SoCal Jet Boats

Classifieds => Boats For Sale => Topic started by: jet crazy on September 30, 2010, 06:10:52 PM

Title: What to look for/look out for when buying a boat?
Post by: jet crazy on September 30, 2010, 06:10:52 PM
hey whats up guys, yeah im a newbe to the site, i have been on here for a bit doing my home work, lurking on threads and taking in as much as possable. First off you guy have some sick ass boats!  well done :thumbup: Well im on my way of doing the same and thats why im here posting this thread.

So i have about 7k to spend on a jet boat, what do i need to look for in buying a used boat? like for insance the hull, the pump, stress cracks so forth...  i was wondering if you guy had any particular thing to look for eather in the boat, the engine and the tailer?



PS and im not sure if this is the right place to be posting this thread? if not were should i post thanks "no wake zone?"

Thanks

Dan
Title: Re: What to look for/look out for when buying a boat?
Post by: crewchief22 on September 30, 2010, 06:23:11 PM
Try to get as much information as possible from the seller (receipts, last overhaul on engine/pump, any newer parts already installed...).

Inspect the hull for cracks, soft spots in the floor, rot in the stringers or transom wood.
Inspect the wiring at the engine and under the dash for burns or loose connections.
Inspect the cables for smooth operation (throttle, forward/revers, place diverter...)
Inspect the engine to make sure the distributor is at the back  ;D

Welcome to SCJB
Title: Re: What to look for/look out for when buying a boat?
Post by: 76NORDIC on September 30, 2010, 06:26:37 PM
Inspect the engine to make sure the distributor is at the back     :screwy:  That there is funny X2, also with what CC said and welcome
Title: Re: What to look for/look out for when buying a boat?
Post by: Ralph Brunt on September 30, 2010, 07:21:55 PM
a lot of things to consider,
1) what is the intended use
2) how fast do you want to go
3) power and jet (brands)
4) can you work on it/ do you want too?
5) brand, some will be more$$ but will hold a resale value better i/e hallett or hawaiian
6)$$$ you say about 7k, that will get you a lot of boat in this weak market

just some things you will need to answer for us to guide you to a solid purchase, and maybe just maybe you wont go down the painfull path that many of us have.

ralph
Title: Re: What to look for/look out for when buying a boat?
Post by: jet boat performance on September 30, 2010, 07:35:04 PM
Well said everyone  !! and.............

HOOD ornaments are always important too  ;)
(https://www.socaljetboats.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi147.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fr319%2Fjetboatperformance%2FSA%2520playday%252008%2FResizeofphotoshoot045.jpg&hash=896a7a10f59a24c1d042f3df89b2d903035632b5)
Title: Re: What to look for/look out for when buying a boat?
Post by: SuperJet on September 30, 2010, 08:19:03 PM
Hey Tom, don't you mean Deck Ornaments.? ;D


Which reminds me, I really need to get me one of those for my float. :banghead:
Title: Re: What to look for/look out for when buying a boat?
Post by: jet boat performance on September 30, 2010, 08:34:24 PM
Well said everyone  !! and.............

HOOD DECK ornaments are always important too  ;) (Changed it Bud !!)
(https://www.socaljetboats.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi147.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fr319%2Fjetboatperformance%2FSA%2520playday%252008%2FResizeofphotoshoot045.jpg&hash=896a7a10f59a24c1d042f3df89b2d903035632b5)
Title: Re: What to look for/look out for when buying a boat?
Post by: 1972Challenger on September 30, 2010, 08:48:36 PM
got me one of those!! O0
Title: Re: What to look for/look out for when buying a boat?
Post by: ka0tyk on September 30, 2010, 09:44:52 PM
bring a small hammer or something metal with ya.  tap on the floor in areas like the corners, tap the stringers.  delaminated or rotten wood will have a different tone than a nice solid structure.  check out the bottom for scratches.  make sure theres aluminum tanks, all the gauges work. at this time of the year people are putting their boats away so make sure you dont get a boat thats all used up and needs everything to be replaced/gone thru. 

lastly, see if u can go with em to take it for a spin.  you'll never know how it runs until you actually run it.  perhaps even leave a small deposit for his time.  spending $100 is better than $1000 later on when you find something wrong.

lastly the boat should SCREAM out at you.  theres SOOO much to choose from.  if its not screaming BUY ME, walk away and wait another day on craigslist.  your boat will pop up.
Title: Re: What to look for/look out for when buying a boat?
Post by: FordLover on October 01, 2010, 06:45:09 AM
lastly the boat should SCREAM out at you.  theres SOOO much to choose from.  if its not screaming BUY ME, walk away and wait another day on craigslist.  your boat will pop up.


Besides all of the hull/engine/pump inspections, I think the above advice is also very important.  Good one!  :thumbup:
Title: Re: What to look for/look out for when buying a boat?
Post by: GT Jets on October 01, 2010, 07:01:20 AM
When buying a "turn key running boat" go to the water and see, hear and feel it run...It may not be as "turn key" as was advertised...

Number one mistake made when buying a boat.  ;)

Another good indicator of what condition the boat is in is the condition of the wood in the seats...Most boat builders just coated everything with resin, the wood is not very protected... :thumbup:

GT
Title: Re: What to look for/look out for when buying a boat?
Post by: jet crazy on October 01, 2010, 08:45:16 AM
Thanks guys for all of the replys, that is axactly what I was looking for. I might be going to look at one this weekend that's if my hood/deck orderment/ wife changes her mind of going out of town.

Well I sent a message to a one of the guys here on scjb and was asking on how he was throwing that nasty rooster tail of his. Y'all probably know who that would be, he told me to get a boat first witch I totally understand, it's like teaching a kid to ride a bike with no bike. Hahah. Any way my plan is when I do eventually get this vessel all I want it for is to throw the wickedest ( don't even know if that's a word) roostr tail. I don't care about speed. Just planning on what set up to run on the pump. I know a split bowl needs to be preasent and a diverter.

I'm going to take my time in finding the right boat and some what of the right set up for my jet boat needs. It might be soon or it might be next season, well se what's out there and what's to come.

And again thanks guys for all the feed back it's great.

Dan
Title: Re: What to look for/look out for when buying a boat?
Post by: Ralph Brunt on October 01, 2010, 08:46:06 AM

Besides all of the hull/engine/pump inspections, I think the above advice is also very important.  Good one!  :thumbup:

the only thing a boat that i was buying said was HELP ME :-[
Title: Re: What to look for/look out for when buying a boat?
Post by: FordLover on October 01, 2010, 10:18:00 AM
the only thing a boat that i was buying said was HELP ME :-[

Hopefully the boat doesnt talk to you quite like this.....or maybe you might talk to the boat:
 ;D


Help me help you *** Jerry Maguire (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AGt5f70K02Q&feature=related#)
Title: Re: What to look for/look out for when buying a boat?
Post by: pure ndn on November 18, 2010, 06:40:02 PM
when i was looking for a flottie all i looked for was thick hual and a deck willing to put up with a few honeys dancein on it without failure and all the rest of the stuff these guys said ;D
Title: Re: What to look for/look out for when buying a boat?
Post by: mpj1617 on November 19, 2010, 02:03:41 PM
Hey I live close to you, come look at my boat. I am gonna let it go for 4500 turn key boat... super clean. Im am in Stockton.
Title: Re: What to look for/look out for when buying a boat?
Post by: kachina on January 25, 2011, 07:11:41 PM
Dan do you have children? It's important to think of them if you do. They may not be into speed, looks, jets, I/O's, skiing, wakeboarding, etc.. But at some point they will. If they're not happy on the water neither are you! Have fun with that.
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