.3gl and a 2008 Stingray 195 LR 4.3 Carbed as well. Both of these look to be in excellent condition and low hours as well (we shall see as we all know pictures can be deceiving!). Anyways, Unless something about the other boats WOW me quite a bit ( ergonomics etc ), I am leaning towards this 200 in my post because Dad will be happier in the long run with a 5.0 @ 220 ponies which also has a tiny bit more low end torque....... inspection and sea trial have to pass first of course.

I did indeed see that he has been trying to sell for awhile and his new price is on planet Earth so I figured I would ask his bottom dollar and thats when he said 17,250 would work. I will still try to hit him with a lower price, but if he doesn't budge it does in fact have very low hours on the clock. Thanks, Jeff
 
Check what the WOT should be for that engine and outdrive should be before you sea test. Then check if your in that range during the sea test. Not hitting the recommended WOT range could uncover hidden issues.


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Docsteder said:
Check what the WOT should be for that engine and outdrive should be before you sea test. Then check if your in that range during the sea test. Not hitting the recommended WOT range could uncover hidden issues. Good advice, I posted in the engines forum to see if anyone has the info or knows where to get it online. I did a few google searches and didn't come up with anything yet. Thanks, Jeff


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Click to expand...

Good advice, I posted in the engines forum to see if anyone has the info or knows where to get it online. I did a few google searches and didn't come up with anything yet. Thanks, Jeff
 
The 5.0 carb is 4400-4800 RPM it should do 48-50 MPH.
 
The 200 is a great boat, I have that exact model , year , color scheme and engine combination. I purchased mine as the 5.0 liter carb because of the higher horsepower etc. I can do about 45-48 on a calm day etc. I really can't say anything negative knock on wood, the only thing I've done is Maintenance, and I'm at 230 hours ( tune-ups, shift cable and bellows , gamble bearing , water pump).
Asked if and when the bellows and gimble bearing have been changed, also the water pump. Although the hours are low it still has some years under its belt. If they haven't been changed consider it and I would be looking at doing them. ( I believe bellows per mercuiser is 5 years replacement and I've usually gone 6-7 and they still looked pretty good)
If allowed pull the outdrive fluid drain plug and check for moisture in the fluid ( looks milky when mixed with water due to a seal failure )I would do that after a test drive and if your confident your going to purchase it.
The only other thing is to check oil condition and receipts for changes, winterizing etc.
As for the trailer tires dry rot or run flat I put very few miles on my trailer but about every 5-6 years I end up replacing them, same goes for brakes ( should be drum brakes on rear axle only.
Best of luck
 
K9Deuce said:
The 200 is a great boat, I have that exact model , year , color scheme and engine combination. I purchased mine as the 5.0 liter carb because of the higher horsepower etc. I can do about 45-48 on a calm day etc. I really can't say anything negative knock on wood, the only thing I've done is Maintenance, and I'm at 230 hours ( tune-ups, shift cable and bellows , gamble bearing , water pump).
Asked if and when the bellows and gimble bearing have been changed, also the water pump. Although the hours are low it still has some years under its belt. If they haven't been changed consider it and I would be looking at doing them. ( I believe bellows per mercuiser is 5 years replacement and I've usually gone 6-7 and they still looked pretty good)
If allowed pull the outdrive fluid drain plug and check for moisture in the fluid ( looks milky when mixed with water due to a seal failure )I would do that after a test drive and if your confident your going to purchase it.
The only other thing is to check oil condition and receipts for changes, winterizing etc.
As for the trailer tires dry rot or run flat I put very few miles on my trailer but about every 5-6 years I end up replacing them, same goes for brakes ( should be drum brakes on rear axle only.
Best of luck
Click to expand...

Great info, thx
I just learned a bit on the gimbal and bellows in the thread below this one. I will learn a bit more and watch a video or two before saturday to get a better idea of the whole outdrive.

