bert4332

When looking at boats that have salt water usage for purchase what are some of the things that I should be looking for as far as red flags, engine issues, ect ? This would be PRIOR to hiring a surveyor.

Thanx

Macklin

Everything!

Seriously though, just like any boat, fresh or salt, it's all in the maintenance. Salt water requires more of it. You have to be super anal to keep a salt water boat looking good. And storing it high and dry indoors year round goes a long way towards that goal.

I pay dearly for that priveledge...but worth every penny. The fork lift drivers at my marina know my boat always goes to a work rack for a thorough wash down and flushing before it goes in the barn.

MidOcean

iTrader: (2)

Any inboard salt water boat without a freshwater flush system hard plumbed on board is a BIG red flag. Muffs just don't do it.

Intakes are one of your biggest issues and can be the most costly, secondary only to exhaust and reversion. I second the maintenance comment... One good look in the engine compartment will tell you whether the guy take pride in his equipment or not.

T.

dookie

I just pulled the motors out of my 12 year old boat and i live on the coast. I bought it from the original owner whom is 60 years old . As far as i know it has been used for nothing but saltwater use . Needless to say i was pleasantly surpised at the condition of everything in the bilge. Dont get me wrong , i am going to change several things out , but overall everything looked pretty good. It looks like the motors have never been out either.

Macklin

Yep, I just came back to add that and close loop cooled engines are the shiznits. Love 'em.

And a good coat of wax is a must especially on transom hardware...your first place to look. Next is the bilge. A clean bilge is a good sign.

When its too rough to take my crew outside the inlet comfortably I take the opportunity to detail. I can honesty say my boat spent more time on the work rack last summer than the 20 hours it spent in the water.