2000 24 dancer

[out-n-aboat]

My friend test drove a 2000 24 sundancer. The engine is a 260 hp merc alpha drive raw water cooled. (300 hours)The broker told him the owner wants to sell him the boat in perfect working condition. He sea tested the boat and it drives great. The water pump has an bad leak and one manifold is hot to the touch. One manifold is cold. He has the seller at 20000. How should he negtiate the rest of the deal.

 

[Presentation]

The water pump has an bad leak

OK, you got me on this one. Since the water pump on Alpha drives is inside the outdrive how in the world would you know you have a water pump leak? Is it a circulation pump leak?

Rare but possible. More likely is a leaking drive bellow. If this is getting water in the motor the motor may be in need of a total rebuild or replacement.

If a bellow, its not too expensive of a fix. Under $300. Do all 3.

one manifold is hot to the touch. One manifold is cold.

It’s a total guess, but you may have a EFI (not MPI) fuel injection with only one functioning injector. This is not a very expensive repair, say $500 but I would want to know what is wrong with that engine before making a purchase commitment. Heck, I may even insist the seller pay for it.



Oh, the answer to your question, have them make a offer contingent to passing a marine survey finding no new issues. Make sure the survey includes the motor and drive. Make sure they include a compression check in the survey.

 

[out-n-aboat]

what is the running temp on the riser (exterior) normaly?
the boat is a 1997, my mistake-no efi

 

[RiverRat]

I would try and get a better price out of him considering it's 3 years older than what you thought. Also, getting a survey is almost a must on a 10 year old boat. It would be money well spent. Especially if the engine is already showing signs of neglect.