Buying boat out of state

dbismyname · Posted: Mar 27, 2012 11:33 am Post subject: Buying boat out of state

So I ran across a boat for ridiculously cheap about 7 hours from me. Talked to the woman and she is taking down the listing and considering the boat mine unless I back out. Only problem is that I need to find out if the motor is in good shape to make this a deal. Found a dealership down there and gave them a call to see if they would work in a survey on this boat in their busy schedule of dewinterizations. They said sure and I let her know. So she calls them and they ask her what she's selling it for and when she tells them the price they tell her they could sell it for alot more than what she's asking!! She being the honest person she is told them she already had it sold and just needed a starter put on and a survey done. But now I feel that I'm going to have trouble taking their word for anything now that I know they're trying to snatch my deal out from under me. Any advice of how to handle this? I would go down there tomorrow myself and do a compression test except she says the starter is bad. In no way do I want to buy a boat without firing up the motor and giving her a few rounds on the water. Anyone have some input?

ridininmd · Wakeboarder.Commie Joined: 16 Feb 2006 Posts: 1231

Are you able to put the starter on yourself? If so just go down put it on, do a compression test, run a couple laps around the lake and take it home.

If not maybe have the shop put the starter on and then do the rest of the checkout yourself.

vette74 · Posted: Mar 27, 2012 12:50 pm Post subject:

I would look at it yourself buy a starter and crank it over. Then give a bad google, yahoo and BBB rating to the dealer.

mgs917 · Addict Joined: 17 Sep 2008 Posts: 532 City: Spartanburg

Can't help answer your question, but hopefully it all works out. At least she didn't jack up the price or cut you out and send it to the dealer. Good luck with getting your deal done.

dbismyname · Posted: Mar 27, 2012 2:20 pm Post subject:

It's a 99 Supra, I'll release pricing and other details after I drive down there Twisted Evil

.

Seriously if this woman wasn't so awesome and just wanted to make a buck I'd of gotten screwed and not even known it. Shady of the dealer if you ask me Confused

Ok, so I'm seeing that I can just go buy a GM starter from Advanced Auto and throw it on right? Looks like I'm gonna grab a starter, extra battery, booster box, compression tool, and a tool box. I'm gonna drive down and give it the go over.

Tell me if I miss anything. First and foremost checking the oil for water. Then hooking up new starter. Taking her to the boat ramp and starting her up on the trailer. Watching for any sort of leaks from the motor. Pulling her off the trailer and giving a few good hard acceleration passes. Watching the temp while doing this. Feeling for any sort of vibrations in the drive line. Then put her back on the trailer and do a compression test. Everyone recommends doing the compression even if it runs good right?

And any other advice is extra appreciated. I'm super pumped so I don't want to get boat goggles and miss anything. Trust me, if the motor and drivetrain is good this is the best deal I've seen.

ridininmd · Wakeboarder.Commie Joined: 16 Feb 2006 Posts: 1231

You could use an automotive starter to get you through the day to test it but you should really return it and get a marine starter after the test. Auto starters aren't spark shielded so if you have a fuel vapor in the bildge and hit the starter it can cause an explosion. On the off chance that happens your insurance won't cover the loss because you were using a automotive starter. But to get through the day I wouldn't sweat it, the motor cover will likely be open the whole time anyway.

dbismyname · Posted: Mar 27, 2012 3:33 pm Post subject:

ridininmd, My plan exactly

Commodore · Ladies Man Joined: 20 Jun 2005 Posts: 11636

dbismyname, sorry man, I mean to respond to your PM.

I know the boat you're talking about. Red right? I'd avoid this one. It's going to take at least $5,000 to get this thing to just look good. No telling the cost to get it up and running properly. Those Launches had many problems with their electrical systems already, I'd hate to think about one with Salt damage.

I know it seems like a good boat, but I would walk away from this one. Other than being a composite there is no value in this over others. My best friend rocked a black launch just like that. Other than ballast, it had nothing that my Saltare didn't have except composite floors.

Let me see what I can find for you on another search.

dbismyname · Posted: Mar 28, 2012 4:31 am Post subject:

haugy, I'm definitely taking your word into consideration but we're still driving down tonight to look at it. Even if it's not the boat I want to keep I think we have a good chance at dragging it back, prettying it up and making a few bucks. The market up here is alot better than down there. But I'm definitely walking away if it doesn't fire up and get us around the lake or if compression is down on any cylinders. I'll also be watching for any glitches in the gauges during idle and using any electronics. i.e. running the bilge, blower, stereo all at same time and see what gauges do. This should give me a little insight to the shape of the electrical on the boat. Even if we don't drag it back I'll post some pictures of our inspection tomorrow.

Commodore · Ladies Man Joined: 20 Jun 2005 Posts: 11636

dbismyname, you've got my number right?

Holler if you have any questions. And if you do get it. We'll meet up and see what we can turn that thing into.

dbismyname · Posted: Mar 29, 2012 1:16 pm Post subject:

Nope don't have your number.

But I can now give your opinion a lot more weight haha. You nailed that one perfectly. It was a fun spontaneous 14 hr road trip though. Motor was salt eaten, trailer too. Motor had a flush kit that was obviously never used. Windshield was barely attached to the hull. Tower was bent and almost pulled out of the hull. About four good gel coat chips down to fiberglass. Every piece of upholstery ruined. Could probably be restored but you'd end up having 15-16 in it and tons of hours for a boat that might be worth 17-18 I'll be searching closer from now on Laughing

Think I might go for a classic Supra at this point too. Just get haugy to hold my hand Laughing

alright I've been up driving for 16 hours, time for some sleep

Commodore · Ladies Man Joined: 20 Jun 2005 Posts: 11636

Well I hate to hear that man. That sucks.

I still think you should have someone from here go check out the one in Seattle and ship that bitch down here. I talked to the owner and I'd be willing to bet $1,000 that if I went up there to buy a boat, I'd come back with that one.

PM coming with my contact info.