As others have said, definetly have a pro survey done.
You can check a lot of things yourself before spending the money on the
survey if you like.
1. Verify rpms are correct at wide open. Should be 4400 to 4800. Over
4800 and it does not have the correct props. Under 4400 and the props are
too big or you have an engine problem.
2. Check engine compression. Should be within 5 psi of each other on all
cylinders. Look at the plugs while you have them out and verify they are
clean. If oily - there is a problem.
3. Check gearcase oil for water. Remove the plug on the bottom of the
gearcase and let a small amount of oil run out (just a couple of drops). If
there is water it will run out first and/or the oil will be milky white. Do
this after running the boat in the water.
4. Verify everything works properly. Everything to include shore power,
etc...
5. Verify brakes work good on the trailer as you are towing it.
6. Verify there is no wood rot anywhere. Look in all compartments, under
every seat, etc...
7. Verify no water leaks in the cabin. Take a hose pipe and run water over
the boat. Especially around the windows, hatches, etc... If there is a
problem there may be water stains somewhere to indicate this already.
8. Check condition of wiring and verify no corrosion on connections under
dash and in engine compartment.
If all this checks out - then spend the money to have a survey done. They
will check other things that you will overlook. This is not a complete list
above but will give you a good idea of if it is worth the money to have a
survey done.
As for the head/holding tank having a smell. - There should be no smell in
the head area. You may smell the holding tank in the cockpit area or at the
rear of the boat when you first flush the toilet as the smell comes from the
vent of the tank. Use a RV toilet conditioner to help with this. I have
never found a way to completely get rid of it though. The tank has to be
vented.
--
Tony
my boats and cars at
http://t.thomas.home.mchsi.com
"sfcarioca" wrote in message
oups.com...
Hey all,
I agreed on a price of 26K for the following boat.
-----------------------------
1999 Bayliner 2655 Ciera 26' Express Cabin Cruiser, 5.7L Mercruiser
Bravo 3 I/O w/SS Duo Props - Captain Chair - L-Shape Seating - Depth
Finder - Trim Tabs - Danforth Compass - Jensen AM/FM/CD Stereo
w/Speakers - "New" Horizon VHF Radio - Furuno Color GPS Chart/Sounder -
Shorepower - Dual Alcohol/Electric Range - Sink - Microwave -
Refrigerator - Marine Head w/Holding Tank- Enclosed Shower - Air Cond.
- Dual Batteries w/Switch - Water Heater - Battery Charger - Snap
Carpet - Fresh Water Washdown - Swim Step/Ladder - V-Berth & Queen Size
Mid-Berth Comfortably Sleeps 4 - New Bottom Paint -Includes E-Z Loader
Galvanized Tandem Axle Trailer w/New Brakes & New Tires - Great Family
Cruiser! Owner has new boat coming soon. Looking for offers.
------------------------------
Besides an old beater ski boat, this will be my first boat. I've seen
the boat and it seems to be in excellent condition. The only thing
that may not be working is the A/C and wipers. I'm taking it out on
the water... can you suggest what to look for and what questions to ask
when I'm out on the water?
- I'm also thinking of getting an engine/hull survey, is it worth the
money for a boat this new?
- The boat will be used mostly in the SF Bay, with short trips outside
the Golden Gate. Is this boat big enough for the bay or are the waters
too rough for it?
- My wife is worried about the smell that the marine head will have.
The seller recently replaced the holding tank because of the smell. Is
there a way to properly maintain and clean the head to keep it from
smelling?
thanks for the advice!!!