96 Challenger in drydock for 1 year

[gener8s]

Looking at a 96 Challenger, need advice

I am looking to buy a 96 Challenger, It hasn't seen the water since last Aug. (over a year). It has been stored outside and uncovered since then but the owner assures me it was fully winterized prier to that by a doo dealer. Anyone have any opinions over advice on what I should be looking for in particular, the price is right but I don't want to get into trouble with a lemon. I'm a truck mechanic and know the rotax engine fairly well, but the rest of the boat is a mystery to me. Going to ask to do a compression test and if he refuses the deal is dead.THX

 

[RFoster130]

I am looking to buy a 96 Challenger, It hasn't seen the water since last Aug. (over a year). It has been stored outside and uncovered since then but the owner assures me it was fully winterized prier to that by a doo dealer. Anyone have any opinions over advice on what I should be looking for in particular, the price is right but I don't want to get into trouble with a lemon. I'm a truck mechanic and know the rotax engine fairly well, but the rest of the boat is a mystery to me. Going to ask to do a compression test and if he refuses the deal is dead.THX

Myself, I would be reluctant to buy a boat that someone left outside uncovered for over a year. If they are going to take care of it that way, what other abuse and lack of maintenance are they guilty of? I would only buy it if it was extremely cheap. Too many other good deals out there on boats that were well taken care of.

 

[timmyboy76]

price...

all depends on the ask'n/agreeing price. Little bit of elbow grease w/rubbing compound and about 4-5 hundred buks, will take care of upholstery, and even if a new motor, at a tune of 1000 buks, so your in for what, 1600 buks, plus say, 1000 buks for boat....you got a BRAND NEW boat, for 2500 buks..?

 

[roneagan@cfl.rr.com]

I had let my 98 speedster sit for over year at one point.. I am now back to using it on a regular basis.. When i first got it back in the water I had a few little issues.. 1) The tuned pipes had corrosion so the plugs needed to be repaired, the bilge pump was not working, and a few other minor things like changing the gas, and all new oil in the tank too .. For the first few hours I tool it easy not going to WOT at all, I ran about 5-6k on the tach for a while.. I know feel comfortable running it up to 7K without any issue, and it really sounds great.. I recently bought a ski that sat for 8 years!! Cleaned it up, rebuilt carbs and changed the wear ring... It runs great too.. Just don't pay to much for it, a little work and you will have a great boat.. I was out on mine for a few hours today, much better than work!!! The picture is of my $350 ski after it was cleaned up and the spider nest and webs removed from teh pump..LOL..I spent aroung $250.00 fixing all the problems..

 

[gener8s]

This guy wants $3500 cdn for this one. Can probably get it for $3000. He is using the excuse that it is already winterized to give me the run around about hearing it run and even seeing it in the water!, Who the hell expects to sell boat that they don't want to start!

 

[RFoster130]

Sounds fishy to me. whats the conversion to USD?

 

[gener8s]

Here are some pics, not looking too good, Converts to about $3300 US

 

[RFoster130]

Exactly my point earlier. If he let it fall apart sitting out, what else did he fail to take care of? Personally I would pass.

 

[imnothot02]

YEA no go on that boat, look how high the water was in the boat! imagine how high it was in the engine bay sitin around the engines! Mabie fer 1500 bucks id take it!

 

[RFoster130]

Yeah it looks rough. Thats way too much for it.

 

[imnothot02]

engine i should say

 

[timmyboy76]

going rate...

for perfect running, upholstered boat....