Looking to buy a 1995 Speedster

[luke456]

Hello All,

Been browsing this forum for a couple hours now trying to get some info on the 1995 Speedster. Haven't ever owned a boat before but now am looking to buy a 1995 Speedster. Was looking for some info on what I should look for condition wise.

Here is what I know:
-Asking for $3300
-2nd owner
-New seats
-New Battery
-Comes with trailer (new tires on trailer)
-Comes with 4 life jackets and a tow rope
-Owner doesn't know how many hours the boat has (says the boat didn't come with an hour gauge).
-Boat is kept out of the water on the trailer when not in use.

I am thinking about taking it for a test drive to see how it runs.
Do you think this is a decent asking price?
Are there any specific things I should be looking for when test driving?
I want to look for things that will expose maintenance neglect or abuse.

Thank you and I look forward to reading your responses!
If I left out any information just let me know.

-Luke

 

[Dr Honda]

Price is ok... as long as it runs good. Take it for a ride, and if everything works... get a compression number, and if it's better than 140 psi... buy it.

 

[RFoster130]

I'm with Doc. If it runs and looks decent, that is a ok price. Just make sure to take it out on a water test. Let it get warm and test every function. Then do a compression test, if it all checks out, buy it.

 

[luke456]

I'm with Doc. If it runs and looks decent, that is a ok price. Just make sure to take it out on a water test. Let it get warm and test every function. Then do a compression test, if it all checks out, buy it.

Thanks for the advice guys. Checking out the boat tomorrow and ill have my compression tester with me. Wish me luck.

 

[luke456]

Hello again,

Just got back from looking at the boat. After taking the boat for a ride and checking it out I decided not to buy it. Thought I would get an opinion if I made a good decision. We didn't have time to compression test the engine before the test drive because of a no wake rule that started at 6:30 so we had to quickly get it in the water before that. The boat seemed to run well. Started right up and sounded good. It looked to be in decent shape. It had a lot of scuffs and dings but that's expected for a 16 year old boat. Anyways we got it out of the water and about 15 minutes later did a compression test. One cylinder was 135 and the rest were around 137. After that I was looking at the rest of the boat and found the fiberglass had been patched on the underside. Looked as if a 6 long by 2 inch wide hole was gashed from a rock or running it up onto shore. I was able to talk him down to $3150 but that was before I found the gash. Anyways I ended up walking away from the deal. Hopefully I made a good decision. Is it typical for these boats to get damage like that?

Thanks again for everyone's help, it is much appreciated.

 

[ocod]

The bottom is at the bottom and wont be seen. As long as it was repaired right is wouldn't be a deal breaker.
Compression 10% off but ran on the lake test.

In the end you have to be happy.

 

[Dr Honda]

I would have walked away too. There are too many other boats out there, to buy one with a patch in the hull. The patch it self isn't a big deal... but I've see too many repairs that are done in someone's garage, and they have no idea on how to do it properly. I've also seen too many patches fall out, or leak.

The second thing is... those engines are probably the original engines... and they are getting tired. In the next year or two... they are going to need rebuilt.

I think you did the right thing.

 

[RFoster130]

yeah i agree. Way too many other deals out there. If the patch was that noticeable, i would be leary. As the summer winds down, people will be trying to unload them and the bargains are out there.

 

[Gamerse]

A hull alone on ebay sells for $750.00+ When someone is not upfront about major problems and repairs, it is time to walk away, or seriously renegotiate the deal. With the 96 being the ideal sportster of its erra, (my opinion) walking from that one was smart. I agree with everyone above, hold on to the cash, you will find a good deal if your patient.

:cheers:
Ernest

p.s. welcome to the forums

 

[luke456]

Thanks for the tips. Whats the difference between the 95 and 96 model? I'm still looking as I really like these boats and would like to own one. What would you have paid for the boat after knowing the condition of it? the guy was asking $3300. I am thinking maybe $2000 or less? For a top end rebuild and re-patching the hull that would cost easily over $1000, correct?

Thanks again for everyone's help. I am learning a lot about these boats.
-Luke