What should I look for on 2001s with very low hours

[Pakmule]

I am looking at some 280s and 290s from 2001 that have 200 hours or less. They are still shrink wrapped from last winter or maybe longer. What would be good to focus on that would have degraded with little use?

These would be salt water boats.

 

[keokie]

Tons.

Little use on a boat is not necessarily a good thing if it is not maintained and/or stored properly. If you do not feel comfortable checking the entirety of a vessel, I would strongly recommend you find someone who is.

Regardless of hours I would check absolutely everything on a 7-8 year saltwater boat. I would also not consider paying more than half of what a good deal on a new one is. Better yet, I would find a freshwater, trailer stored version of what you are talking about. Good luck, and keep us posted.

 

[Pakmule]

Before I purchased anything it would have a complete survey to include the mechanical bits. These boats are shrink wrapped and I am looking for a few key places to look to see if they were maintained well and stored properly.

Is the consensus that I just not look at any salt water boats even if they have low hours? Being in New England that cuts the number of boats pretty significantly but if the chances of getting another lemon boat are high I will pass on them.

 

[comsnark]

Sure. Everyone will tell you to buy a trailered boat with low hours (but not too low) used only in fresh water and flushed after every use. Oh. . and only buy a boat with closed loop cooling.

Puhlease. Unless you are looking in the midwest -> boats like that are going to be very hard to find. And probably will carry a significant price premium.

Buying a used boat is all about compromise.

- - - - - - -

Your gut will be a good indicator of whether the boat is worthy of spending the dough for a proper survey. First. . .how is the boat being stored? Is the shrink wrap in good shape? Is the boat clean? If the boat is sealed, are there dessicant bags in the boat? How clean is the bilge? Are the buttons worn, or visibly broken? How does the cabin smell?

My view is that if the boat interior is not being maintained, there are increased odds the engines aren't being maintained either.

I might be more concerned if the registration stickers are more than one year out of date (implies sitting too long . . .)

During my survey, the boat was shown to have original risers and manifolds (but no signs of leakage) I split the cost of replacement with the previous owner.

 

[Gunn]

Better yet, I would find a freshwater, trailer stored version of what you are talking about. Good luck, and keep us posted.

Can you even find a 280 or 290 that's trailored? :huh:

 

[jhild]

Given two identical boats (one salt, one fresh) this would be a no-brainer. Unfortunately, that's not usually the case. There are cherry saltwater boats and barely sea worthy fresh water boats out there. You just need to be able to differentiate between the two. Get a complete survey done and have the risers pulled for a look-see, especially for a saltwater boat.

As others have pointed out, the number of hours isn't necessarily the most important factor here. A well-cared for, well-maintained boat is what you should be looking for.

One last note: As you know, there are lots of lakes and rivers here in the Northeast. If you have your heart set on a fresh water boat, you should be able to find one with a little patience.

 

[Alex F]

When we purchased our 2001 240DA having a proffesional servey gave us full comfort and we had no regreds. I would suggest you have the boat servayed. Some things to check head operation, blumbing fittings, charger condition, sump pump and switch (mine was getting stuck after a roigh ride so they owner had to replace it).

Good luck.
Alex.

 

[comsnark]

Actually, if you are REALLY paranoid. . .get TWO surveys done.

My survey was ok, but the gentleman performing it definately missed a few minor points and got one or two minor points wrong.

 

[mikestein]

What does a survey cost? Based on the size of the boat, etc?

 

[comsnark]

Generally based on size of boat. In my area, that boat would cost about $500-$600 for survey including seatrial.

At this price, you don't get mechanical things checked like oil analysis and compression checks. Add another $250-$500 for that.

 

[keokie]

I'll refer back to my original post. Pakmule, if you are concerned about being bitten, you will lower your odds considerably by finding a freshwater, trailered boat. They may be more prevelant in my area, but they are all over the country.

I'm always amazed at how many people settle when buying used boats. there is possibly no better buyer's market than used boats. They are expensive, completely unnecessary, depreciating assets that are very costly to operate and maintain, and hard to find the time to enjoy.

Just be patient and very discriminating. Few things are more expensive and disappointing than a problem boat.