Things to look at when buying a boat

Mlouder wrote: I remember seeing somewhere on here that someone put up a post that had a list of things to look at when inspecting a boat to buy. I can't remember for the life of me where I saw it and can't seem to find it again. I know for the most part what I need to look at as but I was hoping someone could help me get a list that I and other people that read this post in the future can use as a makeshift guide when going to buy a boat.

Here is the link you are looking for

Checklist Thread

Most questions can be found here

FAQ

Hope this helps! What model are you looking at?

Mlouder wrote: I'm looking at a 1995 Ski Nautique that I found on craigslist. It looks to be in excellent condition. Let me know what you guys think! 1995 Ski Nautique

Nice looking boat but I think the price is a little high. 12k is close to top dollar for a 95 ski. From that I would deduct For the following items that I can see.

- Pro Ski, less desirable than the GT40. No pic of the engine worries me
- Trailer Condition looks a little questionable. I'd check for rust issues, particular under the bunks.
- Some of the vinyl has been replaced and isn't original. For example no logo on the back seat is missing. The passenger seat looks like it had a mold issue. These can be fixed but depending on how much you replace this can add up.
- Dash doesn't appear to be in the best condition.

Pictures are not the best but a few signs point to a boat that had had a hard life. The gel is nice and shiny but that's pretty easy to do with a little elbow grease, assuming the gel isn't damaged.

Its getting close to the end of the season. Willing to travel and you can get some deals in the colder states. Based on what I see I'd be looking to pay 8k or 9k. Boat might look better then what I am assuming from the pics but that's not normally the case

Mlouder wrote: . Manifolds are in good condition. I would post pictures, but I'm not exactly sure how to do that on here.

How did you check the manifolds? Just a visual won't tell you what the condition is inside. If they did look good from the visual, then chances are high they are good but it's still a gamble. Not run in salt water is a good plus too.

Use the full reply for posting pictures. Click on the icon of the tree with the up arrow.

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Sorry don't mean to hijack but don't feel my question is worth a whole thread of its own.

I'm considering a 97 sport currently. Is 1100hrs considered high (it has the Chev Apex engine)? Obviously, maintenance etc plays a role, but just generally speaking, Engine looks spotless from pics.

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Friend of mine has a 1999 Malibu with 4,100 hours. Normal oil changes every 50 hours. He's replaced fuel pumps and normal maintenance items, (impeller,plugs, distributor cap/rotor, etc). But no heavy maintenance such as top end or rings. Very reliable, runs it every day. It's all in taking good care of your baby. BTW it's a 5.7 L GM engine, not a Ford!