Been offered a boat need input

[FIT]

I have been offered a boat and I was looking for some input/advice as I would be a new boat owner. It is a 93 Procraft 21’ fish/ski and a 200 Mariner with about 500 hours, it has a new impeller and trailer breaks have been redone. The boat has been stored out side and not sure if it has been covered or not at all times. I will have to rent a storage place for it but I am will to do so but what other concerns should I be looking at? If I do go to the next step can anyone recommend a boat mechanic on the peninsula I could take it to that would look it over from top to bottom?
Thanks in advance

FIT

[RipnRog]

You said it was offered to you. Is the boat Free?

If so why not take it its FREE. Otherwise what is the price you are paying?

[YZKEN250]

New water pump is the first thing you need to replace. New or not. It will ease your mind knowing it is new.

[ash]

Aint nothin free about a boat! I guess it depends on what your expectations are of it, in terms of sinking money into it. I would take it to an authorized mechanic have them go through the engine, water pump, impellor, plugs, filters, compression check,etc... just to see how the engine looks. Next is to have them or a good buddy look at the bilge area for rot. Stand on the engine and jump up and down you are looking for flex on the transom (flex is bad) Once you know what you got you can easily make your decsion or part it out

Either way there ain nothing FREE about having a boat.

[FIT]

bad wording it is not free but around the $5000 price, has not been totally settled yet


FIT

[Smile_n_Jax]

Now yer talk'n $5K. I would definitely have that boat checked out. Not just the motor, but have the batteries load tested real hard, make sure the live well/s work right, trolling motor, hull, etc. $5K sounds like a decent enough price, but don't screw yourself by buying a money pit.

[kopper_bass]

FIT,
yeah, bad wording - 5K isnt free, and no matter how good a shape its going to be in, a boat costs money right from the getgo.

Remember, your gonna have to pay taxes on that 5K and get it registered. you need insurance on it too and you'll pay a yearly luxury tax on it. so right there is some money you need to plan on even if it just sits in the driveway.

If you do buy it, be sure to write up a bill of sale, and line item the big stuff. you can chose the price, but list a price seperately for the boat, trailer, motor, and electronics on-board. you only pay tax on the boat and motor, (i think thats right? -someone can confirm).

Now, as everyone said, you gotta take it to a dealer and have it checked out even before you buy it. If your on the penninsula, its tough. i live in Redwood City, but i take my stuff to certified guys over in the east bay.

Finally, either NaCl or Dee, or some ol' nutcase wrote a detailed checklist a while ago that was great for buying a used boat. it listed all the things you want to look for and have checked out.

I'll do a search, but send sTony an email or start searching the internet too for that document. its great.

Good Luck,

Kopper_Bass

[Mike Phua]

Hey FIT your gonna have sooooooo much fun. Just the intial stuff is a pain but truly worth it. Remember the best two days in a boat owners life........................are SATURDAYS AND SUNDAYS BABY!!!!!!!!! MP

[mod9fan]

especially if you buy it on a Saturday and sell it on a Sunday!!!


(just havin some fun)

[On All 4]

I dont know about a lux tax because it's under 10k but make sure you take all the old gas out before you ever run it are make sure it had some kind of stabil gas saver in it.. gl

[NaCl]

I wrote an article on buying a used bass boat a few years ago for Inside Line magazine. I just sent you a copy of the article, the Features Checklist and On-the-water Inspection List. Good luck!

.....NaCl

[FIT]

thanks everyone for the help i will let ya know what happens

FIT

[kopper_bass]

Thanks NACL.
i knew it was one of you "old salty dogs".
Great article, i always recommend that to someone considering to buy a boat.

Hopefully, FIT will take the advice you give in it and use it.

Cheers,

Kopper_Bass