Nice to hear its a good boat to own and you have had regular maintenance only. We are looking at an 09 185 sport 4.3gl and a Stingray 195 4.3 carb ( all 3-boats have low hours and so far look to be in great shape) but I am leaning towards the 200 if it checks out due to the 5.0 engine ( I think I will be happier with it in the long run )


The 5.0 mpi would be ideal, but this is a good one to have as well. I know quite a bit about my kawasaki carbs and if I do purchase a carbed boat I will be grabbing a Factory Service Manual asap ( it helped a great deal on the bike......along with good people who help on the forums as well ! )

I am putting together a checklist to bring with me that will include everything in your response and the others who replied. I also have another long list of checks from another forum that will check the whole boat. It might be a bit silly with a pen and paper checklist but I will forget some items without a doubt if I don't do it. The seller of this boat is a talker and he might distract me if I don't use my list as well!

Thx again, Jeff
 
Hi all, Thanks again for all the info. I had a checklist for viewing all 3 boats on and off the water which was very helpful.

Without going into details the boat had condition issues and the asking price wasn't worth the condition the boat was in. Im not quite sure what price would be correct for it. If anyone goes to see the boat, be sure to check it thoroughly with a sea trial and offer a price accordingly. The boat was not for me.

On another note, we purchased a 2009 185 sport 4.3 carbed in pretty much show room condition (sea trial completed ) with 133 hrs on it. We pick it up this saturday. Jeff
 
Awesome! Congratulations on the purchase. The 185 with the 4.3 is great for towing.
 
blaster said:
Awesome! Congratulations on the purchase. The 185 with the 4.3 is great for towing.
Click to expand...

Thx! We are excited about the boat no doubt. I knew I would kick myself if I didn't go for the 4.3. Good to hear that it tows well.

As a bonus, we are receiving 3 props, long term cover, 10 vests, a prop wrench, 2 tubes, and a tow rope. Not the reason we purchased the boat but great to have. He was pretty meticulous and replaced the trailer and spare tires already as well ( 3 Goodyears ) .

Got the insurance set up, so I think we will launch her on saturday afternoon!





 
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Congratulations, should be a great boat for you! Looking forward to hearing how your first outing goes!
 
dburne said:
Congratulations, should be a great boat for you! Looking forward to hearing how your first outing goes!
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Most definitely will post how the outing goes, nice 190 ya got there, Im jealous because you got the mpi!
 
jeff80kz1000e2 said:
Most definitely will post how the outing goes, nice 190 ya got there, Im jealous because you got the mpi!
Click to expand...

Lol, thanks it has been a great boat for us so far. Only issues I have had were self induced lol. I think I have about 43 hours on it now.
Saturday is looking to be really nice with high around 95, looking forward to spending all day on the water!
 
dburne said:
Lol, thanks it has been a great boat for us so far. Only issues I have had were self induced lol. I think I have about 43 hours on it now.
Saturday is looking to be really nice with high around 95, looking forward to spending all day on the water!
Click to expand...

Right on, glad it's been good to you so far, good to hear.
I am pretty good first mate, but this is the first boat as an owner and Captain so we shall see if I produce any oh sh-t mistakes!

Looks like its gonna be about 5 ° warner down south by you, but it should be nice and sunny up here....

Btw, is that a grill mounted to the bimini top?
 
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jeff80kz1000e2 said:
Right on, glad it's been good to you so far, good to hear.
I am pretty good first mate, but this is the first boat as an owner and Captain so we shall see if I produce any oh sh-t mistakes!

Looks like its gonna be about 5 ° warner down south by you, but it should be nice and sunny up here....
Click to expand...

Have fun!
Just remember above all else, never ever forget to put that drain plug in!
 
blaster said:
Awesome! Congratulations on the purchase. The 185 with the 4.3 is great for towing.
Click to expand...
I must admit I would have jumped on an mpi. Did you have a harder time finding the mpi? It seems when I was looking that the 4.3 carbed motors are out there more than the mpi?
Still no regrets on our purchase but it just would have been a small bonus.......or as the wifie says "it must be a guy thing" hehe :)
 
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