Maintenance answer- cause for concern?

[seaman-recruit]

Newbie (almost) boater scheduled to look at a 2001 260 Sundancer this weekend. When I submitted an email question to seller regarding IO maintenance I received the answer "Nothing has been replaced in the 3 seasons I have owned it other than fluids and anodes every year. No issues showing signs of replacement."

Should I be concerned over lack of routine maintenance? (gimbal, bellows, impeller, etc.?) Vessel has 375 hours total - no idea how many hours current owner has put on it. Boat has Bravo III drive.

Any comments/advice appreciated.

 

[billnpat]

Newbie (almost) boater scheduled to look at a 2001 260 Sundancer this weekend. When I submitted an email question to seller regarding IO maintenance I received the answer "Nothing has been replaced in the 3 seasons I have owned it other than fluids and anodes every year. No issues showing signs of replacement."

Should I be concerned over lack of routine maintenance? (gimbal, bellows, impeller, etc.?) Vessel has 375 hours total - no idea how many hours current owner has put on it. Boat has Bravo III drive.

Any comments/advice appreciated.

I'd be leary......:smt009

 

[tbirdvet]

The issue is what the total history of maintenance was. After 375 hours if you assume nothing was done then I would do a full check.

 

[fwebster]

Not really. You just found a boat with a little deferred maintenance. Count on a full engine and outdrive service including a new impeller and shaft seals as a part of your investment and negotiate accordingly.

 

[Bugsy24]

Not really. You just found a boat with a little deferred maintenance. Count on a full engine and outdrive service including a new impeller and shaft seals as a part of your investment and negotiate accordingly.

:thumbsup:

 

[mwph]

At a minimum I'd be sure to relay this message to your surveyor. I would also negotiate the servicing and alignment of the drive including any associated/needed repairs.

The impeller is in the pump mounted to the engine. (his "only fluids & anodes") comment may have been strictly drive related. Either way, I'd replace the impeller just so you know its been done.

 

[JimG]

Routine maintenance for the outdrive? To me that is fluids and anodes. The only other thing might be coupler grease and checking the boots for dry-rot.

375 hours is low for that year boat.

The B3 does not have an impeller... the pump is belt driven on the engine.

Shaft seals Frank? :huh:

 

[seaman-recruit]

Not really. You just found a boat with a little deferred maintenance. Count on a full engine and outdrive service including a new impeller and shaft seals as a part of your investment and negotiate accordingly.

Thanks for the advice. Can you provide a "ballpark" cost estimate on "typical" engine/IO servicing required at the 375 hour mark? (engine is 5.7 / 260)

 

[fc3]

What Frank said. The engine mounted pump can easily run a few years. As long as he has been changing the gear oil and watching for contamination, it's probably fine.

 

[Jimmy Buoy]

You also don't know how little the boat has been used for the last 3yrs. In fresh water you can easily go 3yrs without anything done to the drive other than fluid changes.

Just make sure the survey includes removal of the drive and inspection of the outdrive items. Also, if it looks ok have them lube the spline, gimbal bearing, and U-Joints while it's off.

Good Luck!

 

[seaman-recruit]

Thanks Jim. I forgot to mention that boat has been used in fresh water. What can I expect to pay for this type of survey?