looking at a boat

[chaser]

Gday every one , ive found a boat that i like ...
4.1mt stacer painted inside and out
v-nose flat bottom punt
95 dunber trailer
bait well
saftey gear for 4 people
87-88 mod 30 horse yammi
2 swivele seats with 3 holes (so they can be moved around the boat)
carpeted floor with built in storige up front (under casting deck)
and storige at rear as well
$5500
any thing to look at (eg sertin spots that are bad for electrolisis)
this is my first boat and i want to go to cape york agen next year and i think it would be ideal for it (and brimmin)
cheers chaser
:D :confused:

[jimi]

Hey Chaser. The main thing that would worry me about that boat is its age. The motor is around 15 years old so it's definately worth getting it checked out by someone who knows about motors (unless you do?). Ask to see the service history if there is one.

Some other things to look for is rust in the trailer, especially around the springs and spring hangers. Also have a look inside the box section (with a torch) for any rust in the main framework. Also check that the wheel bearings are not old and ceased up.

If you are going to cape york, the trailer needs to be well built. I've heard some horror stories of even new trailers desintegrating on corregated roads in the top end.

As for the boat, check with a torch along the major welds for any hairline cracks or attempts to weld up cracks.

If it has wooden floors, make sure the wood is not rotten.

If it has any wiring, make sure it is not earthed to the hull, this causes electrolysis very quickly. Electrical systems should be earthed back to the battery. At least, that is what I've been told by various people who should know. Also see if any wires' insulation is cracked and maybe touching the hull.

That's a start, I'm sure that other people around here will give you some more good advice too.

Cheers
James.

[chaser]

thanks jimmi
i have a basik knowlidge of small engines ( i know how to re build a mx bike any way)
the boat is throgh a dealer who ive known for a few years and he seems to be fairly genuine....:confused: if a dealer can be??
and yeah the trailer is in fairly good nick but the moter il a little long in the tooth ..
is $5500 to much ?
its been sitting in the yard for quite a while
cheers chaser

[Bear]

Have a look at the hull underneath and check for cracking around the transom end of the boat. If the boat has not been fastened to the trailer properly, this is one of the first spots that can crack on a pressed hull.

Check for pitting at the inside bottom of the boat. If the boat has been left outside with water in it, you'll often find the hull is pitted.

Check the seams as well where it has been welded. If it's taken a hammering then the seam welds should be checked.

Here's a start, I'm sure the guys will have a few more to add from here.

[jimi]

It's hard to say if that is too much. I think it is probably a little on the high side for a boat of that age, but if it is all in good nick then that may be ok.

Probably worth having a look in the local trading post to see what similar boats are selling for.

[chaser]

any one got any ideas on how these boats handle a bitt o chop??
havent got to test er yet
cheers chaser

[chaser]

ahhh trading post ------------ILL BE BACK

[chaser]

does look a bit deer but i like the look of it :rolleyes:
i await your repliys ...........
thanks heaps peoples
chaser

[jimi]

Hey, if it suits your needs and you are happy with the price, then go for it.

Waiting for the perfect boat at the perfect price is a bit like waiting for a big lotto win, you'll be dead before it happens. :D

[Jocool]

you'll be dead before it happens.

Now there is a confidence booster if ever I saw one!!!!:cool:

Hi Chaser,
I have done that cape trip several time, lol will be doing it again in a couple of days. mate you have to make sure your trailer is in tip top condition, go over the trailer with a microscope for cracks:D put new springs, bearings, tyres and u bolts on it before you even think of doing the cape trip.

Cheers Samurai

[chaser]

ive got phisiyo and doc appointments today so i cant get a look at it till tomorrow ....
the last cape trip i went on we put our punt on the roof of the cruser .. it worked really well...
samurai where abouts on the cape are you going ....
loved mutee point(think thats how its spelt) we lived out there for nearly a month .... catching the biggest queenies on popperes is great stuff on every cast !!! living on crabs, barra and oysters mmmm gotta get back there
cheers chaser

[chaser]

NOTE THE POPPER HANGIN OUT OF MY MATES LEG IN THE PIC thats why you thake the lure out of the fish BEFORE you take the photo .
i had to cut the hooks of 2 setts of trebbles to get em out
chaser.

[SimonT]

Chaser,

I have recently learnt a couple of lessons with the boat I bought second hand (it is only a couple of years old) recently, and thought they might help you out a bit.

The simplest way to find any cracks or through-hull pitting is to park the trailer on some flat ground, put in the bungs and fill up the hull to just above the chines with water. This way all you have to do is look for water drops on the outside rather than cracks or holes which can be very hard to find by eye.

Also if there is floatation under the floor which is plain old polystyrene (like the stuff you would use for crab pot floats) and the hull is not painted then you could be in trouble. I had issues with some pitting because material got trapped between the floor and foam and caused electrolysis. When I ripped the whole floor out I didn't find anything (hooks, sinkers etc) which would have caused it, but when I spoke to the bloke who welded it up he said even grains of sand or leaves (caught between the hull and foam) can cause electrolysis. The only indication I could find of the pitting from the outside was some small rough spots on the underside of the hull (the rest of the hull was smooth). Hence I would recommend pulling up the floor to check if the paint goes all over the floor, and what the floatation material is.

Hope this is of some help.

SimonT

[jimi]

Hey SimonT, that is good advice. I've even heard of corrosion happening in the anchor well due to all the salt and moisture trapped by the rope and chain against the hull. A good argument for plastic or plastic lined anchor wells in alloy boats.

I've heard of a few guys who have taken out the old style open cell foam floatation from their boats and replaced it with plastic drink containers with thier lids glued on. That is supposed to reduce the risk of corrosion pin holes appearing. Still can't beat regular inspections though.

Most of the newer foam is sealed on the outside to stop water from becoming trapped in the pores. If you cut the stuff you need to seal it again to reduce problems.

Cheers
James.

[chaser]

thanks heaps simon im going to have a look agen tomorrow and ill be taking my torch ...;) ive got all the time in the world to look at it and i recin the dealer will be sick of seeing me by the time im finished (ive got a broken leg so ive got ooooodles of time)...
thanks agen for the help and im looking forward to more comments..
cheers chaser:p