gordonhansen
New Member
I am currently negotiating for a 1990 310 Sun dancer. It has been out of the water for two years and has not been started. Well covered though.
The owner just wants to get out and I think I can save some significant money if he will fix the boat or reimburse me for the repairs to bring it up to a reasonable level. I have gotten him to agree to replace the gaskets and through bolts on the outer hull and deck. (I understand this model had some leakage problems and there is minor staining on the upholstery.) So we should be ok from a cosmetic standpoint.
My BIG question is of course the engines. What is the general effect of this neglect and should it be enough to make me shop elsewhere? The oil has not been touched and after running it for a few hours will an oil test be anywhere closed to accurate. I of course will do a compression test to make sure the piston rings have held, etc... He has also agreed to replace seals and gaskets in the bilge, head, electronics and anywhere my mechanic and I can think of. I feel it is his fault if the boat has been uncared for.
Is the potential “savings†clouding my judgment because the boat could be restored to solid working order if…..? But if the engines are bad, any price is too much! Is testing at this stage useless or will it help, as in a better used boat?
They are twin 7.4 Mercs. 74. Hours, v drive. Fresh water in the Lake Cumberland, KY area.
I have thick skin, I can take it. I seek the advice of my fellow captains!
Thanks,
Gordon
The owner just wants to get out and I think I can save some significant money if he will fix the boat or reimburse me for the repairs to bring it up to a reasonable level. I have gotten him to agree to replace the gaskets and through bolts on the outer hull and deck. (I understand this model had some leakage problems and there is minor staining on the upholstery.) So we should be ok from a cosmetic standpoint.
My BIG question is of course the engines. What is the general effect of this neglect and should it be enough to make me shop elsewhere? The oil has not been touched and after running it for a few hours will an oil test be anywhere closed to accurate. I of course will do a compression test to make sure the piston rings have held, etc... He has also agreed to replace seals and gaskets in the bilge, head, electronics and anywhere my mechanic and I can think of. I feel it is his fault if the boat has been uncared for.
Is the potential “savings†clouding my judgment because the boat could be restored to solid working order if…..? But if the engines are bad, any price is too much! Is testing at this stage useless or will it help, as in a better used boat?
They are twin 7.4 Mercs. 74. Hours, v drive. Fresh water in the Lake Cumberland, KY area.
I have thick skin, I can take it. I seek the advice of my fellow captains!
Thanks,
Gordon