Boat puchase

[oakleyb]

Looking at buying a Maxi 84, had a look around one this weekend and was very impressed. Does anybody have knowledge of these boats from this forum. It has original Volvo 18ho MD7b engine (quoted as being serviced yearly) What options do i have in testing this engine prior to purchase. Boat currently ashore

 

[robmcg]

I can only offer my opinion on this. I have bought 2 boats in the last 2 years, the surveyors for both offered general observations about the exterior condition of the engine but state that a separate engine survey by an engineer would be required if you needed more detail. Our Moody was ashore and the surveyor did start and run up the engine to see if there was anything obvious eg smoking, rough running etc. This can be done easily by shutting the engine seawater cock and putting a running hosepipe in where the raw water strainer goes. Generally if the engine starts, runs and stops without excessive smoking, the oil levels are correct and there are no leaks and the gearbox oil is nice and clear then things should be OK. Volvo engines are generally quite hardy and will stand a certain amount of abuse - the parts are quite expensive though and can make you wince a bit. Check carefully the engine mounts - if any look suspect, get a couple of hundred knocked off!

 

[capt_courageous]

Hi
How old is the engine? If it is raw water cooled they can suffer from poor cooling due to bunged up waterways as they get older. If you do get to run it take off the oil filler cap while it is running and check no nasty smoke is coming up from the crankcase.