Is it safe to buy a boat with rebuilt engine?

[Clirry]

I am superb newbie here but i got a friend who got knowledges with seadoo PWCs. I found a 1997 seadoo challenger with rebuilt engine. He said it has been rebuilt by seadoo technician... I asked him why rebuilt, he said it was improperly running. SHould i pass that or?

Thanks

 

[Dr Honda]

A properly rebuilt engine is as good as new. No reason to pass, if the price is right, and runs well.

As far as asking "Why was it done".... that's almost a silly question. These engines are run hard... and in it's 15 year life... it will need to have been done at least once.

 

[Coastiejoe]

I concur.

I would NOT buy it without doing a compression test and doing a test ride.

 

[LouDoo]

Actually on a 16year old boat, I would prefer to have a rebuilt motor, if the boat has the original motor it's going to need a rebuild soon.

Lou

 

[smc0922]

I agree, I'd prefer it to have a rebuilt motor, but documented. Receipts are king. No receipt or documentation, then it's not rebuilt in my opinion and I'd lower my offer accordingly. And no, a piston kit is not a rebuild. I'd be very curious to see proof of a rebuilt crankshaft.

 

[richardpr]

its safe, but it depends on who did the rebuild

 

[Clirry]

Great! Many thanks for your inputs. I guess I ll give it a look at rebuilt one and see if anything good. Then another one in mass that has an original engine but non working hours... Both are at same price.

 

[Dr Honda]

Great! Many thanks for your inputs. I guess I ll give it a look at rebuilt one and see if anything good. Then another one in mass that has an original engine but non working hours... Both are at same price.

If the other boat is a seadoo... a dealer can read the time in the MPEM. (computer) It may cost you a few $$$ for them to check... but it may be worth it.

BUT... as the guys above said... a 15 year old engine, will be at the end of it's life... unless you find out that the boat has almost no time on it. BUT... since they are run hard, and put away wet... a low hour engine can be just as bad as a high time engine.


A compression check, and a test ride is your best bet before you buy. (unless you are buying a project)