What I should check before buying a used boat?

andronikos916 · Newbie Joined: 09 May 2003 Posts: 22 City: Athens, Greece

I know that this is a newbie question, and yes I am newbie! So what i should check before buying a used boat. how can I understand that the engine and in general the boat is in good condition?

I live in Greece, Athens and the options here are limited. Most propably I will buy a 1996 Pro Star 190. Do you beleive that this boat is ok for wakeboarding if I add some weight?

Also he sells it for 16.000$ is that a good price? I think it is....
450hrs

thanx in advance,
Andronikos Rolling Eyes

T&T · Outlaw Joined: 07 May 2003 Posts: 192 City: Denver

Andronikos,
Best thing you can do is get it on the water.
-Make sure all the gauges and controls work.
-Make sure it isn't taking on water.
-Make sure there isn't water in the oil.
-Check the fiberglass under the carpet.
-Look at the gelcoat around and under the boat, check for cracks caused by stress.
-Start the engine cold (must be in the water) and see if it starts easily.
-Run it and see if it runs well.
You may want to have a Boat Mechanic look it over too.
Without knowing the condition and engine size, hard to say if it is a good price. Go to www.NADA.com and it should help you out with pricing.
Good luck.

boehnkew · Outlaw Joined: 26 Mar 2003 Posts: 112 City: Kennewick, WA

Also take it for a ride and pull someone else to see how it does.

Funkster · Posted: May 09, 2003 7:33 am Post subject:

Also,get a compression test!!! That will tell you alot about how the motor was taken care of. Don't be scared to ask him to take up the floor boards and actually inspect stringers and other parts of the hull for ware. I would def ask for some pulls with the boat weighted how you would have it set up!!!

andronikos916 · Newbie Joined: 09 May 2003 Posts: 22 City: Athens, Greece

I called the guy with the boat and we arranged an appoinment for this Sunday.
As Boehnkew advised me I will do a set and take it for a ride and pull someone else to see.

T&T:
How can I be sure there isn't water in the oil? How can I understand if it is?
What is the gelcoat? (sorry for my English) Can you describe it to me? Confused

not very good in boat terminology...

Funkster
In order to do a compression test I have to bring a tool with me right?

The engine is a V8 5.7 Injection. He told me that it is 300hp. Don't know the brand thought. I will ask him and let you know.

Also I will try to take some photos with my digital camera and upload them to give you a better view for the boat and tell me what you think

THANK YOU ALL!
thank you! Laughing

Andronikos

boehnkew · Outlaw Joined: 26 Mar 2003 Posts: 112 City: Kennewick, WA

The gelcoat is the outer surface coating. it is very hard and should be very shiny and (ideally) without cracks. My boat has a few cracks where the previous owner introduced it to a dock or two Crying or Very sad

. The compression test will require a tool (usually called a compression tester). Any auto parts store, or Sears in their tool department will have a compression tester. Don't buy the cheapest. Probably $30-$50 (over here at least).

To do the compression test: Disconnect the coil wire from the distributor and ground it. Put the throttle in Wide open. Remove all spark plugs. screw tester by hand, tight into spark plug hole, and with starter, crank over engine 4-6 times. Record reading. Then repeat for the other 7 cylinders. You'll have to look up the specifications on what that engine should be, but also you want all cylinders to be within about 10-20% of each other.

Good luck.

T&T · Outlaw Joined: 07 May 2003 Posts: 192 City: Denver

The gelcoat is the epoxy gel coating over the raw fiberglass that gives the surface of the boat the smooth surface. It is rigid and if the boat has been put under a lot of stress, it will crack.
The water in the oil will give the oil a creamy appearance. It can be tough to check. The thing to remember is that water is heavier than oil, it will sit at the bottom of the oil pan. The way I check it on a car is to completely unscrew the oil drain-plug but hold the plug in place so the oil doesn't just run out. If there is water, the water will drip out first. If all that drips out is oil, then you are most likely fine.

Tyler · Posted: May 09, 2003 12:01 pm Post subject:

andronikos916 · Newbie Joined: 09 May 2003 Posts: 22 City: Athens, Greece

thanx Tyler for the help.

Partyb · Posted: May 09, 2003 5:58 pm Post subject:

Prostar 190 is great first wakeboard boat. I agree with above mostly. Demo boat by driving and riding behind it if possible. I strongly believe that you should have your own independant mechanic look at engine, etc. Compression test is excellent idea.