85 Liberator 261

gunnarb · 04-13-2009, 04:09 PM

Hey Everyone.

Well the fountain deal fell through so I had a Libby 261 lined up if the Executioner deal fell bad. Anyway... not as exciting but far more pratical I think I have a Libby 261 that is in very good condition that I'm interested in. Bare in mind that I'm trading a 2007 Suzuki M109R for this boat and my bike is worth between 9k and 11k.

The boat is a 1985 Four Winns Liberator 261 with twin 350 mercs and Alpha1 drives. He has lots of extras with it. No idea how many hours on the hull, but the engines have approximatiley 40 hrs. The out drives have been repumped..which I'm not so sure what that means? It's been repainted on the sides and has a nice cuddy with fridge, wetbar, mood lighting, and port-pot. I'm arrainging to take a ride with him on it within the next few days. Does anyone have any suggestions on what to look for? Should I have it surveyed? How much should I expect to pay for a survey?

Thanks!

Gunnarb

fastdonzi · 04-13-2009, 07:05 PM

How much do you know about Boats? Can you climb around in the Bilge and look for rotten stringers and Transom? Check for soft spots on the floor. If you don't feel comfy doing those then you need a survey. I have never heard of a outdrive repump, It may just mean they changed the oil. Check it or have it checked real good, Nothing worse than buying or trading for someone elses problems..Good Luck..

wannabe · 04-14-2009, 01:13 PM

Do a survey, about $ 350-400. It is money well spent. Make sure the surveyor is familiar on looking for transom/stringer rot. it will save you from buying a POS.

Wannabe

delsol · 04-14-2009, 05:38 PM

Most of the libs from that era that I have seen are pretty moist. Be careful and remember just because you pay someone for a survey doesn't mean they know anything more than you -- be sure they are acredited.

There are alot of single engine boats out there for not much more $ that will pass that boat and be less maintenance -- my 2 cents

Dave

acaruso · 04-14-2009, 07:46 PM

I have a 26 scraba for real cheep PMme

Airpacker · 04-15-2009, 08:15 AM

older Libs were very prone to rotten stringers and transoms. Be very careful or you will own 10 grand worth of repairs.

as for "repumped", I suspect that means the raw water pumps which are in the drives on Alphas have been replaced.

h2oboater · 04-15-2009, 10:48 AM

Is this the Liberator ? It's been for sale for some time, and as reported older Libs were very prone to rotten stringers and transoms. The trailer looks a little small also.

Baja_man · 04-15-2009, 12:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by h2oboater

Is this the Liberator ? It's been for sale for some time, and as reported older Libs were very prone to rotten stringers and transoms. The trailer looks a little small also.

The trailer looks extremely small!!

gunnarb · 04-15-2009, 10:45 PM

That's the boat you guys! Holy @#$%! I have a feeling you guys know what's going on. I have a street bike that's worth about 10 - 12k depending on who you talk to. I don't know how good the stringers and transome are on this boat since I have not looked at it. I'm going to take my first look on Friday. The pics look pretty good and the owner seems to be a very up front guy???

I'm starting to think that I should just sell the bike for what I can get and then purchase what I want by what you guys are saying. I really appreiciate the help here folks. Does anyone know of a good surveyer in my area? Armada MI 48005. Tell me anything you guys can about this boat... please...

2 fast 4 you · 04-16-2009, 01:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Baja_man

The trailer looks extremely small!!

I think i can see the bottom hook from here! lol