87 34' Express Engine hours

J

jwws007

New Member
Jan 2, 2010
48
Rochester,NY
Boat Info
Boatless
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Boatless
I looked at an 87 34 foot freshwater only Express yesterday. The owner was asking 26K and I think he would negotiates. It was one of the nicest, cleanest boats I've seen so far. The only problem is that the engines have 1200 hours on them. The engines looked cosmetically very good, but that amount of hours worries me

Anyone have an opinion?
 
Not too crazy hrs for an '87....only 52 a year. Maybe even low. Compression check 'em and see that they hit their WOT RPM during the sea trial ( probably around 4600-4800?).....you may want to mention what the engines are. If they check out good get real interested about the state of the exhausts and how well they have been maintained. The motors could have a lot left in 'em if they have been treated right.
 
I agree with Quint, and get a survey.
Those mid and late '80's boats are gorgeous classics and if well taken care of can be everything you want them to be
 
thanks guys, it's a beautiful boat, and if I make an offer I plan on a survey and sea trial, just nervous about those hours
 
Don't be nervous.

For those age engines. . .it's all about the maintenance. In addition to the hull survey, you should get an engine survey by a mechanic. That will tell you if you will have any immediate problems. In the back of your mind. . you should figure any boat this age will have some mechanical issues and you should have a pot of money available to deal with them.
 
I just picked up my 88 340 DA from Catskill NY last November. The engines only had 600 hours on them. I did have a survey performed and sea trial before I bought the boat. Swim platform core material was rotten. The gel coat and glass separated and water got in. Survey picked up that the port stuff box needed to be repacked. Engines and transmissions were fine. Oil analysis showed that the transmissions were never serviced. A few other minor items and I got the owner down to 15,000 from 25,000. PERFORM A SURVEY AND SEA TRIAL, you will get your money back.
 
Sold my boat that had a 7.4L 1993. 1150 hours. Ran like it was just broken in. Get the engines checked and don't worry about those 454's they can run for another 1000 hours no problem if taken care of.
 
I can't believe the what you guys are talking about paying for your boats. I just bought mine 9 months ago for 38.000.00 (87 DA). And I thought I got a good deal.
JWWS007, don't worry about the hours, those hours are consistant with that year of vessel. But I agreee with the other comments, even at the extra expense, definately get a vessel and engine survey. Happy boating.
 
actually, I'm seeing an interesting trend in prices the last few weeks. People seem to be lowering the prices on boats that have sat all winter
 
That 34 express is one nice boat. Having the the straight inboards make it a very smooth ride. Let us know how it goes, and do get the survey.
 
You won't really know until you sea trial at survey.
If you get to that point, make sure the engines are COLD when you and the surveyor get to the boat. If they run well, reach the recommended WOT rpms, and run for an extended period at cruise without overheating that's all good.

Most likely the oil was changed before layup, but if not pull oil samples for analysis.

Good luck.
 
agree, agree, agreed with everything. I picked up my beaut with 700 hours, same engine....under 25k is a steal for that boat.
 
Rum Runner said:
I can't believe the what you guys are talking about paying for your boats. I just bought mine 9 months ago for 38.000.00 (87 DA). And I thought I got a good deal.
JWWS007, don't worry about the hours, those hours are consistant with that year of vessel. But I agreee with the other comments, even at the extra expense, definately get a vessel and engine survey. Happy boating.
Click to expand...

I agree about the prices. My '89 DA has 640 hours on the BBs and I would not sell my boat for less than $40k. Of course I think it is worth more than that but in these trying economic times.....:smt101
 
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