Alternatives to water test

[Noviogonz]

Hi. I wanted to get ideas on options, solutions or what actions you suggest if in my position, when buying a used boat and currently cannot water test. I just learned from the current owner that “he does not plan to launch the boat but can plan something out, but can start the engines with no risk.”

Back story: Am looking to upgrade from a 2002 Sugar Sand Tango Extreme to a 2022 Yamaha 212S with less than 75 hours. The boat is housed in upper Midwest (currently freezing and forecasted temps that day are low 37, high of 58) and is near my cabin, about 200 miles from my main home. The boat is priced reasonable on lower side based on ABOS. Reason for selling is they have multiple boats and realized for their lifestyle, a pontoon and fishing boat are what they use most and are not using this boat much. The seller is an engineer and seem trustable based on speaking and texting with him (very detailed on good (a lot) and the bads (a couple)).

Knowing I can visually inspect inside and outside, do a flush test, test electronics; should I still perform a compression test (with <75hrs?), or insist on a water test or ask for an assurance/guarantee (if so, can you give an example) or should I back off?

I appreciate your thoughts.

 

[Neutron]

I would insist on a water test, but if isn't feasible then you can run each engine on the hose to get up to temp. I would like to see a yds report also.

 

[scokill]

I would insist on a water test, but if isn't feasible then you can run each engine on the hose to get up to temp. I would like to see a yds report also.

I'm like that too. A test will show up potential problems with engine and pumps. Also more minor things like electrical problems. Obviously drive train is most important, but a bunch of minor things can drive you crazy.

 

[FSH 210 Sport]

The boat in question has low hours for sure.

In my opinion there is no replacing a sea trial, that’s like buying a car, especially a used car, without taking it for a test drive. A “hose test” is no where a replacement for a sea trial, equivalent to starting said used car in the driveway. What’s the sellers reasoning for no sea trial? If it’s just the ambient air temperature then wait a couple of weeks. If it was me selling a boat, I’d have no problem showing the boat off on the water to a serious customer, I’d probably throw it around more than the customer would, so much so they’d probably think I was nuts. I’d also provide a compression test and a report from the ECU’s for trouble codes. No way I’d buy a used OR new boat without a sea trial.

You should do a search with this sites search engine, there are other threads on this very subject. One thing I think member @anmut said recently, “ask questions you know the answers to”.

You’re a little light the details of this boat, fresh water? Pictures? Price? What is ABOS? Location?

Maintenance records?
Has all maintenance been performed per the manual including inspection / greasing of pump cones at the rear of the pumps?
Intermediate bearings greased?
Plugs changed?
How does the oil look and smell? Is the boat clean inside and out?
Where was the boat kept in winter, how was it prepped for winter months?
Take a small very bright light and get under the boat and look up at the impellers and wear rings, are the blades in good shape? Do the wear ring(s) have radial scoring lines? How’s the gap between the impellers and the wear ring? You should barely or not be able to get a match book cover in between them.
Pull the rear mechanical hatch and look carefully down inside the aft bilge for rust, broken clamps etc. Use the same bright light to look into every nook and cranny.

Trailer
How are the bearing buddies on the trailer hubs? Are they bottomed out? Or will the pistons rock if you push on the edges indicating they have sufficient grease.
How is the brake fluid level?

You’re buying a used boat so the only guarantee you’re going to get are visual inspection, maintenance records and a sea trial. That’s the risk in buying a used boat. Unless the owner bought the five year YES extended warranty then you would still have a couple years of warranty left.

I bought a used dirt bike years ago and the seller was all that and a bag of chips, nice house, cars etc… The guy was selling the bike so he could get an airplane, he was a F’ing total liar and I ended up spending some serious coin on the engine because it was clapped out, the carb slide was worn out because he didn’t do proper air filter maintenance so the valves were toast as well, and the big end of the rod was bad, and I could tell that the crank had been pulled apart and put back together with the known bad rod bearing, and done so badly. I hope that guy bought an airplane that was in similar condition. As far as trusting people goes, I don’t trust anyone I do not know well, so buyer beware. I’ve also helped people who have bought used cars that were nothing but major known problems and were pawned off on unsuspecting buyers. Does all this mean you can’t score on a good used boat? Nope. But I’d go over everything with a fine toothed comb.

 

[Beachbummer]

I agree that a water test is very important.

Compression test would set my mind at ease that the engine internals are OK.

Price in that there's something he might not want discovered. You can also suggest test drive with check in hand, payment after if all operates as promised. Agree on top speed, RPM on each engine.

If compression is good and all operates correctly on land, nothing should cost more than a grand or 2 to fix... Is the deal good enough that worse case you are still ahead?

Best of luck