What to look out for? Buying a boat that has been sitting for years.

[muahman]

I have the chance to get into a 2003 Triton TR19 with a Mercury 175HP Two Stroke EFI. Boat has incredibly low hours. I've know and trust the guy I will buying the boat from. I'm paying 8k for it and it has every available option you can get from the dealer. Even the trailer has brakes which is nice.

My main concern is what I might be getting myself into. I just got burned by a used boat, albeit a lot older one than this. What issues might I run into with a boat that has sat that long. I know he put Stabil in the fuel tank but I'm not sure if the tank was full or not. I'm assuming I'm going to need all new batteries at the least. With a two stroke, will it sitting like that have screwed the fuel injectors?  Should I just put some new batteries in there and fire it up?

Any other things you would check for right off the bat? I know to look for major things like soft spots in the hull, spider cracks on the transom, etc. Though I doubt this boat has major problems like that.

Thanks again!

[Dan929CDX]

Im not sure but what I would do is decarb the motor or run a shock treatment of sea foam through the motor to remove any built up carbon. Then I would replace the plugs and fuel filter and put fresh gas and oil in it and I would think you would be okay but I have been wrong before. As for the boat I would test everything I could on it. I would fill and the livewells to make sure they hold water and then turn your pumps on. Check your running lights and any of the electrical stuff before you agree to anything. If the boat has sat for that long the tires may need to be replaced because of dry rotting. Speaking of the trailer I would make sure your lights burn and the brakes work. I would think as long as you go over the boat with a fine tooth comb you should be okay. I sure someone smarter than me will be along in a few and offer some better advice, but good luck.

[Dan929CDX]

If you check the general tips forum there is a post on what to look at when buying a used boat. Hope this helps.

Danny

[Bman]

Honestly the best thing is if it sat for a long while is take it to a mechanic first.  I work part time at a marina, always hearing stories of guy starting and running a boat that sat for a while and the water pump IMPELLER was toast.  Just something to look out for. Cheap part when it comes down to it or a blown motor.

[Dan929CDX]

I agree before I took the boat to the lake I would at least run it at home on the muffs to check the water pressure and it couldn't hurt to look at the compression. 

[Bassinkorea]

If you check the general tips forum there is a post on what to look at when buying a used boat. Hope this helps.

Danny

That's right Dan929CDX, and here's that thread....

"Used Boat Buying Guide"

Good luck muahman, let us know how it goes 

[Mike]

We have a great article on the main site under "How To's" as well that covers some very important things to look for.

http://www.ultimatebass.com/-how-tos-links-271/1223-how-to-buy-a-used-boat.html

[muahman]

Thanks for the input guys. I actually ended up getting a Hewes Light Tackle with a Yamaha ProV 150 on it. I love that it has no carpet and you walk around the entire boat.   It's also nice to not have to worry if you are going to break down everytime out!