Well, Im trying to make the jump into boat ownership and had a few questions for those who own boats. Before anyone trys to tell me the horrors and cost associated with such purchases, I assure you Ive thought it through.
The 3 main used boats Im looking at are the Ranger Bay, Shearwater, and Pathfinder. All used from 07 and newer with Yamaha motors. Keep in mind that these are all boats over 300+ miles away. The main questions I have are below:
Some of these boats dont have motor warranties remaining. Is it dangerous, not knowing the history of the motor, to look at motors out of warranty? Even then some of these motors have them, they are close to expiring. The most hours on one of the boats is around 300 hours. Most with less.
In looking at boats of this size and price point, what common documents should be required on my end to ensure the boat is in good described shape? Compression test, surveys, etc?
Anything to look for in these type boats when looking to purchase?
Yamaha motors; any advantages to the 4 vs 2 stroke other than gas consumption and noise levels? Any differences in the regular 4 stroke Yamaha vs the VMax Series 2s?
Shearwater, Sterling, and Actioncraft have clusterf****ed wiring. If you’re handy with wiring and have LOTS of time on your hands you can talk prices down on them by pointing them out. If you don’t want to deal with that, go for a different boat.
Semper Fi
18’ Sterling
115 Yamaha
Big Ugly Homemade Blue Push Pole
Good to know. I’ve never rewired a boat, but know a lot about general wiring so it might be a job I could tackle. I see you have a Sterling. Any hull issues?
Nope. The only gripe I have is the wiring inside the console. I was an aviation electrician in the Marines, and I haven’t even tried to mess with it. If I have spare time, I’m either doing something with my family or fishing. Who’s got time for that? Ain’t nobody got time for that!
quote:Before anyone trys to tell me the horrors and cost associated with such purchases, I assure you Ive thought it through.
That made me chuckle…sorry
…If you do plan on buying a boat that is a considerable distance away, make sure of the following:
Research as are you are doing.
Have a detailed inspection plan.
Have a trusted and knowledgeable person to carry out the inspection. Considering the boats you are looking at and the cost, I would suggest a reputable surveyor to inspect the hull and wiring and also a certified mechanic to go over the engine.
Be willing to walk away from the deal even when you have expenses for the above and travel to the location if the boat does not meet your expectations, is marginal, or has unknowns.
I never worried about warranty on the engines, but I do all my own work. I assume the ranger is the one with the Vmax? They have the 20" shaft and are HPDI engines. They can get expensive real quick. Lots of little maintenance items that if missed by someone not familiar with the HPDI system, will cost thousands easily. The older OX66’s were awesome but use more fuel. Very reliable.
The 4 strokers, are any the 225/250hp? They had real bad corrosion issues that can cost a new powerhead. A Google search will show you tons about it. I would not be afraid of other 4s Yamahas with 1000 hrs running to the ledge if it was somewhat properly maintained.
Of the 3, I like Sheatwaters the most. Very solid hulls and ride dry. I have not been impressed with any wiring like HoofArded. That was one thing that sold me on my Hydra…it had nice, neat wiring with actual marine grade switches and wire. I do electrical repairs on diesel trucks all day, I dont want to do it on my boat when I get home.
I have a Shearwater 2008 z 24…i am no electrician but the wiring seems to be in good shape,everything is bunched together and labeled. I had a sea pro before and the wiring on it was not near as clean looking. Mine has a F250 with 2700 hrs on it.