Buying a boat

[markboucher]

I'm buying a boat. I'm going 7.5 hours away from Wisconsin to Minnesota to pick up a 2001 Glastron SX 175. It's in pretty good shape with low hours on the motor (cabin boat, used about 20hours a year). He is going to run the motor for me with a hose, I believe, as we can't put it in the water (no time and no lakes nearby). I think I know all the right things to ask & what to look for. The first thing I asked about was the trailer as I am driving a long way home; he just re-packed the bearings and put new tires on. Can you guys give me your ideas on what to look for?

[qoutrage]

Man, I don't know if I'd do that or not.
That's a long dang trip, but if you are pretty sure you're going to do it, just be careful and take your time is about all the advice I could offer. Maybe some others here will lend some words of wisdom.
Good luck, if decide to except this mission. Just kiddin' with ya.

Welcome to the forum, BTW. Good folks and stuff here.

edit..Just read where Chalk just did about the same thing.. He's the guy to talk to..

[Jumptrout51]

Find out if or when the impeller has been changed.
Along with foot grease,spark plugs,batteries.
Inspect wiring connections for corrosion. Check steering for freedom of movement. Trim and tilt for no snapping or binding. Make sure the prop will come off the shaft. Take a volt meter and check the battery while running for charging(about 14 volts).Shift gears while motor is running and listen for grinding. Tilt the motor up and down while running to see if it stalls or stops. If a 2 stroke motor check the oil tank for leaks. Inspect fuel line for dry rot and leaks. Pull up and down on the motor while tilted up to look for a weak transom. Inspect bottom gel coat for gouges and scrapping.
This will get you started.

[DukesFin]

On your way, stop and buy a cylinder compression tester. It's really simple to use and WILL pay for itself!!!!

Good luck!

I'm not sure I'd buy a boat that I couldn't test the power train UNDER A LOAD, but it's your call and I hope you get a gem of a boat!

[DeanMac]

I drove 240 miles about a week ago to buy a boat, ran find on a hose, went into gear find, trim and tilt worked fine. I came very close to paying the guy, but wanted to take a short ride up the water.

Thank goodness I did, it would skip and spudder, when under a load trying to plane up. I came back empty handed, but no regrets.

[jadams92002]

Also tested a boat last week, boat ran fine on the hose put it in the water ran for a few minutes then the motor went dead. Good luck.

[FUTCHCAIRO]

DO NOT BUY ANY BOAT WITHOUT RUNNIN IT UNDER LOAD, DRIVE 1-200 MILES TO RUN IT IN THE WATER UNDER LOAD, I AM SURE YOU CAN FIND A LAKE OR RIVER TO RUN IT IN. RUN IT AT LEAST 1 HOUR, IF YOU DON'T YOU MAY BE VERY SORRY. I HAVE FOUND THIS OUT AFTER 40-50 BOATS THAT I HAVE BOUGHT. NEVER BOUGHT ONE THAT DIDN'T WORK GREAT IF I RAN IT UNDER POWER, BOUGHT 3 THAT WERE RUN ON RABBIT EARS THAT I HAD TO REBUILD THE ENGINES, THEY WOULD RUN FINE ON RABBIT EARS BUT AS SOON AS I PUT THEM UNDER POWER IN THE WATER THEY WOULD NOT PERFORM , SKIP. THIS WAS EVEN AFTER I HAD TESTED THEM ON COMPRESSION GUAGES AND THEY SHOWED 100 # PRESSURE OR MORE WHILE ON THE RABBIT EARS.
BE CAREFUL WHEN BUYING ANY BOAT, CHECK IT OUT GOOD BEFORE LAYING THE MONEY DOWN.
PA THE OLD MAN