Very Low Usage

[panda9958]

I have an offer in on a 7.1m bowrider. She is a 2001 boat and has only done 32 hours. She has always been kept on a trailer.

Should I be concerned about the very low hours on a 6 year old boat ?

Thanks.

 

[[2068]]

Yes! Check that regular(once per season) servicing and winterising still happened, and for corrosion anywhere on risers, manifolds, etc.

Budget for extra mechanical remedial work compared to one that has been used regularly.

dv.

 

[duncan]

a lot depends on the engine and how it's been treated / where it;s been used.

for example a sea water (raw) cooled petrol inboard used 10 times in salt water but not properly flushed through and winterised could have lots of nasties - but he same boat, same usage properly flushed and winterised could be 'perfect'.

I would take my clue from the service history - despite the low hours it should have had a couple of services............if not then ??????

 

[duncan]

oh no - we are agreeing................. /forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif

 

[oldgit]

Agree with the others,a nice bit fat wodge of paperwork always helps.also when was work carried out.

Is it a one owner boat?,used on salt or fresh?
Can get a sea trial?

As others have said before the normal story is

Stage One Ooo ....I fancy a boat,how difficult can That be to drive.
Stage Two. Buy shiny new whizzy boat with all toys trailer etc etc .
Stage Three use lots for first season and then do something scary..... friends/wife/ fast lose interest. .
Stage Four.Boat sits outside house for year or two.
Stage Five.Wife wants boat OFF THE DRIVE NOW.
Stage Six.Canny buyer get bargain.

 

[hlb]

I cant see a well used bowrider having done that many more hours. It's not the sort of boat for long journeys. Maybe just half an hour to the beach, stop for the day, then back again. So thats one hour running, five times a year. Dont sound to bad for the average British weather.

I dont think, double or treble those hours would make much difference. Make sure the oil/gear oils are clean and free from water. Other than that, I cant see much of a problem.

 

[panda9958]

Thanks guys, the boat has a 5.7 volvo engine which looks very clean on the outside. She is currently winterised so have not had a sea trial yet. I understand there is service history but have not actually seen it.

 

[duncan]

that all sounds good so far...........all the best

 

[hlb]

Well see the history before you go any further, though the recorded history, does not necesarily mean, it's not been serviced. See my car for instance. /forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif

But oil left in the engine, year after year, will certainly do harm.

 

[Nautorius]

As others have highlighted,

not uncommon with small sportsboats. Check history...well. Even if they show you two years but cannot find latest then often a sign they gave up on boat!

Cheers

Paul /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif