Hello everyone! I'm new to the forum and will soon be a first time boat owner. I've been around ski boats (not too familiar with performance boating) for some years, but have never pulled the trigger on purchasing. Now that my wife is on board, I have begun my search.

I'd love to get some insight from you seasoned boat owners!

So here it is:
I'm considering the purchase of a 1996 Ultimate Warlock 28' Euro. I don't know much about Warlocks and haven't managed to find too much about them either.

The boat is powered by a Mercruiser 454 with a Bravo III outdrive. Currently, it has a 26P prop, but will also include a 28P. Supposodly, it has a top speed of 56mpg. The motor has 482 hours on it and I am worried that it will need a rebuild soon. I plan to make a 3+ hour drive to perform a sea trial and hopefully purchase this weekend. Is there anything I should be looking out for? Is this too much boat for a first time boat owner?

Thanks in advance for everyone's input. Great to be a part of offshoreonly.

I can't help a whole lot with the Warlock question but am glad to welcome you to OSO. Lots of great info to be had here.

As for the boat I would be concerned that if it has been "driven" like many of that type, you will soon be spending some money on it with 482 hrs on it. Also take some time time to check out it's insurability and cost due to it's age.

Good luck,

BTB

If join over here: http://www.donzi.net/ they have a lot of information on Warlocks.

Thanks for the welcome, Bobthebuilder. The 482 hours are my worry as well. I checked out insurance and it wasn't too bad, I just hope I can get a few seasons out of it before dumping a fortune into it.

Try some of the west coast forums. Warlocks are kinda scarce in the east, not sure about the great lakes areas. Maybe River Daves place? Are there other west coast forums anybody?

Welcome B4!

Thanks everyone! My biggest concern is the 482 hours on the 454 Merc. and having to dump a bunch of money in it before I get a couple seasons out of it.

Soooo I asked the seller to send me the HIN#. When I used Google serach, it states that it is a 1986, not a 1996. Does the HIN last two digits state the year it was made? Thanks everyone!

Yes....welcome aboard

Yes, the last 2 digits are the year built. Looks like seller is dishonest……. run.

Also here is a link to the Warlock owners forum found right here on OSO - http://www.offshoreonly.com/forums/warlock-66/

Bob