Thinking of buying a 2007 TG w 250 hours from private seller, Mid Atlantic region, 525's. What would you recommend the first thing I do...engine tops? Boat is in very good condition, no trailer. What price is a fair price? $175k?

Buy gas!!!
Then have fun.....

Get a survey, verify hours, chase documentation if possible. A top end inspection seems to be a given, but 525's are usually good to go if not abused. After that, what Schweeng said! Good Luck!

175k is a fair deal if the boat is nice. Motors are due for top end maintenance, drives need to be gone through, and you need to pressure test the headers.

Dig into the maintenance history or lack there of. At 250 hrs jbraun hit all the must-do's. Look at the headers, if they have any golding they have been run hot by low water circulation. The impeller/housing are the cause of this and points to lack of routinely changing (maintenance). Also ask about the oil for the mechanical fuel pumps, when was it changed? This shows how much the owner knows about what is proper maintenance. Many owners sell Merc Race 525 powered boats right when the hours are 250-300 to avoid doing what is inevitable. 525s Full top end rebuild (including lifters) will run $8-$12K for the pair depending on the shop. Figure in drive rebuilds and possible set of headers or 2. $25k to $30k comes up pretty quick, so do your homework.

If you can buy a 2007 top gun with 250 hours for 175K you need to go get it today and figure out everything else later... I sold my 2007 less than 8 months ago and sold it for well north of 200k.. I know of two other 2007 that sold for more than mine this past summer as well.

Just my .02

Patrick

What are you buying ?? or say your buying

http://www.offshoreonly.com/forums/f...ml#post4512976

The responses have been very helpful! I was also looking at a 42' Fountain w 525's w really low hours and a really reasonable price but hated the graphics. Was told paint would be $25k for something nice. Doesn't make economic sense to me. Please keep thoughts coming re potential TG purchase. Thanks!

Depending on paint design you could have some or all of the areas covered with vinyl. Post some pics of the 42 Fountain

Not sure how to post photo yet. It's listed w Performance Boat Center. 42 Executioner