Thinking of Buying First Boat!

[GreekItalian]

Hey guys. I'm new to the forum and the world of boating. I've driven friend/families boats before, but never had one of my own. I'm looking at purchasing a boat to have some fun with when the weather is nice. I found this one and it's right in town.

http://collegestation.craigslist.org/boa/2178864592.html

What all do you think about it? Is there anything I should be concerned about? I know that the hours on the motor is a little high. But can anyone tell me what they think about the boat considering what the owner has said he has done to it as far as maintenance and upkeep? What kind of maintenance items/prices am I going to be looking at? Is the price fair given the age and maintenance? Any information would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks,
Nick

 

[boatingcop]

Welcome! The hours on that boat aren't high at all. The 2003 Glastron that I bought brand new had 450 hours on it when I sold it in 2009. My Glastron had 4.3 in it also. Make real sure that he replaced the stingers or at least took core samples of them when he replaced the floor. Just look it over real well and make sure he didn't do a half way job on it. Onther than that I don't think its a bad deal. I'm not a big fan of the seats from Academy, I think they look cheap, but thats just my opinion. If everything checks out and you like it, go for it! Looks like a good rig. Also, that 4.3 should be a good power plant. I was very surprised by the one in my 18' Glastron, but keep in mind that Sea Ray is 3 feet longer. I still think it won't be underpowered though. Good luck and Gig 'Em! (I lived in CS for 3 years and loved it!!)

 

[GreekItalian]

Can you tell me what stingers and core samples are? Forgive my ignorance, but I know next to nothing about buts except that they are an absolute blast.

I'm prepared for maintenance items like oil changes, lubrication, winterizing, etc. I also looked up that this boat will cost $53/year to have registered. I haven't gone as far as talking to an insurance company, but I'll deal with that if I get more serious about it. I've also been digging around, but I'm slightly confused about this, if you're over 18, you don't need a boating license do you?

Any other info you have for a first time boat buyer would be greatly appreciated.

And Gig 'Em! I'm currently in my sophomore year at A&M studying Finance. Are you an Aggie as well?

 

[boatingcop]

The stringers are the "support beams" that run the length of the boat and give it it's strength. You don't want to have one thats comprimised by rot while running down the lake because it will comprimise the strength of the hull. As far as samples, I've never done it, but I believe you just drill a small hole in the stringer and see what comes out. If it's mushy rotted wood, then run away, unless you're up for a total rebuild. Also make sure there are no softt spots in the floor. Obviously look over the engine and outdirve real well and check the oil in both and make sure the oil is clean. If it's milky in either one it means your leaking water into the engine or drive which is not good. If it's the engine it's usually a head gasket, with the drive it's usually seals.

About the boating license, I believe if you were born before '85 or '84 or something like that you don't need one, other wise you do. Not real sure. I don't do much lake enforcement.

Yes I am an Aggie!! I went to Blinndergarden though lol. Never went to A&M. Good to see another Texas and Aggie here! Hope this info helps a bit. If I missed anything or got something wrong I'm sure someone will correct me. Take care!

 

[JimG]

Welcome to CSR!

I like how he says "Boat goes about 45 with about 10 people on it"... overloaded, unsafe operator.

The other item mentioned is the broken starter bolt. This raises a couple of flags for me:
Is the bolt broke off in the block?
Any flywheel damage?
Was the motor under distress when he tried to start it... hydro-locked?

But overall, not a bad deal with the dual axle trainer.

 

[boatingcop]

Welcome to CSR!

I like how he says "Boat goes about 45 with about 10 people on it"... overloaded, unsafe operator.

The other item mentioned is the broken starter bolt. This raises a couple of flags for me:
Is the bolt broke off in the block?
Any flywheel damage?
Was the motor under distress when he tried to start it... hydro-locked?

But overall, not a bad deal with the dual axle trainer.

Yeah, I saw where he ssaid it went 45 with 10 people. First off, thats not very likley and also very unsafe.

 

[You bought a What?!]

First off it looks like a nice boat. When I see a boat that has been redone like that it always makes me a little nervous. Replacing the stringers, floor, carpet and interior is a lot of work and money. Usually it's a labor of love because it often cost more than the finished boat is worth. The question is who did the work, did they know what they were doing, did they use the correct materials (ie: marine plywood) and why are they selling it? I know, that was four questions. Was the rot limited to the floor and stringers? There could be problems in the transom (back) of the boat that he may or may not know about. There could be lots of problems that are hidden beneath that new floor and carpet. I could go on and on about what could be wrong with it. By the same token, nothing major could be wrong with it. All you can see of the stringers on that boat is the last few feet in the engine compartment so without doing anything invasive, you pretty much have to take the guy's word for it. If you know someone that knows something about boats, take them along to look at it. Check with a local boat surveyor and ask them what they would charge to look at it, if you don't know anyone.

I would at least ask for a sea trial before you buy. check the bildge before and after to see if it is taking on water. Pay attention to the floor while it is under power to make sure that it is not moving or flexing (a sure sign of bad stringers). Listen to the engine to for unusual noises and make sure it is not overheating. Listen to make sure the outdrive is shifting smoothly and not making any unusual noises.

Also, this is a big one, Look at the engine components expecially the alternator. Make sure they are marine rated. A lot of people try to save a buck and use automotive replacement parts. Marine starters, distributors, alternators etc are all sealed or have flash arestors (usually a small stainless screen over any vents) and will have a metal tag or are stamped approved for marine use. Automotive parts will work on these engines but they pose an explosion problem and don't hold up well to the moisture.

