This has been a year that so many of the people I know have had engine problems many with new used boats. One friend bought an expensive used twin engine boat & did not have the engine checked.......One engine was bad $$$$ later he was back in the water.
A Marine survey will cost & there are no guarantees just like with a home inspection but with that one shortcut of skipping the survey it can cost you big, big bucks.
The old story of the free boat that cost $20,000 is so true & it is not just with the engine there is electrical, hull integrity & now with this fuel we are using gas tanks & fuel lines. This is just a starter list.
So yes I am worried about my boat & I have given the person doing the survey my own list to go over. I will be there (I am no expert) just to make sure. Get there a couple of hours early if you do get a survey as the owner may start a troubled engine early so when you get there it runs well but really has trouble starting. Also, take it out for a test ride before buying.
Many times a person goes to sell a boat that is starting to have a problem (
) If at a dock, interview people on that dock about the boat & owner. Look at how clean the boats is as this could say a lot to how well they took care of it. With my boat the guy next door in a slip gave me lots of info on this boat it was 80/20 good. The 20% has been sent ahead to the person doing the survey.
Now where am i taking a shortcut...well with the survey the engine gets checked only so far. I really should have an engine guy check it out too. If i have any doubts come sea trial day I will. When you do a sea trial run the boat at all speeds in saltwater or big lakes take it out on a rough day or run the boat through your own wake a few times. Lastly If you are good with home electric & car care please don't use any parts unless they are marine approved. Double clamp all hoses that again are marine hoses. If you have any cabin add a fire alarm & CO2 detector. If the boat comes with one change it if it is over five years old. One last time pay the extra & get a marine co2 detector & alarm not a home one.
Ok one more
Be prepared to walk...don't buy it because it is a nice day or you love it's looks. If you get that sinking feeling just say no.
Anyway, I hope this info helps someone because IMO there is no better hobby/lifetstyle in the world ....except cooking outdoors
With all that I am still worried