Would you buy a boat that has sat in salt water for a year?

[adrianp89]

You’re in Florida, boats are a dime a dozen and more popping up as economy gets worse. Wait it out for the right boat. Don’t be afraid to take a drive in southeast for a fresh water boat. GA is only a few hour drive. Hell at this price point just call up @Wonderland Marine and work a deal on a new one and pay $1000 to get it shipped to you.

 

[zipper]

Agree with above. I once considered a sailboat that sat in salt water for a couple of years in Conn., because of a lower price. The surveyor we hired told me to RUN during the seatrial. Drove 5 hours home. Boats everywhere on this new thread. https://jetboaters.net/threads/boat-us-boat-listings-member-free.40901/

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Edit: Is there any hard or ablative antifouling paint below the waterline? How much growth of vegetation is on the hull after one year in Fla.? That will knock off a lot of performance. What is the difference in Hard Bottom Paint and Ablative Bottom Paint?

 

[Floridaman79]

Personally I would pass on this one. It would have to be a screaming deal to even consider it, and that would likely include some sweat equity replacing steering and bucket cables, hull cleaning, bilge pump, etc. Also, if it comes with a trailer take a good look at it. I have had more trouble with the trailer than the boat, and if it doesnt come with a trailer its really not looking like a good deal to me. Seems like more trouble than its worth in my opinion.

 

[Ronnie]

I think it’s a Diamond in the rough that will need a lot, A LOT, of polishing to get it back to showroom quality and value.

If it were me, would offer him 50% of his asking price on a satisfactory to me inspection and sea trial.

The compression on each cylinder has to chexk out, start within the first two attempts, no error codes or audible alarms and it still has to preform, not necessarily do 50 plus with a dirty bottom but still accelerate smoothly and the wheel and throttles should move smoothly/easily.

You can buy a used trailer for $2k to $3k so that wouldn’t be a deal breaker for me but you will likely have to buy a trailer just to get it home.

There is a ton of work to put into this boat, ok if you are up to the challenge but if you are not and want to get on the water soon, pass and look for a used turn key boat, , new but lower model or used, instead.

 

[HangOutdoors]

If it were me, would offer him 50% of his asking price on a satisfactory to me inspection and sea trial.

This.

Also you can find 2021 and 2022, AR250's for same price on trailer. Whom are willing to negotiate. Unless there is a deal to be had on it, don't fixate on it and move on.

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[seanmclean]

In salt for a year? It'd have to be at least 30% off market value before I'd even make the drive over to look at it. Saltwater use is a non-issue if properly maintained... this isn't that.

 

[Murf'n'surf]

Just asked, they said no, it's not bottom painted

Even if they had a diver clean the hull twice a month, which is the norm, the motors cooling jackets have been corroding away. Blockages are possible down the road. Too many possible problems can arise after you own it. There are so many of these boats for sale that are in better condition.

 

[Brad_Ct]

This is a picture of the block of one of the engines that came out of our boat, as you can see in the upper right the water jacket is completely plugged with salt residue. I will bet that if the boat you are looking at sat in the water for a year it was never flushed. Knowing what I know now about these engines I would not consider buying it.

 

[HangOutdoors]

View attachment 198008
This is a picture of the block of one of the engine that came out of our boat, as you can see in the upper right the water jacket is completely plugged with salt residue. I will bet that if the boat you are looking at sat in the water for a year it was never flushed. Knowing what I know now about these engines I would not consider buying it.

That is very eye opening and great information. I would assume you could have this type of buildup and there is really no way to tell unless someone disassembles.

 

[captainstu]

View attachment 198008
This is a picture of the block of one of the engines that came out of our boat, as you can see in the upper right the water jacket is completely plugged with salt residue. I will bet that if the boat you are looking at sat in the water for a year it was never flushed. Knowing what I know now about these engines I would not consider buying it.

Wow! It's scary to imagine that the block looks like this.

 

[captainstu]

Thanks for all the replies! I saw the boat today. It's in ok cosmetic condition. The owner has a big yacht parked beside it. The AR250 really was just for his kids. Some details below from seeing it.

- The bottom of the boat is cleaned every few months at the same time as the yacht
- It is extremely unlikely it was ever flushed. I asked about valves and the broker didnt know what that was.
- The boat is uncovered with occasional interior cleaning
- They may be willing to consider $60k (before tax)
- I spoke to a mechanic that is willing to pick it up and bring it to his shop for an inspection. He says he will look for corrosion. This will cost around $760. He expects it will need at least $1100 in service on top of that if I buy it. More if there is damage.
- The interior of the boat is ok but some of the metal has minor rust stains. Not sure if this is normal or lack of care.

Based on the feedback so far from the community, it sounds like even with the mechanic inspecting it. For 62k before tax, I may be better off getting a 2023 model for 80k after tax.

 

[HangOutdoors]

There are used ones in the same price range for 2021/2022 around, and I would assume more to come. With trailer, not stored in Salt Water and ready to go. Just need to look around. I personally woulnd't pay 80k for exactly the same boat, except model year and color, unless there are no options.

 

[adrianp89]

Thanks for all the replies! I saw the boat today. It's in ok cosmetic condition. The owner has a big yacht parked beside it. The AR250 really was just for his kids. Some details below from seeing it.

