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Need advice, Buying my first boat #11850620 09/26/16 10:23 PM
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lgmth99 Offline OP
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Hello everyone, I will be buying my first boat and would appreciate everybody's feedback on what to look out for. Looking at a couple of early 2000s boats with both having Yamaha 200 vmax 3.1. Anything I should be concerned with on this motor? One boat is a Skeeter zx and the other is a Champion 196. Thanks

Re: Need advice, Buying my first boat [Re: lgmth99] #11850756 09/26/16 11:26 PM
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Bob Landry Offline
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Have it inspected by an independent shop including a compression test on the motor. Bass boars have spent their entire lives being run at two speeds, wide open and stop so I would give the motor a lot of scrutiny and if the shop has any negative feedback on it, walk away.


2015 Seaark 1872 MV CC Etec-90
Two Helix 12 CHIRP SI's, , MinnKota Riptide ST80/i-pilot Link, Bob's Hydraulic
2020 Robalo R200 CC, Yamaha 150

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Re: Need advice, Buying my first boat [Re: lgmth99] #11851243 09/27/16 02:55 AM
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Capt Jerry Offline
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The motor you are looking at has a good reputation. That said, it should be thoroughly checked out by a qualified mechanic. As for the boat, both are reputable brands. Check everything for operation. Make sure you have good wheel bearings and tires (the tires should be newer than six years regardless of tread depth). Service records would be nice... especially showing regular service of the lower unit and water pump impeller.


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Re: Need advice, Buying my first boat [Re: lgmth99] #11851631 09/27/16 01:58 PM
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lgmth99 Offline OP
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Thank you Bob Landry and Capt Jerry! I appreciate your advice!

Re: Need advice, Buying my first boat [Re: lgmth99] #11851772 09/27/16 03:21 PM
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ringer Offline
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Check the transom for rot on the Champ. Tap it with a hammer and listen for different sounds and push the motor up and down to see if there is any flex. That can be an expensive fix.

Re: Need advice, Buying my first boat [Re: ringer] #11852456 09/27/16 09:55 PM
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Bob Landry Offline
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Originally Posted By: ringer
Check the transom for rot on the Champ. Tap it with a hammer and listen for different sounds and push the motor up and down to see if there is any flex. That can be an expensive fix.


As a first time buyer, he would unlikely recognize a problem if he heard it. Again, here is where an inspection by an independent shop is worth what they charge


2015 Seaark 1872 MV CC Etec-90
Two Helix 12 CHIRP SI's, , MinnKota Riptide ST80/i-pilot Link, Bob's Hydraulic
2020 Robalo R200 CC, Yamaha 150

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Re: Need advice, Buying my first boat [Re: lgmth99] #11872192 10/09/16 08:32 PM
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Terry5357 Offline
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TRY BEFORE YOU BUY

Re: Need advice, Buying my first boat [Re: lgmth99] #11874173 10/10/16 11:16 PM
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mrdvant Offline
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Definitely insist on a test drive. If they aren't willing to go out in it with you, they're likely hiding something. If they say they don't have time, ask when they will and if they still won't go, walk away.

Check all your switches and gauges, make sure the lights work,bilge pump, livewell pump/aerators, etc. Unless you like doing wiring yourself or don't mind paying to have it done, you should make sure everything works.

Re: Need advice, Buying my first boat [Re: lgmth99] #11877304 10/12/16 06:26 PM
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bballbk Offline
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I recently purchased my first vehicle and would agree with everything stated above. Definitely take on test drive and either take to a independent mechanic or have them come along with you (although most wont test compression if they meet for test drive).

Also - if your on a budget, all the little things added up. I thought i had everything i needed then within a few months i upgraded the trolling motor for more power, new depth finder, new batteries (4x new batteries are expensive), and smaller things such as life vests and stuff. Dont forget about trailer maintenance as well. I had to replace an axle within the first 3 months of owning my boat.

Godspeed!

Re: Need advice, Buying my first boat [Re: lgmth99] #11886039 10/18/16 01:08 AM
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Curtbass Offline
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He needs transom checked on ANY brand boat he's looking at. They ALL can have transom issues. Ditto Bob Landry. Have a good mechanic check out ANY boat before purchase. It DOES get expensive when you have to replace or repair. Welcome to the BOAT world.
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Re: Need advice, Buying my first boat [Re: ringer] #11887304 10/18/16 06:33 PM
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KingwoodCat Offline
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Originally Posted By: ringer
Check the transom for rot on the Champ. Tap it with a hammer and listen for different sounds and push the motor up and down to see if there is any flex. That can be an expensive fix.


Stand on the motor above the prop and move up and down, while observing the transom for stress cracks.


"Any man who thinks he can be happy and prosperous by letting the government take care of him had better take a look at the American Indian".

Henry Ford
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