Need advice on eBay sale

[JFas]

I/we are long time boaters, but are new to the world of cruisers. When looking to get into something very reasonably priced to see if it's something we liked we came across a 1984 Sundancer 245. It needs some cleaning, has high hours, but it seems solid after looking at in person. The trim tabs don't work, and the spot light isn't functional. I have also spoken to the mechanic that has performed maintenance on this boat for a number of years. He didn't indicate any further issues. So, I'm looking to this community for any advice that you may have. Thanks in advance.



http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Sea-..._Motorboats&hash=item1e622cf0fc#ht_500wt_1182

 

[Quint4]

I will share my "used boat checklist" written in regards to a 290DA, most of it will apply to the boat you are looking at......heed it well my friend and good luck.

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.

 

[Bugsy24]

Good Job Quint! :thumbsup:

 

[MonacoMike]

That is a great list. MM

 

[JFas]

Quint,

Wow, thanks for the list. This should give me some talking points with the current owner. My concern with this particular boat isn't the piddly stuff that I'm sure will need attention (due mostly to it's age), it more the big ticket items.

Jeff

 

[dicor]

I see it has a $5000 reserve that has not been met yet. A few major items have not been addressed is it the original engine? If so how many hours? 1500 hours on a well maintain engine is still at the end of it's life, figure $8000 to $9000 to re-power, if necessary. How are the manifold/risers? Over $1000 right there. It has a Alpha out-drive is that original? The boat is an 84 you may need to put $10000 to $15000 in to it or not. Whatever you do get a qualified Marine Surveyor it will cost around $500 give or take but it may save you big bucks. Also spring for the compression test. If you look around there are plenty of cruisers out there 24 to 27 ft with strong engines and out-drives for well under $20,000. Keep looking don't compromise. Good Luck

 

[88dancer300]

Pay close attention to the transom, stringers and bulkheads. A 26 year old boat could have some serious corring issues. A good surveyor will help you here.

 

[JFas]

Hey everyone,

Thanks for all your advice. We ended up making an offer contingent on a survey and engine compression testing (it did not sell on eBay). The current owner accepted the offer, so we'll see in a week or two if this may be the boat for us.

I also spent about 2 hours today with the mechanic that maintained the boat for the last 15 years. We were up, down, around, underneath, the entire boat several times. That was a interesting experience.

J