- The bottom of the boat is cleaned every few months at the same time as the yacht
- It is extremely unlikely it was ever flushed. I asked about valves and the broker didnt know what that was.
- The boat is uncovered with occasional interior cleaning
- They may be willing to consider $60k (before tax)
- I spoke to a mechanic that is willing to pick it up and bring it to his shop for an inspection. He says he will look for corrosion. This will cost around $760. He expects it will need at least $1100 in service on top of that if I buy it. More if there is damage.
- The interior of the boat is ok but some of the metal has minor rust stains. Not sure if this is normal or lack of care.

Based on the feedback so far from the community, it sounds like even with the mechanic inspecting it. For 62k before tax, I may be better off getting a 2023 model for 80k after tax.

Just keep on moving. As stated before TONS of boats in FL. Spending any more time (or even discussion) of this boat is just plain stupid lol

 

[captainstu]

There are used ones in the same price range for 2021/2022 around, and I would assume more to come. With trailer, not stored in Salt Water and ready to go. Just need to look around. I personally woulnd't pay 80k for exactly the same boat, except model year and color, unless there are no options.

Any suggestions on where I can find boats? There are only 3 used AR250s on boattrader, and that's with the filter set to unlimited miles.

 

[adrianp89]

Any suggestions on where I can find boats? There are only 3 used AR250s on boattrader, and that's with the filter set to unlimited miles.

Facebook Marketplace is another good place.

Keep Boat Trade option to a minimum:

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Used 2022 Yamaha Boats AR250, 33141 Miami - Boat Trader

Check out this Used 2022 Yamaha Boats AR250 for sale in Miami, FL 33141. View this Jet and other Power boats on boattrader.com

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Yamaha Boats Ar250 boats for sale - Boat Trader

Discover a vast collection of Yamaha Boats Ar250 Boats for sale. Experience the thrill on the water today! Find your perfect vessel and start exploring.

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Those are just a few.... Overall these 44 boats in the 25' range on boat trader.

 

[captainstu]

Facebook Marketplace is another good place.

Keep Boat Trade option to a minimum:

Yamaha Boats Ar250 boats for sale - Boat Trader

Discover a vast collection of Yamaha Boats Ar250 Boats for sale. Experience the thrill on the water today! Find your perfect vessel and start exploring.

www.boattrader.com

Used 2022 Yamaha Boats AR250, 33141 Miami - Boat Trader

Check out this Used 2022 Yamaha Boats AR250 for sale in Miami, FL 33141. View this Jet and other Power boats on boattrader.com

www.boattrader.com

Yamaha Boats Ar250 boats for sale - Boat Trader

Discover a vast collection of Yamaha Boats Ar250 Boats for sale. Experience the thrill on the water today! Find your perfect vessel and start exploring.

www.boattrader.com

Those are just a few.... Overall these 44 boats in the 25' range on boat trader.

Thanks, I saw those but none of them are good options.

This one has a chunk of the engine missing. It sold anyway lol

Yamaha Boats Ar250 boats for sale - Boat Trader

Discover a vast collection of Yamaha Boats Ar250 Boats for sale. Experience the thrill on the water today! Find your perfect vessel and start exploring.

www.boattrader.com

This one has a bunch of scratches in the gel coat and cosmetically isn't that great, 5k more for a new one, i would rather that.

Used 2022 Yamaha Boats AR250, 33141 Miami - Boat Trader

Check out this Used 2022 Yamaha Boats AR250 for sale in Miami, FL 33141. View this Jet and other Power boats on boattrader.com

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This one is used as a rental and is probably not taken care of.

Yamaha Boats Ar250 boats for sale - Boat Trader

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The rest are either old listings that aren't in stock, or they are new boats.

 

[captainstu]

Thanks again for all the responses. I'm not gonna go with this boat. The search continues..

 

[HangOutdoors]

Facebook Marketplace has them. Widen your search area. Make a road trip out of it if you find one.

 

[adrianp89]

Thanks, I saw those but none of them are good options.

This one has a chunk of the engine missing. It sold anyway lol

Yamaha Boats Ar250 boats for sale - Boat Trader

Discover a vast collection of Yamaha Boats Ar250 Boats for sale. Experience the thrill on the water today! Find your perfect vessel and start exploring.

www.boattrader.com

This one has a bunch of scratches in the gel coat and cosmetically isn't that great, 5k more for a new one, i would rather that.

Used 2022 Yamaha Boats AR250, 33141 Miami - Boat Trader

Check out this Used 2022 Yamaha Boats AR250 for sale in Miami, FL 33141. View this Jet and other Power boats on boattrader.com

www.boattrader.com

This one is used as a rental and is probably not taken care of.

Yamaha Boats Ar250 boats for sale - Boat Trader

Discover a vast collection of Yamaha Boats Ar250 Boats for sale. Experience the thrill on the water today! Find your perfect vessel and start exploring.

www.boattrader.com

The rest are either old listings that aren't in stock, or they are new boats.

Just examples - but keep hunting. Save your search on boattrader and it will e-mail you as new listings come in.

Have you tried local dealers in FL to see what they want on new? I see inventory starting to build up in Tampa Bay.

 

[captainstu]

Just examples - but keep hunting. Save your search on boattrader and it will e-mail you as new listings come in.

Have you tried local dealers in FL to see what they want on new? I see inventory starting to build up in Tampa Bay.

I'll keep looking. I called around today and I can get one from Tampa for $80200 out the door. Not in stock right now but should be in within 2 months.