Sundancer
Well-Known Member
- Jul 20, 2005
- 2,909
- Boat Info
- 34 year old CLASSIC 300 DA, towed almost anywhere behind the Duramax Dually Crew Cab.
- Engines
- 16 cyl, 700 cu. in./Alpha I's
Keep looking! I'm late to this thread but the 3.0 just isn't enough motor for the boat. Sluggish with only two in the boat is a bad sign! If you intend to ski and have more than two people in the boat you will be disappointed. The fuel burn difference isn't that much and you will be a lot happier with a 4.3. Next time you test run a boat, check the WOT (Wide Open Throttle) to make sure it reaches it's suggested RPM. The prop is similar to a gear and can limit a boats ability to hit that rpm range. Under propped and over propped cause their own problems and running it at WOT is the best way to discover any issues with the engine, cooling system or props. You don't need to run it very long at WOT to find out either.
The other issue to look at is the age of the tires. Each tire has an age date on it. If they are originals RUN! Tires that old are questionnable at best just due to deterioration of the compounds.
The advice above is right on, but there are a TON of boats for sale. It's a buyers market and very soon folks will panic that they aren't going to be able to sell their boats. Then you will have people begging you to buy their boat! Check Boattraderonline, craigslist or any other reputable online place to see many boats in your area to compare prices. I'm sure you will find one at a great price. I have an 89 and it's in great shape. I'd bet it's more reliable than many newer boats that have been poorly maintained.
Find your own surveyor. Ask around and see who people like and then prep him that you will need his services in the near future. Ask if he has any suggestions or if he knows anyone selling a boat similar to what you are looking for. He probably knows someone!
The other issue to look at is the age of the tires. Each tire has an age date on it. If they are originals RUN! Tires that old are questionnable at best just due to deterioration of the compounds.
The advice above is right on, but there are a TON of boats for sale. It's a buyers market and very soon folks will panic that they aren't going to be able to sell their boats. Then you will have people begging you to buy their boat! Check Boattraderonline, craigslist or any other reputable online place to see many boats in your area to compare prices. I'm sure you will find one at a great price. I have an 89 and it's in great shape. I'd bet it's more reliable than many newer boats that have been poorly maintained.
Find your own surveyor. Ask around and see who people like and then prep him that you will need his services in the near future. Ask if he has any suggestions or if he knows anyone selling a boat similar to what you are looking for. He probably knows someone!
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