possible purchase

richny

New Member
Sep 9, 2018
24
Boat Info
1992 230 sundancer
Engines
4.3 mercruiser
Hi all! Looking into a 1988 weekender 268. Has twin 4.3, one runs, owner "thinks" other needs a starter. Has a dual axle trailer (no title) asking $3000 obo. Not sure if this would be a good deal, though thinking of offering $1800-2000, depending upon inspection. Also my tow vehicle is a 2001 f150 4X4 with a 5.4. opinions?
 
Welcome to CSR!

You won't be able to sea trial a boat with an engine that won't start. You might be able to survey the hull if it's on a trailer, maybe some of the other systems as well. If it were me, I'd want to know what's up with the engine that won't start.

If you're handy with the wrenches, maybe swap the starter off the engine that does work to determine if it's truly a bad starter. Might take you an hour or two but there's no point to paying for a survey if you can't sea trial the boat.
 
I would want to get a moisture reading on all critical parts of the hull and cap that may have coring like the transom. If there are any waterlogged cores it probably would not make sense financially as any fiberglass work would be more expensive than the value of the boat.

-Kevin
 
A starter is not an expensive repair. I would be very skeptical if an owner selling a twin engine boat with one engine that doesn't run if the fix is relatively inexpensive. I have feeling that what an owner "thinks" is wrong is really what the owner "thinks" a buyer will bite on.
 
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A starter is not an expensive repair. I would be very skeptical if an owner selling a twin engine boat with one engine that doesn't run if the fix is relatively inexpensive. I have fiynf that what an owner "thinks" is wrong is really what the owner "thinks" a buyer will bite on.
This is dead on.

It is easy to get a starter, I too suspect more is at issue.

MM
 
Sometimes changing the starter is no simple task depending on how much boat is in the way. Getting the starter isn't the issue, it's getting to the starter.
 
Thanks for the great reply's. Gives me a lot to think about. Also, would prefer a sundancer anyway since it has the aft berth.
 
A halfway decent 26’ boat with twin engines can be either a good deal or a nightmare.
Aside from the motor that doesn’t start, I’d make sure everything else in the boat works as it should and the hull is sound.
As far as the motor that doesn’t start: if it was just a starter the owner would have probably swapped it.
Having one of two motors not starting when you’re selling a boat devalues it a lot more than the cost of a starter.
If the rest of the boat is good, I would base my decision and offer on the assumption that the motor that doesn’t start is shot and needs to be replaced. Look at prices for 4.3’s before committing to anything.
If you’re willing and able to take the project on then go for it. But make no mistake, a 30 year old boat with a motor that doesn’t start is a project.
 
Hi Rich
I have a friend that's giving away a 1980 260 Sundancer that needs motor work. Single merc 260 motor. No trailer. I posted a thread about it on here. The rest of the boat is in good shape. He was using it up until the motor problem a couple weeks ago I believe. If that interests you call him. The number is in the post. For what that guy is asking you could put a new motor in this one & be on the water.
 
RUN....RUN FAST AND FAR. You don't need this kind of headache. Come to think of it, no one does....well maybe my ex-wife.
 

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