Well folks. Today is the day we take my “Hopefully new to me” boat out for a test ride. 2000 Pathfinder 2200v Yamaha 200 2 stroke. Any advice would be appreciated since ive never owned one.
Never owned a boat, or never owned a pathfinder?
KeyWest 1720cc 90 Ymha
never owned a boat. been around them my whole life but ive never had one to call my own
You will laugh, you will cry, you will spend money. Learn to take it all in stride for the good times far outweigh the occasional bad day you will experience (and you will if you boat for long). Double and triple check all your gear, especially safety equipment, go slow in unfamiliar waters and when in doubt, listen to that little voice in your head that is trying to warn you. Have fun and keep us posted.
quote:
Originally posted by DFreedomYou will laugh, you will cry, you will spend money.
</font id=“quote”></blockquote id=“quote”>sounds alot like marriage.
Sounds just like marriage!
scott
key west 189FS
make sure you wear shoes that you don’t mind getting wet.
Boatless
I think he’s asking “what to look for on a test ride”.
Test everything electronic: bilge pump, aerated live wells, nav/anchor lights, depthfinder/gps, horn, guages, trim the motor, trim tabs, trolling motor, etc. Look inside the battery box, console, and every compartment for damage. Take the cowling off the motor and inspect for evidence of rust, water, oil/gas leaks, etc.
While in the water, start off gradually and come on plane. Stop, chit-chat, then tell him you want to dump the gas to see hole shot. Go from neutral to full throttle quickly to ensure the motor gets fuel well and doesn’t bog down. Back off to cruising speed, test turns to ensure minimal (or no) cavitation.
That’s what I’d do, shy of taking it to a mechanic.
KeyWest 1720cc 90 Ymha
x2 what hi c said. good choice on the boat by the way. i used to have a 2000v and loved it.
Thanks Hi C. Exactly what i was looking for! And Floater…my friend had a 200v. we both loved it.
Take it to a reputable shop for a good once over. Compression checks, fuel system etc.
REELIN N DEALIN II
Well…the boat ran/runs great! Mech had nothing bad to say about it either. So I am now a proud boat owner. Thanks guys.
When buying used boats and used cars, walking away is never a bad decision.
One thing I like to do when test driving a boat is to take it somewhere that you can encounter some rough water. Almost all boats run good on slick water but I want to know how it does in rough conditions. I also agree with hi c. I would definitely take it to a mechanic you know and let him tell you his opinion of the boat and motor. That money spent will be money well spent.
Mr Hardware
Congrats on the purchase. See you in the inshore reports forum.
KeyWest 1720cc 90 Ymha
post some pics
“My fish served a whole lunchon. Your fish look like a munchkin”
167 Ranger Cayman
Yamaha 115
“Hydrophilic”
2007 Toyota Tundra TRD 5.7L V8
GO PIRATES!