Theresamarie11
New Member
Maybe this is overstating the obvious, but whichever boat you go with GET A PROFESSIONAL SURVEY FIRST.
I bought a 2000 260DA with the 7.4L/BIII used in 2005. It had been wet-slipped in salt water. I was shown a 2 year old survey and decided I didn't need to do it over. BIG MISTAKE. I have had serious corrosion issues with the lower unit leading to replacement (bearing carrier was almost rotted away) and this year I spent well over 3K to replace the gimbal ring and associated parts. It now lives in fresh water for the relatively short New England boating season and I think I finally have all those issues corrected. However, as someone else posted previously the early BIII's were notorious for rapid and ugly corrosion in salt water use. Some things to have thoroughly checked out before you plunk down your $$$ are;
1.) Is the Mercathode system working properly?
2.) Does the boat have a salt water history?
3.) Did the previous owner(s) use the proper sacrificial anodes? (aluminum for salt, magnesium for fresh)
4.) Check very carefully for signs of corrosion on the outdrive. The bearing carrier I mentioned above is only visible when you pull off both props.
I sure don't mean to terrify you with my horror story, but I'd hate for anyone else to be faced with what I was. All of that aside, we absolutley love the layout and utility of the boat. We don't do much of any watersports, but cruise and overnight just like you describe. It's an all-around terrific boat.
By the way, I vote for the big block engine too. Even with 6-7 guests aboard I never have any trouble getting this big heavy boat to plane off and run with minimal drama.
Good luck in your research!!
Cheers,
Thank you Sebagoman (Bill),
I was thinking of having my serviceman check it over. Is this not the thing to do? He takes care of my other boat.
He is also the broker...
Sebagoman...hmm, sounds like someone on Sebago lake. I used to stomp there 10 years ago of so whem my ex's family had a place on Thomas pond (they liked to Salmon fish so went to Sebago a lot). Before I stopped going there fishing seemed to have gotten really bad.
Terri