Looking to buy first boat. What questions to ask the seller?

sigar · 07-09-2007, 02:42 PM

Hello everyone, I'm looking to purchase my first boat. A mid 90's Fountain Fever 29. What questions should I ask the seller? I know to ask how many hours the engines have, but that's about it. What questions are relevant? Anything I should ask specific to this model? Thanks.

sakoutis3 · 07-09-2007, 02:44 PM

How much.

Spicy · 07-09-2007, 02:53 PM

Are these the shifters or throttles on the left side????

sigar · 07-09-2007, 02:58 PM

Come on guys, I know I'm a complete PITA newbie, but please help me out. Is there a FAQ section that might have these answers? I looked, but didn't find one. Thanks.

tanned fat looks better · 07-09-2007, 03:00 PM

Remember, there are no stupid questions.........................only stupid people.

sakoutis3 · 07-09-2007, 03:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sigar

Come on guys, I know I'm a complete PITA newbie, but please help me out. Is there a FAQ section that might have these answers? I looked, but didn't find one. Thanks.

Put a thread in the Fountain section you should see a better response.

sleeper_dave · 07-09-2007, 03:08 PM

what kind of motor(s), ask for maintenance records, get a survey, ask if it's ever been in saltwater, just the basics, really.

And expect him to lie, so go and verify everything yourself. Get a survey. If it's got an MPI motor, get the computer scanned to get the actual hours. Don't let the seller / broker suggest a surveyor or mechanic.

Get the serial numbers of the block, transom housing, and drive, and call mercruiser to find out what info they have on them. They will be able to tell you what year they are at minimum, and in many cases what boat / hull # they were originally installed on and when they were registered for warranty purposes (but if they weren't registered they won't know what boat they went on, usually). Don't assume the motor is original to the boat, or originally configured the way you see it. You could have a motor that was originally carbed, but now has MPI, or as in my case, vice versa.

RHC · 07-09-2007, 03:10 PM

What did you say the price is!!!

How much less will you take ,,, I have cash ,, how much less,,, I don't want a survey ,,, how much less!!!

Just kidding Bud ,, good luck with your purchase,,

RHC

CigDaze · 07-09-2007, 03:13 PM

Rule #1: Get a survey. Then get the motors checked out by a qualified mechanic. At a minimum get a compression and leak-down test done. Ask about the service history: did he do his own maintenance or was it professionally maintained? Get all the records if he kept them (hopefully he has them). Any damage/repairs?

Go for a sea trial. Don't just listen to the motors run on the hose. Spend a good hour out there watching the temps and pressures. Play with everything, hit every switch, flip every light on and off. Make sure the drives maintain their trim so there's no leakage in the trim cylinders, etc., etc.

Bottom line, just be as thorough as you can.

jmeng · 07-09-2007, 03:17 PM

Number of hours, maintenance history, optional or aftermarket equipment on boat, top speed and cruise speed, what props are on the boat, what kind of covers included (cockpit, full mooring, etc), trailer details (type of brakes, torsion bar or leaf spring, etc), condition of the exterior and interior, is the owner leaving any equipment in the boat (life vests, fenders, flares, etc). All Fountains come with a Performance Report from the factory, ask the seller if he has it and if so get him to fax it to you.