Boat buying checklist needed

[Big Island Lifer]

I know this has been talked about and I think it was Todd who posted a great list a while ago. The search doesn't work great via tapatalk. I have a buddy going to take a look at a boat tomorrow and I wanted to send him with something. If any of you could help me out I would greatly appreciate it.
Thanks

Darren



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[Quint4]

Here is one I have posted many times:

USED BOAT CHECKLIST
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 impeller 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 freshwater 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 to replace.

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.

.......................this is a good start for you...good luck with it.

 

[comsnark]

Everything Quint said. PLUS:

1) How are you going to use the boat?

2) Will *this* boat work for how you are going to use it?

Seriously. . .besides all the mechanical stuff -> one of the most important things about buying a boat is understanding how the boat fits how YOU want to use the boat. Is it big enough? Is it too big? Are you expecting too much? For instance: Don't buy a huge cabin cruiser if you want to tow tubers. Don't buy a huge cabin cruiser if you need to trailer the boat. Don't buy an open bow runabout if you want to be in the ocean. Don't buy small cabin cruiser if you need to sleep 6 adults. Too many people buy the wrong boat the first time out, and end up buying another one ($$$$) two years later.

 

[Big Island Lifer]

Thanks guys. This is exactly what I was looking for.


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[HUMPH]

But what are you looking for? That's the question...

 

[Big Island Lifer]

My friend is looking at a Formula 330ss. Its very clean and has low hours for the year. It is a fresh water boat and has been babied- the seller has 4 other boats and this one wasn't getting used. Thanks for the help guys.