Overthinking One Again - How to make sense of parts listed in a classified?
 

Warning in advance - I may just be thinking out loud here :D

Looking for a used boat, I have run into a lot of terminology I wish I understood and could place value on. For example, I see a lot of "dart" stuff; Dart big M block, Dart aluminum pro-1 heads, Dart high rise intakes or JE pistons, built velvet drive transmission, etc. In this case I suspect "dart" is a manufacture, but how would one even begin to learn the significance of this? What's a velvet drive transmission or JE piston? Some of these you may want on a boat, others you may not.

To a certain extent by default (because I know no better), I discount (no value added or taken away) all of this stuff figuring it is probably better than OEM, but at the same time it will cost me more in the end, so net-net, it is a wash. If however it simply says 650hp...that I seem to be able to place a value on (and can comp).

So, when I see these specific parts listed in the context of a classified, should I disregard this as it relates to price? Do I need to learn what this stuff is so I can quantify value and if so where do I look to better understand this? Personally I think the callout of "parts" is irrelevant.

I guess to me, it's not so much about the "parts", it is about the comps - market value and given these are OEM parts, they are hard to compare unless translated into a common language e.g. 650hp.

...I gotta get another boat soon, spending hours looking through classifieds can drive you to questions like this :-)

Look up the specific part on the net to check it's original price, specifications etc.....

You should learn what the parts are in an ad. The parts may increase or decrease the value.

You need to educate yourself if you are going to play in this sport. If you do not, sooner or later somebody else will, and it won't be cheap.

My buddy always said once an ad starts discussing engine parts (cars, boats whatever) that you don't understand.......don't buy that vehicle!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e3LxQJ6xvyA

another disclosure...... if the ad opens or closes with "Cobra Power" then ........

Other problem is, most sellers don't know either.

one thing I learned when buying anything marine realated, is to make sure I talk to master engine guru and builder chris sunken or his partner jim darr

SO far this thread tends to refelct where my head was at when I asked the question. Some know and understand this jargon, some fake it, some don't care. I have always have believed that knowledge is power. I have also bought a boat that claimed to have "xyz" parts and when the engine blew and needed to be torn apart, surprise, surprise....those parts were not there. This is another reason why this doesn't mean much to me, i'm certainly not going to tear down the engine to confirm. Thankfully I have an engine guy to bounce this stuff off of, but he is generally not impressed by this stuff unless it reflects a complete package and intent. Conversly, if it looks like a grab bag of random "named parts" I am advised to stay away....and generally speaking he does not want to work off these 1 off builds which is another reason he advises against it..

or that moron in Texas that has a Sears toolbox full of Harbor Freight tools and carries an Uzi to take care of people......