Ok so I bought a new to me boat today after looking at so many others I chose this -

1998 Challenger 390se with a mercury 150xl6, boat is in very good condition with hardly any signs of use, there is a 6" jack plate manual adjust, carpet, doors, instruments, bilge all very clean. I know its not a Champ, ranger or skeet. But it sure looks a lot better then the rest. I think she'll last for 3 or 4 more years.

Never drove a boat like this and might look for someone with lots of experience to come for ride with me and teach me how to drive her, I'm sure at 60mph they things can get out of hand quickly.

Nice looking rig, and the fish won't know what boat brand your in.

good lookin boat, I may be wrong but that jackplate looks like it may be installed backwards. all jp's I have ever seen the engine plate is on the outside of the transom plate. don't know if it matters or not but just an observation.

Thanks, I'l have that looked at right away. I assume the dealer installed when purchased, but will have it inspected

it happens, my mechanic did my first one backwards on me and the adjustment was way off.
like I said not sure if that may be the way yours mounts but look at the pic of mine and you will see what I am talking about.

Good looking ride...

how much does something like that cost to correct?

it not that hard. Get a couple of buddies and it will only cost you a case of Natty

On that boat, I would make sure all the through bolts and through fittings that go through the transom are sealed. If there is any question, reseal them. Transoms were a problem on those boats and, if the transom is solid now, you will want to take precautions to keep it that way.

that jackplate is CORRECT.

nice looking rig.

Thanks Steve, and yes transom is solid, bolts look fine, couldn't hurt to put a another layer on right?

and it looks very clean in the bilge area, I'll take pics tomorrow and post, I'm trying to fine a major issue right now. Boat doesn't look like it seen the water, it's a little sun burnt on top but I can get that out with some compound or 1200 grit sand paper

NO!get POLISHING compound, just did mine today to get the shine back up.
rubbing compound or 1200 grit will cut into the gelcoat and you dont want that. get a good buffer (hi speed is best) and use polishing compound, you will be amazed at how fast it cleans up.

knew one of y'all would correct me if I was wrong. just never seen one with the engine plate on the inside.

if it's not leaking into the inside of the boat. don't take the motor off just to put more silicone behind the plate.

i agree on the compound thing. just get some 3m finessit II and go to town on some light buffing.

Nice rig. One of the two happiest days of your life.