"New" 1999 210SD - What to look for?

Trucky

Trucky

New Member
Jun 26, 2011
380
Boone Lake, TN
Boat Info
1999 210SD SunDeck / 2002 Ford F250 CC Lariat 4X4, slightly tweaked 7.3L
Engines
5.0 Mercruiser220hp/Alpha I
Greetings All,

I am in the process of purchasing a 99 210SD. I've placed a deposit based on phone, email and photos. This boat has the 5.0 Thunderbolt V engine with 300 hours. It has been a salt water boat but flushed and dry racked after each use. Everything I can see is in immaculate condition with no visible dirt, rust, stains, scuffs anywhere. I will drive down in a few weeks to finalize the deal after a sea trial. What I'd like to know is what should I be looking for as I inspect and then test this boat. Are there any known inherent issues with the 210SD?

I'm stepping up from an 83 Regal bowrider that's been a faithful ride for many years so to say I'm looking forward to this boat would be a gross understatement.

I'll be using it almost exclusively in fresh water lakes of the Carolinas & TN.

Since it has always been dry stacked the PO never had a trailer. I'm considering either a Peterson or Magic Tilt. It seems most used trailers in FL don't have working brakes after a few years...
 
Trucky said:
Since it has always been dry stacked the PO never had a trailer. I'm considering either a Peterson or Magic Tilt. It seems most used trailers in FL don't have working brakes after a few years...
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Trailers in this size usually have surge brakes, and it really doesn't matter where they are from they don't work after a few years. Working on mine right now.

The only known issue with the 210 Sundeck is an overwhelming urge to spend all of your time and money on it.:grin: Have fun.
 
My first question would be when were the exhaust manifolds and risers last changed. Next, ask if he used OEM or after market parts. Same questions regarding the bellows.
 
SeaRide said:
My first question would be when were the exhaust manifolds and risers last changed. Next, ask if he used OEM or after market parts. Same questions regarding the bellows.
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Great questions SeaRide... I will ask in my next email exchange. As meticulous as the owner has been overall I hope it has carried over to engine maintenance as well. He found a small chip on the access door in front of the driver and went and got a $40 can of some special paint to touch it up.
 
aqua*holic said:
Trailers in this size usually have surge brakes, and it really doesn't matter where they are from they don't work after a few years. Working on mine right now.

The only known issue with the 210 Sundeck is an overwhelming urge to spend all of your time and money on it.:grin: Have fun.
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This overwhelming urge... does it get any better with time?
 
I am experienced with boats but am a new boat owner as well. Shopping for a boat is much easier than I expected. Look for the obvious. If the final is cracked and worn ( sun damaged) than you will know the person did not bother to cover it up or even do basic maintenance. Look at the lower unit and if it looks beat up, yet again another sign. For th e engine, only a test drive will be an in indicator but chances are if the former looks good than the person probably took care of it.

If it goes well I can expect to see more posts from you asking about maintenance and. Upgrades.
 
I would recommend you hire a local mechanic/surveyor to go on the test drive with you and then do a full check of all mechanicals including a compression check. It shouldn't cost more than about $250 and is well worth it. my surveyor wrote up a quick report with all problems and maintainance issues and I ended up setting another $1000 off the price. Make sure you get a mirror and light to check underside of engine for corrosion (I just got done pulling the engine to replace a rusted oil pan). The 210SD is a great day boat. Good luck!
 
Lightguyjeff... forgive my ignorance, but what is a final? Every shot of every square inch of fiberglass I've seen is like new, shiny, not even a scuff or scratch. There is one rubbed spot on the keel from beach on sand they say, but not rubbed through at all.

I'll see if I can attach a shot of the lower unit...View attachment 20393
 
Ashlexadd said:
I would recommend you hire a local mechanic/surveyor to go on the test drive with you and then do a full check of all mechanicals including a compression check. It shouldn't cost more than about $250 and is well worth it. my surveyor wrote up a quick report with all problems and maintainance issues and I ended up setting another $1000 off the price. Make sure you get a mirror and light to check underside of engine for corrosion (I just got done pulling the engine to replace a rusted oil pan). The 210SD is a great day boat. Good luck!
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Ashlexadd... How would one go about finding a reputable surveyor 12 hours away (in Palmetto, FL) without just taking a stab in the yellow pages?

Thanks for the suggestions!
 
Trucky the boat seems fine but unless I've overlooked a post I don't see how many hours on the motor. I would not buy any boat without a qualified Marine Survey that includes a compression test and a thorough inspection for rotted/wet stringers & transom.
 
I think I know the boat your looking at, it's 15 minutes from my house right by where I launch my boat. I'll ask my mechanic if he does surveys or has a good recommendation.
 
Also, have a look at the Boat US homepage if you cannot find a surveyor as they have a list of accredited surveyors. I would also have the hull gone over and a certified MerCruiser tech. go through the engine and drive.
 
dicor said:
Trucky the boat seems fine but unless I've overlooked a post I don't see how many hours on the motor. I would not buy any boat without a qualified Marine Survey that includes a compression test and a thorough inspection for rotted/wet stringers & transom.
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There are 334 hours showing on the hour meter...

View attachment 20397
 
Trucky,

My '99 230 was delivered with a mechanical readout. Sometime in 2000 the original tach went out. By 2000, the OEM replacment tachs had a LED readout for the hour meter, identical to the one in your picture above. I have gone through another tach. since 2000. So, while it's possible that this boat was delivered with the LED hour meter, it's also possible that it's been replaced over the last 12 years. Have the Merc. tech. hook up his scan tool to read the engine hours (assuming you have a 5.0 EFI).
 
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SeaRide said:
By the way, you have an Alpha Drive, not a Bravo One.
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Noted, changed. Thanks

Learning volumes every day, I appreciate all the pointers, suggestions and assistance very much.
 
Thanks for all the great responses so far. I've already learned tons by spending more time than I should reading every thread of interest.

Based on the suggestions here I've made contact with a MM in the nearby area to do a full marine survey prior to my arrival. Hopefully if any issues are found there would be time to correct them before I need to turn around and head back to NC.

Thanks to Ashlexadd for pointing me to a reputable person. The mechanic even took some off the charge due to Clay's recommendation. The boat broker is absolutely fine with this tho he says it might be a bit of overkill for this particular boat. for me, I'd rather spend a little up front and have prior knowledge of any major issues prior to handing over the pesos.

@SeaRide... Do you think Sea Ray could have changed from mechanical to LED readouts on the meter some time during the model run? Since this is a Thunderbolt V engine is there any way to check this?
 
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