2002 Merc 496 Reliability?
#21
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 4,822
Likes: 376
From: IL
oh come on I am just playing around dont get mad....we all know your the A/T guy/salesman around here,,its all good,,
#22
#23
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 4,822
Likes: 376
From: IL
Yea that is good advice. I've passed on a few already - it is pretty easy to tell if someone has taken care of a boat or not. It is a 2002 260 Legend with 300 hours. I'm not sure if it is a 496 or 496 HO. It had some seals replaced last year on the outdrive due to a leak. I have to look into that more.
nothing wrong with a 10 -11 year old boat that needed some seals replaced,,,if you like the boat and it all checks out ok i would not let a couple of outdrive seals hold me back from buying it..
#24
You can better control engine operating temperature with a closed cooling system.
#25
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Joined: May 2013
Posts: 35
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The trailer fenders were pretty rusty but I guess that's what you get when you leave it outside. New tires. Not a perfect outfit but I guess I can't expect that?
I've asked for the SmartCraft readout as well as hours. I'm planning to test drive it this weekend. Other than cleaning it and getting the fiberglass spots touched up it is ready to go.
#26
#27
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 4,822
Likes: 376
From: IL
its funny how everybody wants the BLUE engines,,(sound cool) but have to worry about heads.springs.valves.rings..Black engines on the other hand,,change oil turn key and go..
#28
I spoke with the mechanic who is actually the orginal PQ owner's son. He did the work and everything checked out. Very sharp boat and it is what I'm looking for. I will have some work to get it as clean as I want it but I always expect that. New impeller last fall so I'm good there. The gel coat has a few spots down to black which concerns me a bit - one up by the tow hook (apparently caused by the trailer) and a few spots on the hull just in front of the trim tab (from previous owner). The bumper has some rash but not too bad. The paint has a few spots but I can touch those up. There was a little oil in the hull yet but the mechanic told me it was residual from the service work. A very small dent on the outdrive fin and some chipped paint. Other than that it looks pretty good - the hull just needs a good buffing and wax job.
The trailer fenders were pretty rusty but I guess that's what you get when you leave it outside. New tires. Not a perfect outfit but I guess I can't expect that?
I've asked for the SmartCraft readout as well as hours. I'm planning to test drive it this weekend. Other than cleaning it and getting the fiberglass spots touched up it is ready to go.
The trailer fenders were pretty rusty but I guess that's what you get when you leave it outside. New tires. Not a perfect outfit but I guess I can't expect that?
I've asked for the SmartCraft readout as well as hours. I'm planning to test drive it this weekend. Other than cleaning it and getting the fiberglass spots touched up it is ready to go.
#30
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Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 2,687
Likes: 235
From: Grand Rapids, Mi
Hes wanting to get into another boat so....offer him $28k and see what happens? all he can say is no and counter offer. there isnt many out there for sale that are reasonably priced with options that you are looking for and cool graphics


