Anything to Doublecheck before buying 89 Sundancer 300?

[Jocomo]

Hello, I'm almost a boat owner. I've committed to purchasing an 89 Sundancer 300. Twin I/O Mercruisers. Does anyone here have this same boat and have any advice? Has not been surveyed yet.

Thanks for any help. This looks like a great forum. Look forward to making friends.

 

[skolbe]

I would recommend a survey to check the integrity of the boat. The engines & outdrives, I would want checked out as well by a mechanic.

 

[Quint4]

1 - Drain the outdrive oil and check for water in the oil and excessive metal particulate (a pressure test is also in order)
2 - Props okay?
3 - Compression check the engine while warm. All cylinders should be above 100 and within 10% of each other
4 - Canvas in good shape? You will get serious sticker shock if it needs replaced (3 to 4K)
5 - Maintenance records available?
6 - Freshwater boat ? this would be a good thing.
7 - Have someone hold the steering wheel firmly, now try to move each outdrive side to side...does it move more than a half inch or so? gimble ring possible worn out.
8 - Refrigerator work? I put a new one in last year...$750...no kidding.
9 - Is it in the water? does the bilge have water in it? if it does, you may have a leak.
10 - check that all gauges work. My fuel gauge did not work. I changed the sending unit in the top of the fuel tank. It was very tough to get at....very tough.
11 - When was the last time the exhaust was serviced, as in manifolds and riser inspected and gaskets changed? this is the biggest killer of marine engines and is often neglected
12 - Is the transom solid ? remove a few screws from the trim tabs.....wet wood revealed? (of course reseal with 3m 5200 when you put them back). take lots of time at the transom...any sign of moisture penetration near through hulls... inside or out?
13 - Sea trial the boat with five or six adults on board.....should reach 4600-4800 rpm at wide open throttle.
14 - When were u joints / gimble bearing / all bellows last serviced or replaced?
15 - when was impellar last changed?
16 - Confirm A/C works...run it while checking generator (must be in water of course to run AC or generator)
17 - Trailer? what is your tow vehicle? you are looking at well over 12k lbs of boat and trailer....not your run of the mill bowrider....and a beam over 8' 6" means technically you need a permit to haul it.
18 - Check that both trim tabs work....you need them.
19 - Check that the outdrives trim up fully and back down.
20 - Toilet work?
21 - All freswater spigots work? no leaks in freshwater system?....pump should turn off a few seconds after a faucet is shut off.
22- look under EVERY cushion and hatch for standing water, if you find it investigate further.
23 - Anchor windlass?...does it work? they are not cheap.
24 - Watch temp gauge during sea trial ....boat should not overheat at any time....also keep an eye on the oil pressure gauge, My 454 stays between 40 - 60 psi.
25 - Beware of the "spray can" rebuild.
.......................this is a good start for you...good luck with it.
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[Jocomo]

Gee that's all.... Thanks really. That's a great list to go over and I appreciate it. You rock.

 

[Sundancer]

The surveryor will take a look at most of the obvious spots. Along with the above, ask when the long windows were rebed last. Sometimes they can leak and have to be removed, cleaned and glued back in. Stringers in the engine bay can rot, so tap those. These are all things you can look at BEFORE you spend money on a surveyor. If all checks out, have the surveyor do his thing including pulling the drives and a compression check on the cylinders.

I know someone who has the same boat and it's AWESOME!! :grin: We trailer ours every weekend and love it. It's a nice size for our four kids (to small fur covered ones!) and we tow it all over the place! Take pictures when you check it out, we'd love to see them!

 

[Dasch Boat]

Check for leaks at the deck hatches, side windows and at the area foreward of the V bunk. My 300 WE leaked at the anchor locker into the cabin, simple fixes for all unless they have gone on for too long.

 

[speakrdude]

All good advise. I am always looking for, and often finding, the bargin boats, (i have two 1988 Sea Ray 300's now) to restore, (play with for a while) and then resell. Most of the items above, I've had to deal with before.