Pre Purchase Mechanical (diesel) Inspection in winter

[Olysan]

I am considering purchasing a boat powered by twin 450 Cummins engines, model year 2000. The boat is up north and is put away in a heated building for winter storage. Is it possible to evaluate these engines without running them? I would be looking for major issues that would have to be fixed before closing on the boat.

 

[Golfman25]

I am considering purchasing a boat powered by twin 450 Cummins engines, model year 2000. The boat is up north and is put away in a heated building for winter storage. Is it possible to evaluate these engines without running them? I would be looking for major issues that would have to be fixed before closing on the boat.

I suppose you can run them if you can get water to them. But, I can't see how you could possibly close until spring. Make contract contingent on sea trial and survey in spring. Good luck.

 

[Irie308]

For what its worth. We surveyed and closed on our boat (same motors) in December in the North East. We were able to get everything done with all systems except for verifying if the AC worked. So still doable unless the boat is tucked away in the back and can't be launched until spring. If that's the case I can't see how you could properly evaluate them without running them under load which would have to be done in water.

 

[Henry Boyd]

What Irie said. To conduct load tests the boat has to be in the water moving. The good news is inside storage is the easiest to to de & re winterize. The AC and heat can’t be tested because the water will probably be too cold to allow it to work.

 

[Olysan]

Thanks guys. The big problem is that it's tucked in the back of a building so there's no way to get it out to launch it. I decided to write the offer contingent on a mechanical survey after launch in the spring.

 

[northern]

Thanks guys. The big problem is that it's tucked in the back of a building so there's no way to get it out to launch it. I decided to write the offer contingent on a mechanical survey after launch in the spring.

I looked at a boat once on a frozen lake. When talking to the agent he said there was on offer based on what you are doing. Agent refused to take any other offers based on the outcome of the of the one on the boat. Assume they will want your 10% deposit. If they do you may want to state "No other offers are to be placed on boat until yours is concluded"

 

[Henry Boyd]

I looked at a boat once on a frozen lake. When talking to the agent he said there was on offer based on what you are doing. Agent refused to take any other offers based on the outcome of the of the one on the boat. Assume they will want your 10% deposit. If they do you may want to state "No other offers are to be placed on boat until yours is concluded"

I'll just interject something to modify this. If you (or the boss) really, really, loves this boat, or you are getting a Vito Coreleone grade deal, then go with this approach. If you think you might see another boat, closer to home, better deal, or whatever, then don't add this clause so you can gracefully exit should something better come along.