I've been looking for a boat for a while now and I may have finally found the one. I'm going to test drive it tomorrrow and wanted to get everyones thoughts on doing my own compression test since it will be a Sunday and most boat shops will be closed. I'm also wondering if there is value in spending the $150 to get a boat checked out. I've been told several time on this forum how to check the transom and deck so other than that I'm thinking the compression test is it. Has anyone done their own compression test when buying a boat? Any tips or things to watch out for?

Thanks in advance for the advice

Spending 150.00 can save you thousands, if you dont know what to look for when buying a used boat. Cary

Micha, Good luck with your boat purchase. Let me know if you need anything!!!!

Tracker Marine AUSTIN TX., does a complete buyer/seller inspection for NO CHARGE. $150.00 IS EXCESSIVE.

Wow ~ I wish there was somewhere up here I could take it to like that. I rented a compression tester from Auto Zone so if anyone has any tips on things to look for or beware of when doing a compression test I'd greatly appreciate it.

Mr. Pender, before you say something is excessive, maybe you should find out what all has been done for that $150.

perhaps he should realize that IF the seller let him take it to austin for the said test it would cost way more than 150.00.

the incesant advertising on posts with just questions is getting real old.

you can give advice without pushing tracker everytime you post.

Sorry guys , I was not expecting the customer to drive to Austin. We do this as a service to help buyers and sellers come togather in our area . We do a complete shake down for the buyer/seller and the end result is that the new buyer becomes our new service customer. I give a little and in return get a new customer and you guys want to ride me.. go for it . I do not care and yes $150.00 is excessive for a buyers ck. PERIOD. Our inspection is tires up including all switches,pumps ,lights,floor,transom, compression, you name it we do it. TRACKER MARINE AUSTIN TX. Gary Pender 512 250 9000.

Compression test, pull kill switch, pull plugs, open throttle crank away.

If I remember right north tx fiberglas usta inspect for FREE

Excluding opus, To those who fault me for promoting me, my staff, my store , my brand and products and services ...please excuse me. I take the responsibility of business sustainibility very seriously. In todays economy and the current job market one of my greatest concerns is the well being of my staff . There is not one team member who does not understand the importance of above and beyound customer satisfaction. Our combined success is contingent on customers . We pride ourselves in keeping our customers on the water . Safty and dependebility is primary and we as a group provide great value to the every day boater to the most serious tournament bass fisherman. Our business growth in the last 3 years reflects this commitment. We are a Nitro, Tracker dealer and service daily Skeeters, Rangers and all others who do not use the dealer they bought the boat from. We have gained market share due to our customer commitment and will continue to do so as we add more full time jobs at our store because of our sales gains and customer loyality. This is not an advertisment but a statement of fact. TRACKER MARINE AUSTIN ,TX. Gary Pender 512 250 9000.

couple things about the compression test, cold or warm test, spray lube or fuel/oil mix, some say 3 compression strokes some say 4, whatever you do, be consistent on all cylinders, what your looking for is any difference, they all should be within 10 lbs of each other, i would say 90 lbs is on the minimum low side

What motor?

If its a Mercury/Mariner I would gladly take a look for NOTHIN' if you can get it to tha northwest side.......

Thanks everyone - I didn't mean for this to take the turn it did but thanks for those who responded to my question. I got a PM from Spanky offering to come out for an extremely reasonable price and do a full inspection. If I can get the seller to give me a time I'll be set. Thanks again

well the seller took the boat out on his own today and may not sell it now!!