First time boater!

[cmxvw]

Hi All, I'm new to the group and hoping to buy a Yamaha LS 2000 this weekend as my first boat ever. Any recommendations or things to look for? The boat has had 3 owners and per the seller always been garaged. We'll, unfortunately, have to store the boat in the open with a cover.

We just bought a small lake house in Livingston and are looking forward to getting out on the water. I'm thinking it is a good time to buy since it is the 'off' season. The idea of a Jet Boat is appealing because our lake is a bit stumpy.

I've heard that oil lines are a common failure item on these boats, and to check and see if they have been replaced. I'm guessing since the boat is 19 years old this has been done but will try and check. Any chance someone can show me where to look for these? Also, I've read that another item to check is the plugs in the engine compartment. Anything else I should consider or look at tomorrow when we look at the boat?

Another newbie question -- is a water test necessary? Or is starting it up and running it sufficient? I've never owned a boat before so I appreciate any help - I'm sure some of these questions are pretty remedial. Thanks so much!

 

[Babin Farms]

Welcome!! Great looking boat.

On a boat that age I would want a water test. Make sure the cleanout plugs come out/go in easy, compression check, look under the boat for abnormal wear or exposed fiberglass, make sure EVERYTHING works as it should, look for wiring repairs, battery age, fuel and oil line conditions, trailer tire condition, wiring & lights on the trailer and I'm sure some others will chime in with more things to look for.

 

[cmxvw]

Welcome!! Great looking boat.

On a boat that age I would want a water test. Make sure the cleanout plugs come out/go in easy, compression check, look under the boat for abnormal wear or exposed fiberglass, make sure EVERYTHING works as it should, look for wiring repairs, battery age, fuel and oil line conditions, trailer tire condition, wiring & lights on the trailer and I'm sure some others will chime in with more things to look for.

Thanks! Guessing I'd need to have it looked at by a mechanic for a compression test?

 

[anmut]

Thanks! Guessing I'd need to have it looked at by a mechanic for a compression test?

You can buy a cheap compression test kit at Harbor Freight, but you have to know how to use/read it. If you're real serious about the boat, pay a mechanic to give it a once over. A couple hundred dollars might save you a few thousand later.

Other things you can look for:
1) Pull the plugs, see how they look.
2) Ask for any maintenance records
3) Jack up the trailer wheels, pull/push tires to check the bearings. Check tread and look for any weather checking.
4) Last time pump bearings where greased, and by whom?
5) Impellor / wear ring clearance.
6) Impellor damage
7) Impellor bearing grease

 

[Babin Farms]

Thanks! Guessing I'd need to have it looked at by a mechanic for a compression test?

Nope, it's easy to do and you can go buy a compression tester or one of your local auto parts stores may let you use one.

 

[jdkaeser]

That is a pretty clean looking boat! Looks like it was taken care of. If you can water test, I would. Compression test is always a good idea on any motor driven item be it a car, boat whatever after about 10 years old. You tube using a compression tester. Super easy. As stated above, check and see how easily the clean out plugs come out.

 

[Fastjet]

Check everything and check again just bought same boat from friend it did start when they brought It over sound good next day I turned steering wheel it was froze two bad cables changed them then control cables shot too now won’t start drained gas changed filters god knows when changed hope you’re better luck than mine