1999 Challenger 1800 pre-purchase help

[hivoltage98]

Thanks in advance, I'm looking at buying a 1999 challenger 1800 and I have a few questions if someone can help me:
I am completely new in the boat world so I intend on educating myself on the forum come winter when I put the boat in the garage and work on her:
I looked at the boat tonight and here's what I observed that I need help on:
The fuel cell was half full and definitely old gas and needs a complete fuel system cleaning.
1. Steering wheel wouldn't turn left or right.
Left throttle was free moving, right throttle was a little hesitant to go to full throttle.
The Fingers below the intake on the right were missing.
Left engine temp sensor was broke off.
There was no oil in the bottom of the engine compartment.
New plugs were installed.
I'm going to go over to the boat on Friday night with a battery and a can of fresh gas and a compression tester to see if its worth buying.
he wants 2,000. I'm hoping $1500.

otherwise the hull was clean, no cracks or dents. It needs a good cleaning and new upholstery.

Any input would be definitely helpful!

 

[2x2smoke]

Sounds like its been sitting for too long, frozen cables, bad gas. You need to assume that every system will need to be gone through on a boat you cant test drive. you need to like working on boats yourself.

Take a fresh battery and a spark tester with you. No spark, assume $1000. Questionable rotax 2 stroke engine? Assume $1000

Getting the motors running prior to purchase would be a huge positive. Assume the worst and be happy when you find things otherwise.

Or you could buy mine after a test ride for a fair price and avoid some of the hassle. You are me four months (many hours of labor) ago

 

[hivoltage98]

I do like working inverted all the time[emoji23]. Where are you at and how much?

 

[snikwad003]

The condition of the trailer should be taken into consideration too. You will be in it for a fuel system rebuild at least. The stiff throttle could be at the controls but is probably the cable, same with the steering could be something jammed up at the helm or nozzles but probably not. If you can't get or check spark those MPEMs run like $1500. A compression test would be smart also. Just cause compression is good doesn't mean the crank bearings arnt rusty but is usually a good indicator of overall health. Take some fotos and let us see what you're working with.

 

[hivoltage98]

Trailer is a 2007 shorelander which is in excellent condition. Even has led lighting.

 

[snikwad003]

Well it looks like it's all there so if it has spark the mpem should be good that's what I would worry about. If the motors have compression then you might be able to get it running with only a fuel system rebuild. The cheaper the better

 

[2x2smoke]

I do like working inverted all the time[emoji23]. Where are you at and how much?

$2800 for mine just south of winchester, va. It needs seats too but they are already stripped out (6 hours labor) awaiting new covers. I'm currently enjoying it sitting on beanbags. Two days ago spent out on the potomac river.

 

[hivoltage98]

Send me some pictures