Just bought a boat- need yours thoughts and advice!

[Capt Sandbar]

Well , we shifted gears a little on our boat search and found a very nice 1996 500 DA - I was asking some questions about the engines in another post here- I appreciate the input there - especially Frank and Roller Coaster.

So we make an offer and after a little haggling we made a deal -now off to the Survey and motor inspections- and yes Frank- a good sea trial before it’s finished.

Any comments and thoughts about what to really pay attention to would be great!

Thanks Steve

 

[Capt Sandbar]

And it was the one I described in the other post - 3176TA’s,

 

[Korkie]

Pay attention to everything, and take your own notes. We even video taped things we were concerned about. Ask questions about anything you do not understand.

 

[NotHerDecision]

Off the top of my head

Being a 1996 pay very close attention to all the systems. It’s likely many will need to be refurbished, repaired, or replaced. The heads, ac’s, fresh water systems for sure. Look for leaked in the fresh water systems. There are many of the shark bite type fittings in that boat that have the potential to leak.

What genset does it have? What are the condition of the diesel tanks? How are the hoses and clamps? If it has a hudraulic platform pay close attention because they can be expensive to repair.

All I will say is it’s easy to convince yourself there are lots of “little” things that need repaired and it ends up being very significant in the realm of costs. Once you survey feel free to shoot me a pm with questions.

The 500 offers lots of room for sure, I run with a guy who has a 95 and it’s been a good boat for him but he has Detroit’s.

Josh

 

[northern]

Take lots of pictures of everything. Put your camera in areas you can not see. When you get home look at them in detail.
Take your shoes off and walk all the decks. If there are soft spots you will find them.
Put in your offer the owner or agent must show you how all the systems work.