Buying used boat

[LUMBERLEO]

     I'm looking at used boats.  I was wondering what you would look for.  I have a boat I wanna make an offer on.  It looks great but I don't know it could be junk.  There is no scratches and it nice and clean,  There is a big 4" rip in the seat.  What would turn you away from a boat.  How much do you think it costs to fix the seat?  I would appreicate any help.... Scott

[chase5004]

Make sure you take it for a test spin with the current owner!!!!!

You can see how the boat rides/ handles and you can hear the motor at various levels + you can ask about all the switches and buttons. Check the trailer as well, bumpers, springs, and wheels these are not major but they can all be head aches down the road if they in poor shape now.

Pat

[dartag]

make sure it says RANGER on the side.  there quality has been awsome for years.  i have a 2002 185 and everything is still tite.   
good luck

[Bulletproof]

Although it's nice to look at a cosmetically clean rig, that is a very minor concern for myself when determining if I would buy the boat or not.   My biggest concern is the MOTOR.  Have a compression check done, take it for a spin.  Listen for any thing that sounds abnormal.  Look at prop, skeg, entire lower unit.  Really inspect it good.  Are there any maintenance records?  Was it winterized?

Next, check out the hull.  Are there any cracks/holes?  Are they minor/major?

Take the time to check out everything electrical.  Do all the switches work?  Livewell?  Bilge?  Lights?  Horn?  Tilt/trim?  Gauges?  Charger?
Trolling motor?  batterys?

Personally one of the first things I look for is the back compartment.  Is it clean and organized.  If this back area is dirty, hacked togethe wiring, with oil or stuff all over the place, walk away. 

I would definitely lower my price if I felt like the boat needed a lot of work.

[smbassman]

Definitely take it out on the water.  Check pumps, switches, lights, sonar, gps - basically all electrical.  Inspect rear compartments for corroded electrical connectors or rotted fuel/oil lines.  Make sure the livewells fill and stay full when pulled out of the water.  Look in compartments for signs of water and ask if they stay dry.  Run the boat making sure the motor starts and idles good as well as decent hole shot and runs near max RPM at full throttle.  Check out the trailer as mentioned above.  While on the trailer, inspect the lower hull and pad for gouges or other damage.  Look for large cracks near the transom.  I would recommend paying to have the motor inspected for compression, electrical, check and download of codes, usage hours etc, inspect lower unit oil.  Scratches and tears happen and are cosmetic - not a big deal.  Vinyl can be patched inexpensively or new covers can be ordered if you want it perfect. 

And not all good boats have Ranger on the side.  Actually JD Powers says they are only second best!!!   Look at a BassCat if you really want the best boat available along with the best customer service!   

Enough of the boat brand chest pounding.... Good Luck with the new boat and let us know how it goes!

[canvsbk]

The motor's the big thing. have it compression checked. Power heads cost tons of $. The cosmetic stuff you can handle pretty easily. Good luck.

[LUMBERLEO]

Thanks a ton guys.  Its a 99 so its old I don't expect it to be perfect.  Its in great shape as far damage to the hull and trailer.  Back compartment clean and organized.  It is a ranger.  The only thing I worry about is the motor.  I'll take it for a spin and see how she does.
How do I go about getting a comprossion test.  How long does it take do I have to make an appointment.  Thanks again for all the info you guys a great......Scott

[Dan]

Compression checks don't take long. Take out a plug, put in the gauge crank the engine. Check around for a buddy that has a gauge and it will only take a few minutes.