What is involved with getting a boat ready for the water that has been sitting for three years? Is it even worth it to mess around with a boat in that condition or is is going to be a problem from day one?. Any advice would be greatly appreciated, thank you in advance for your advice.

Mike.

P.S. Here is the add.

Craigslist

Everything on the motor needs to be checked by a good mercury mechanic. My advise would be to take it to a good dealer like rockwall marine and have it checked out, boat and outboard before you spend your money. A couple hundred spent on check out could save you thousands and most important peace of mind. Great boat and outboard seller seemed to be honest about it but have it checked out first.

At the very least pump the fuel tank, replace the filters and fuel lines , put hot batteries in it and see if it runs. Then things like gear oil and impeller should be looked at like militarybrat said.

Just an observation: If he let it get that far down ( vinyl, tires, etc.)....I 'd be wondering about how well he took care of it when he was using it. Personally, I'd pass on it for that reason alone.

Vaccuum fuel tank
remove/clean both oil tanks
purge oil pump
clean/vat carbs
change lower unit oil
replace water pump impeller
test fire to run.

Exactly. I have a Ranger that sat in a cotton/sand field for 8 years.

I would add to fog the cylinders, change fuel filter and run some heavy Seafoam or other fuel conditioner in it the first few tanks to help clean the system even more.

Just gives you more leverage in negotiating a better price. Plan on spending around 2000 to get it ready even if everything checks out.

You want to have a prepurchase inspection done on the boat before you buy it. Also check out nada.com to book out the boat's worth. This will save you money and time!

I bought a 93 skeeter ss90 that was sitting for 8 years.i removed the oil injection made sure all the gas in the tank was completly out, then cleaned the carbs replaced batterys new fuel filter and new fuel hoses and spark plugs. then i turned the key. compression check was good and i over doubled my money on it!