I certainly hope not to bother anyone by posting some Boat/motor questions in the bass fishing page, but I feel I will get a higher number of replies. I have to admit I am fairly new to performance boats w/ high horspower engines. With that being said, I am looking to purchase an out of state 03 210DC Blazer w/ a 300hp HDPI. So that you get a feel of the boat, the current setup comes equiped w/ 10" CMC hydro jack plate w/ a 27" Tempest 3 blade prop. What questions and things do you look for in an used boat to help insure a quality purchase? I will being traveling 7 hrs to take a look and wouldn't do so if I didn't feel the price was worth it. With all things considered and price aside, what do you have for me?? I appreciate in advance on your sound advice!!

Crawl under the boat to check for damage or repairs. Make sure he takes you to the lake to run the boat. You need to know how to drive that kind of boat !


I would also post this question on BBC you should get more specific answers related to the Blazer boat.

Blazer on BBC

Good Call!! I have made a post on fastbass, but didn't think about BBC. Thanks for the quick reply Chad!!

Check and see if Mike Bristow will ride with you and take a look at it.... LOL j/k


Make sure you check around the transom area for any kinds of repair marks, stress cracks, open the engine compartment, look back towards the transom and see if you see something that looks out of the ordinary...

Ask to see service records.... that will give you a good idea, how well it was taken care of.....

I would, unknown to the seller, try to locate a local mechanic / fiberglass shop in that area to take it to. Much like North Texas Fiberglass does here. If the seller protests then that is a potential sign that he is trying to hide something. Even if you had to pay a couple of hundred bucks to get it checked out that would be a small price compared to what you might have to pay if it ended up needing repairs that are now hidden.

since its a 03 it will prolly have some sracthes and nicks. but make sure you take a test drive. give it hell when you try it out.

Ask to have a compression test done on the motor to make sure all the cylinders are in order.

Thanks for the help guys! I will take your advice. What should the compression ratings be??

I am not real sure but I believe they should all me between 100 an 125 . Might be a better question for a mechanic.

i fished in 1 in federation in 2004 every time this guy shut it down the back wash was terrible/ you could get a wet willy real easy//great trip but find a champion triton skeeter or bass cat or legend the better choice???? you wont be sorry and not be stuck with a used boat that wont sell/just my opinion

I know from experience that getting the boat registered in Texas and then getting the trailer transferred can be a major pain! Check with your county court house before hand and tell them what State you are buying from. There are different requirements for different States.
Sounds like good advice so far as compression check and a good hull check. Good luck!

First of all check the boat over very well for any signs of damage or previous repairs. If repairs were done correctly you probably will not be able to tell, so ask the owner if the boat has been repaired. If it has I would ask to see the receipt of the repairs (but thats just me). Since its an 03 I would assume the transom does not have wood in it but I would look inside the gas tank area and check out the place where the bolts for the jackplate come through. Brown stains or streaks downward from these bolts would indicate wet wood, but like I said, this new of a boat may not have wood in the transom. Take the engine cover off and look it over.
Im not sure about a Yamaha but a Merc. has a data plate on the right side of the motor that includes the serial # of the engine as well as other info. Make sure it is still on there and matches up with the owners paperwork. Check out his resigstration papers for the boat and the motor. Take it to the lake for a test run. Check out everything, the electronics, the trolling motor, all the pumps, lights, etc. Check out the carpet in all the compartments and make sure they are dry and have no evidence of water stains on them.
If you choose to buy the boat, get someone to teach you how to drive the boat. I am serious. You stated that you are new to high performance boats and a Blazer with a 300 HPDI could get away from you very quickly. That is a lot of power if you are not used to it. Good luck with your decision.

I'm gonna go a complete;y different route than everybody else....If you're not used to a high performance boat, a 300hp is waaaaaay too much!!! It's OVERKILL!! You will most likely NEVER open it up all the way for starters, AND, with the cost of GAS, you'll only damage your checking account!!!

That's just MY 2 cents though bro

First thing is if this is the boat you are interested in give Michael Bristow at North Texas Fiberglass in Denton a call. Pick his brain about the boat and what you should look for and what questions to ask and documentation they should provide.
Michael is a great guy and if it were in this area he will evaluate the boat for you for free. (Unbiased truthful information).
When you go look at the boat take it to a shop (not the sellers shop) and have it evaluated, hull, electronics, and motor. It may cost you a few bucks but may be money well spent for peace of mind.
Good luck with your purchase.

yep. look local to get it check out.