what to look for in a 230 br signature?

[jones20992]

Buying my first boat in the next few weeks, been boating a lot with family since I was a kid but this one will be mine.

I have 4 kids ages 3, 5, 7, and 10
I live within 2 hours of 5 great lakes
I will be towing from my house every time I go out
I found this boat not far from me and was hoping you all could fill me in on what to look for when I go to see the boat in person
http://www.executiveyacht.com/site_page_332/item_1406533.html?listing_page=listing_sum_length_1.html

I know this boat is at the upper limit of what my truck will tow but a 2500 will be coming for christmas

Iam not worried if it becomes a project as long as I get in to it for a good price, what could be potential problem areas that I should loof for with a boat of this age?

 

[jones20992]

Well got a good price on the boat, pending the results of an inspection from a local boat mechanic. Looks like I am finely going to be a Sea Ray owner.

 

[PMC]

When was the last time this boat was run in the water? What happened to the drive? Not the skeg, but the sei replacement....

 

[NCCamper]

Welcome to CSR. Looks like a nice boat. And PMC asks a good question about the SEI drive. Also, if you have the time, I would search this forum for a long rebuild thread by "Friscoboater" or "Friscojarret". I can't remember his name exactly. But he had an awesome thread about buying a bowrider of this vintage, only to find things "under the covers" that he not expecting - not expecting at all. maybe someone with a better memory and better Google-Fu can chime in with a link. Check the deck and transom closely for rot. Good luck. Let us know how it turns out.

 

[NCCamper]

Try this link: http://clubsearay.com/showthread.php/41331-*-Boat-rot-repair-nightmare-*

 

[jones20992]

Last time in the water was last summer. The story I got on the sei drive was the first one was abused by the owners son when his kid was learning to wake board and had the boat unattended, the sei drive has 200 hours on it. The mechanic is going to look for soft spots and now thanks to Y'all is going to pay close attention to the stringers up by the ski locker and softness in the transom. Crossing my fingers, hoping it is in good shape, as in our local market 7900 is a great deal on a boat if this size.

 

[NCCamper]

Hi, any updates on the purchase? I hope it works out well.

 

[jones20992]

Well the survey was finished last week, and I received the report this last weekend compression was all within 8 PSI, no soft spots or stringer damage rot or otherwise was found oil sample cam back good the only things he found was....

1 No rear light pole

2 Red / Green front light does not turn on

3 A few small pieces ( smaller then a quater ) missing out of the skeg

4 1 small rip in the aft facing seat

5 engine cover shocks are worn

6 small piece of trim on engine cover coming loose

7 searay decals missing for side of hull


He also noted that the upper end did not seem like it had 200 hours on it but seemed brand new

All in all I paid 7900 With trailer and will be flying to Salt lake to pick it up on the 7th we are planning a week at Flaming Gorge for a week to see what all brakes on it the first time out ;-)