99 19ft wa 3.0 I/o ??

[klwilliams1021]

Looking at this boat for 5000$ , going to test ride tomorrow . Owner has all maintenance documents from local marine shop . I don't intend on going off shore . Mainly lakes and maybe the bay once in a while . What do you all think or suggest?? Oh , this will be my very first boat.

[freezerfiller]

Looks like a good deal. How many hours? Was it previously in salt water? If so, is it raw water cooled or fresh water cooled?

[klwilliams1021]

I don't have an answer for either of those questions. We don't live by salt water. So maybe not much , I will ask tomorrow. Man , any help with what to ask and look at would be great

[freezerfiller]

Walk the deck, bounce on the deck and feel for any sponginess that would indicate a loose stringer. check to make sure all the electrical circuits/nav lights work. Take it for a sea trial and watch the gauges and look for anything iffy. The hulls on these boats are really strong and the biggest knock is the electrical system. For that price, I don't think you could go wrong unless its raw water cooled and has been used in salt water for several years. Does it come with a trailer?

[klwilliams1021]

Yes , trailer is included . This boat is wood less if I understand correctly?? I will certainly do everything you said.

[klwilliams1021]

What should I look for on the guages?

[gnrphil]

Just look for all the gauges working, especially temp, volts and fuel. Yes a 99 should be wood free. That's a nice looking boat there.

[klwilliams1021]

Being a first time boat owner is exciting and shopping is overwhelming to say the least. I settled on this or something similar for the versatility. I appreciate any and all advice.

[gnrphil]

Ask all the questions you want, don't worry about thinking they might be stupid questions because we've all been first time boaters. We're here to help if we can so fire away.
I would suggest having a mechanic look over the motor before you buy if you don't know what to look for, the electrical stuff is pretty simple and we can help you with that along the way.

[AHHHH-Spray]

There's some good info on the BOAT US website for first time buyers. Here's a link to their boat evaluation checklist :
www.boatus.com/buyer/guide/checklist.asp
Looks like a good deal if there are no major problems.

[freezerfiller]

,,, Oh, and make sure she floats!

[klwilliams1021]

You guys have been very helpful already ! The boat is currently at the marine shop, he is checking if it's been dewinterized yet . If so I'm going to look at it today.

[klwilliams1021]

Additional pictures

[985crabs]

Consider hiring a boat surveyor. It will cost you a couple hundred, but you'll get a very detailed report about the craft in question. (Looks great, by the way.) They'll check out every facet and give you the good, bad and ugly. I'd ask them to pressure test the fuel tank. A 20-year old boat's fuel tank only has so much longevity. Replacing it will be a major undertaking and expense.

[captduck]

Those are good little engine. About a 130 or 135 hp. They will last as long as maintenance is done on it. Aside from everything that has been mentioned already. Ask when was the last time the water pump and impeller in the outdrive was changed. Also the shift throttle cable... they do go out or get stuff. Also check how the steering is. As I don’t see a hydraulic steering unit on that engine. Last time the plugs and oil changed? And gear drive oil change? And please check the bellows. They get dry rotted over time and if dry rotted and torn it will sink a boat unless you have a darn good bulge pump. I would try and work out a new bellows job in the price. Unless he can show you they have been replaced recently! But overall a good engine just don’t expect to be a speed demon with it!!!