240 da sea trial

[Dez]

OK, made an offer on a low hour 2008 240 sundancer with the intent on replacing manifolds and probably bellows reflected in the offer. We came to an agreed upon price. (Not sure if we can use dollar figures on this forum) Went on a sea trial yesterday and found the trim switch did not bring outdrive up and there was water coming in the engine room from the transom or bellows. Mechanic will be checking it out today or tomorrow. I am aware I did make my offer on a probable bellows replacement, but did not expect to have water coming into the engine room. The boat has been a one owner and kept on a lift. Very nice condition but low usage. I would fully expect to pay for a bellows replacement because of my offer, but not a transom seal. My main question is, would this be a deal breaker for most people? :huh:

Thanks, Dave

 

[JimG]

The leak could be from the bellows... or the shift cable boot , or worse case, the steering pin. Those are the three likely places.

Not a deal breaker to me unless its the steering pin.

 

[Little Bit]

I would fully expect to pay for a bellows replacement because of my offer, but not a transom seal. My main question is, would this be a deal breaker for most people?

I believe a transom seal would be some what of a red-flag for me. If its just a bellows then I would probably move forward as planned, just have to wait and see what the mechanic says.
Wish you were closer to me... my `08 240 with 110 hours is for sale and has none of those issues. Its on c-list here in Kansas City.
I'm assuming the one you're looking at is a salt water vessel; just last week we drove to Gulf Shores, AL. and looked a 2000 310 and I could not believe the corrosion on the windshield frame and all the metal parts and latches, even inside the cabin... the salt takes its toll.
Good Luck!
Denny

 

[themikehyde]

I would find it hard to believe a steering pin issue with low hours and lift kept. I would more believe drive bellows. Problem is, is that if it is washing that much, it has washed the grease out of the gimbal bearing, so you should replace that too.

That being said, not having a full maintenance report for my boat, the first time I pulled it out I changed all bellows (Drive, exhaust & Shift), shift cable and raw water impellers on both drives. That way I had a good starting point for my records.

As for the drive not coming up, could be the solenoid (I always carry a spare) or the trim/trailer sensor. Might be a good time to replace that anyway while you are doing the bellows.

Good luck!

 

[Dez]

Found out this afternoon it is the transom seal leaking. Could this have dried out from non-use sitting on the lift? The boat has 90 hours on it. I'm thinking if the the owner pays to have it fixed along with other things looked at that will be easy to get at with the engine removed I might be ahead of the game. Does that sound logical? I still can walk away after another sea trial and mechanical inspection. This boat is in very good/excellent condition and only sign of the Florida sun is a little dull fiberglass on the bow of the boat. I could buy another 240 and have the seal leak after a year, right? Not sure what to do yet. Any more input would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks, Dave

 

[Nehalennia]

Make sure the gimbal bearing and u joints are looked at. You may have another $1500-2000 problem there.

 

[bbwhitejr]

For what it is worth...I bought a "low hour" boat this past May. 173 hours...As part of the negotiation, had the PO due an full outdrive service. Everything went great except for one "small" issue...had to replace the rusted out oil pan. Take the 2-3 minutes it takes and run your hand all over the oil pan. Use a mirror or take some phone pics if you feel anything out of the ordinary...save yourself a $1500 issue...

Bennett

 

[Dez]

Engine will be out of the boat to replace the transom seal and check for corrosion of transom bracket. I asked to see the transom and engine while they are out of the boat. Is there much of a chance with transom rot with these boats? It seems I can't find a definitive answer of how much wood is in these.

 

[jitts3]

In my research of transom replacement, the transom could be OK, or junk. The transom is sandwiched by the gimble. Per Mercury it has a min/max thickness. I'm sure somebody here knows what it is. Somewhere around 2 1\4 inches if I remember right.

 

[Dez]

Finally got through my sea trials with the owner fixing a few things. Whole new transom assembly and sea water pump. I checked out the engine and engine room and transom while the engine was out of the boat. Also, the mechanical check was good on compression and spark. I brought the boat home on Friday. I plan on changing out the exhaust and engine water pump this weekend. I know there will be other things that will need replacing due to the fact that this boat was rarely used. It is otherwise in excellent condition with a mooring cover and full camper canvas.

 

[mwph]

Great!
Looks nice. Good luck moving forward.

 

[Richie89]

congrats! i had one of those too! i immediately came down with a serious case of footitis tho, hope you don't suffer my same illness. a few years and 2 boats later i think i'm healed tho