As with all boats this age there is going to be something wrong with it and you very well not find it until later on down the road. That is why used boats are so much cheaper than new. You have to decide if you can live with it or fix it yourself. We all get excited when we are going to buy a new boat, but don't let that cloud your judgement.

Go through the forums and look to see what kind of problems other people have had and look at what they had to do to fix them. It will give you an idea of what to look for and what it takes to fix them

There are many individuals on this site that have a lot of knowledge to share. Some will probably correct me on one or more points and most definately expand on what I have said.

Good luck! and welcome to Club Searay!

 

[SRS]

My suggestion is read as much as you can about this boat. We all here have different opinions and different logic concerning boats. I say that none of the advice you get is wrong, absorb what is of concern to you and store the rest for future use. The boat looks nice but that is only a small portion of the game. The hours are good so that is no real big deal. Have the boat surveyed by a professional and like this you will have total peice of mind. If you make the purchase, enjoy it and welcome to our world.

 

[MonacoMike]

First off it looks like a nice boat. When I see a boat that has been redone like that it always makes me a little nervous. Replacing the stringers, floor, carpet and interior is a lot of work and money. Usually it's a labor of love because it often cost more than the finished boat is worth. The question is who did the work, did they know what they were doing, did they use the correct materials (ie: marine plywood) and why are they selling it? I know, that was four questions. Was the rot limited to the floor and stringers? There could be problems in the transom (back) of the boat that he may or may not know about. There could be lots of problems that are hidden beneath that new floor and carpet. I could go on and on about what could be wrong with it. By the same token, nothing major could be wrong with it. All you can see of the stringers on that boat is the last few feet in the engine compartment so without doing anything invasive, you pretty much have to take the guy's word for it. If you know someone that knows something about boats, take them along to look at it. Check with a local boat surveyor and ask them what they would charge to look at it, if you don't know anyone.

I would at least ask for a sea trial before you buy. check the bildge before and after to see if it is taking on water. Pay attention to the floor while it is under power to make sure that it is not moving or flexing (a sure sign of bad stringers). Listen to the engine to for unusual noises and make sure it is not overheating. Listen to make sure the outdrive is shifting smoothly and not making any unusual noises.

Also, this is a big one, Look at the engine components expecially the alternator. Make sure they are marine rated. A lot of people try to save a buck and use automotive replacement parts. Marine starters, distributors, alternators etc are all sealed or have flash arestors (usually a small stainless screen over any vents) and will have a metal tag or are stamped approved for marine use. Automotive parts will work on these engines but they pose an explosion problem and don't hold up well to the moisture.

As with all boats this age there is going to be something wrong with it and you very well not find it until later on down the road. That is why used boats are so much cheaper than new. You have to decide if you can live with it or fix it yourself. We all get excited when we are going to buy a new boat, but don't let that cloud your judgement.

Go through the forums and look to see what kind of problems other people have had and look at what they had to do to fix them. It will give you an idea of what to look for and what it takes to fix them

There are many individuals on this site that have a lot of knowledge to share. Some will probably correct me on one or more points and most definately expand on what I have said.

Good luck! and welcome to Club Searay!

Many good points up there. I've been watching this and pondering your situation. I personally don't trust this boat. I would rather find one more original. Your overall costs may be higher than a boat with a higher asking price. Good luck, MM

 

[Presentation]

I hope this post does not come off as negative, my goal is not to be negative, it’s to make sure you know what you are getting into.

When you buy a new boat you take a beating on deprecation. When you buy a used boat you take a beating on repairs.

I don’t know what will break on this boat. If you use it stuff will break.

If a 3 year old $50,000 boat needs a $2,500 repair you do it. After you spend $2,500 it’s still a $50,000 boat.

If a $2,999 boat needs a $2,500 repair and you do it the boat is still a $2,999 boat.

You mentioned some expenses like the boat registration cost. You can find costs for insurance, estimate pretty close for normal maintenance items however your biggest cost will be unknown repairs.

More likely you will need a $200 repair this weekend, then a $400 repair the next, then a $75 one, then a $350 one, and so on. Each repair you will hope is the last but it will just keep going until one day you put it on Craig’s list with some photos and a story.

A friend of mine had a vintage sailboat. His spring commissioning cost exceeded the boat value for several years. This means that after he got it ready to go sailing each spring if he then chose to sell it the sale price would be less than the amount of money he just spent.

I just want to make sure you go into this knowing what you are getting into.

 

[paulswagelock]

OP
The financials on a boat never work out in your favor. You will just need to accept it is not an investment. However, it is hard to put a price on the fun, enjoyment, and memories you will gain in exchange for the money. Read on this forum, the hull truth, and all the other boat forums. Millions of boaters have spent thousands, tens of thousands, and hundreds of thousands on boats. Most are on their second, third or fourth boat. Why? The benefit outweighs the cost. I have had small, large, and now medium boats. I have spent hundreds of thousands of dollars over a 20 year span buying, insuring, and operating boats. I don't regret a single cent of it when I hear my family and friends reminisce about boating, and ask when we will go again.
So, research, inspect, think about how you will use it and where, then pick the right boat, as big as you can afford, and set off on a lifestyle many wish they could achieve.

Welcome.