buying a boat

[Bombay994]

I'm looking at buying a 84 mastercraft stars and stripes ski boat. I was wondering if anyone on here has ever owned something similar. I am not sure what to look out for on these when buying, and was hoping for some input. Anybody know of common issues with these, or problems I should be looking for?

[Bu11dogg2]

Boats are very similar to cars in teh respect that you need to give it a good one over.

Check the bow and aft for cracks or dents.

Check the drive line for rust or wear.

Since it's a ski boat you can assume it has been used as that... so check the hooks for cracks or damage.

If it's an inboard check the compartment for signs of water leaks. Check the oil and other fluids as you would with a car.

If it's an outboard check the seals on the engine cover. Some outboards are gas/oil fed like chainsaws. If you don't know th eoperation of one I woudl have it inspected.

Check the trailer too. Parts are more expensive for the trailer then the boat.

A couple good indications of neglect are:

1. lack of registration stickers
2. mold/moss groth
3. dents or cracks in the hull
4. not the original inboard motor or smaller then normal outboard.

If you don't know motors I would have it looked at.

GL with the purchase.

[TurboRush]

where is drippydik... he should be able to provide input.

[banned4life]

boats.. the never ending money hole.

[starhm]

i highly recommend getting on a boating forum and searching the type of boat you want and read up. ask some questions...couldnt hurt. they have to have their own forum somewhere. but if you buy a boat, you can never complain about the cars gas cumsumption again...also make sure what u get will handle the ethenol in boat fuel now or may need converted. conversions for a boat are pricey...

[Kevin]

boats.. the never ending money hole.

thats what I think of them.

[TrickyDik]

where is drippydik... he should be able to provide input.

Sorry I was sleeping today, worked last night.

Randy pretty much covered it.

I'm not a boat expert by any means, I just have to deal with the idiots who get into trouble on the water. So my words of advice are, don't be an idiot.

[pjk91]

would jumping waves while cruising along at 50+ mph in a 3 passenger jetboat be classified as "being an idiot?" :)

[TrickyDik]

would jumping waves while cruising along at 50+ mph in a 3 passenger jetboat be classified as "being an idiot?" :)

No, not if the pilot of the boat is skilled enough to do such maneuvers.

[AllWheelDriveIsAllIllDriv]

would jumping waves while cruising along at 50+ mph in a 3 passenger jetboat be classified as "being an idiot?" :)

only if you are the moron that I saw last summer almost flip his boat down in salem sound. I saw into the cockpit from my boat off to the side. But i don't think it was you. this boat had two guys in it.
plus I don't think your a moron

Money pits, but then so are cars if you mod them:spin:

The biggest thing I've seen and have had to tow back to port is the ethanol clogging the fuel filters. I've heard it eats away at some plastic tanks.

Do you have a compression tester? I would def do that.

don't worry some compound and tree wax and you can get that thing to shine.