Is this a good deal?

[keyboardwarrior95]

Hello, I'm looking to buy this fletcher arrowsport 155 GTO with a 1985 75hp merc 4 cyl for £1500.

Is this a good price and would anyone have any worries about buying this boat?

Thanks

 

[rafiki_]

Need a bit more info about service history and conditions before giving a sensible reply, but sounds cheap to me.

 

[Jurgen]

PM RBcoomer, he is pretty well the expert on Fletchers

 

[keyboardwarrior95]

Hello, thanks for responding, it is supposed to have seen mostly fresh water use at a skiing club and I'm told it has been serviced every year since my friend brought it.

So, does it sound okay, or one to avoid? thanks again

 

[rafiki_]

Hello, thanks for responding, it is supposed to have seen mostly fresh water use at a skiing club and I'm told it has been serviced every year since my friend brought it.

So, does it sound okay, or one to avoid? thanks again

Worth following Jurgens advice. "Supposed" and "serviced every year" make me shudder. If serviced, then there should be receipts, so I would ask for them. Most of your money is going on the motor, this is the important thing to check. Boats can generally be repaired with a bit of time and effort, engines/drives are expensive to repair.

 

[keyboardwarrior95]

okay thanks, will ask RBcoomer and will also find receipts

 

[landlockedpirate]

I agree with the comments about service history, but the problem is that boats that old and that cheap just dont have any history. Lots of these boats have been DIY serviced for years, so even less chance of paperwork. A big chunk of the value is also in the trailer, check bearings and brakes if fitted.

The boat is cheap, they go for well over that on Ebay. Service history is important but at this price point, what it sounds like and how it performs are just as important. It needs to start. idle and accelerate through the rev range both slowly and quickly. Check the floor in the boat, especially under the front seats and make sure you give it a full service when you get it, including the gear oil and impellor.

Max engine for that boat was 85hp, so it will perform well (We had a 90 on one and did 40-45mph depending on prop). Great hull, really stable and cuts through chop nicely but can be wet in big waves due to low bow and freeboard.

All in all a great boat at a good price, if it all works.

 

[Spi D]

An engine around 25 years old may be virtually anything. A thorough checking and sea trial will show if it is ok (in that moment).

If at anytime it fails seriously i'd be prepared to repower.

 

[keyboardwarrior95]

I have seen it running and it starts on the key instantly and runs though the rpm range fast and slow, and also idling strongly and a good rpm (750-800 )

Although, if it does go wrong, I should be able to repair most things, having rebuilt many smaller mercs up to 15hp

although, does anyone know what the engine would be worth alone if in good running order?

Thanks

 

[Spi D]

Did you test it under load (at sea)?

Given it has been used for skiing it must have had good deal of full throttle which actually is good. These engines like to work, not idle for extended periods.

On itself the engine will have better value if sold in working order, even as a trade-in when getting a new(er). Check ads to get an idea about asking prices, actual sale prices likely to be 20-30% lower

 

[keyboardwarrior95]

I havent been able to take it out as we are away from the sea here and it is no longer registered for the skiing club it was used at.

I did film this:

 

[Spi D]

Appears ok, but not enough to really judge it.

OTOH it is cheap enough so risk is low, moneywise.

Does the boat fit your needs or is it interesting just because you got it offered?

 

[keyboardwarrior95]

I asked my friend to sell it as he hasn't used it since he brought a bigger phantom 16 a few months ago. I have always had smaller boats with nothing bigger than a 30hp outboard and want to have something bigger

 

[Spi D]

If you have the money and your friendship can survive whatever may arise from the deal, go for it.

 

[rbcoomer]

Thanks for PMs. Not at all sure about the 'expert' bit Andy as learning more all the time!

Would agree with all that Landlockedpirate and Spi D have said above - it's all about condition and what the various bits might cost to replace. There are so many boats around that are a fraction of their worth if you had to assemble a similar package, but to replace any one aspect can be as expensive as the initial purchase. A good engine of that size is worth most of the asking price and a good trailer not much less. The downside of that of course is if you miss something and have to replace one of the expensive bits. The more you learn to do yourself, the less the risk of big bills - provided you're not one to take shortcuts and do the maintenance correctly. If there's no receipts then the previous owner has possibly done just that and you probably need to gauge if he's one of the meticulous ones or someone who's taken shortcuts - that's the tricky bit!

I'd say it's a good deal at that price, but will add that I paid the same for our 1992 Arrowsport 150 in February! Ours is a complete Blackmax package with original trailer (with new axle & brakes in 2013) and the 90hp Merc. I took a bit of a gamble as there were jobs that needed doing, engine hadn't run in 18 months and didn't start, PTT didn't work and a few other aspects needed attention like new fuel lines etc. I replaced starter, did full service including gearbox & impeller, new PTT relay, cleaned all electrical contacts and replaced fuel lines, filters etc - but still a bargain IMHO!

As also mentioned above, they're great hulls and with a good amount of extra space and freeboard compared with our earlier Arrowflyte, it's been a great upgrade for us.

Best regards,

Robin

 

[keyboardwarrior95]

Thanks for PMs. Not at all sure about the 'expert' bit Andy as learning more all the time!

Would agree with all that Landlockedpirate and Spi D have said above - it's all about condition and what the various bits might cost to replace. There are so many boats around that are a fraction of their worth if you had to assemble a similar package, but to replace any one aspect can be as expensive as the initial purchase. A good engine of that size is worth most of the asking price and a good trailer not much less. The downside of that of course is if you miss something and have to replace one of the expensive bits. The more you learn to do yourself, the less the risk of big bills - provided you're not one to take shortcuts and do the maintenance correctly. If there's no receipts then the previous owner has possibly done just that and you probably need to gauge if he's one of the meticulous ones or someone who's taken shortcuts - that's the tricky bit!

I'd say it's a good deal at that price, but will add that I paid the same for our 1992 Arrowsport 150 in February! Ours is a complete Blackmax package with original trailer (with new axle & brakes in 2013) and the 90hp Merc. I took a bit of a gamble as there were jobs that needed doing, engine hadn't run in 18 months and didn't start, PTT didn't work and a few other aspects needed attention like new fuel lines etc. I replaced starter, did full service including gearbox & impeller, new PTT relay, cleaned all electrical contacts and replaced fuel lines, filters etc - but still a bargain IMHO!

As also mentioned above, they're great hulls and with a good amount of extra space and freeboard compared with our earlier Arrowflyte, it's been a great upgrade for us.

Best regards,

Robin

hi again, thanks for reply! Think I will go for it, will let everyone know the result!

Also, Robin, I noticed your from s. Devon, you ever been to coombe cellers down the river teign, if so you may have seen me skiing!

 

[rbcoomer]

Haha! Yes. Was there a few weeks ago - there were some guys skiing then too!

 

[rbcoomer]

Familiar view?

 

[keyboardwarrior95]

Familiar view?

haha yes, very familiar, in fact the yellow phantom 16 boat mooring up is called body language if I remember right? he is a big skier, says at the same place as me! also my uncles boat is there to!

 

[keyboardwarrior95]

actuly, I thought that arrowstreak was my uncles, turns out it's not, he has the same boat though!