Need some advice

[JJT]

I am looking to purchase a 2009 speedster 150 155hp. The hull is in great condition. What concerns me is quite a bit of water in the engine bay and the ski locker is almost full of water. The explanation is that it was the rain, however, there is a cover on it and it is on the trailer in the driveway. The battery is not hooked up and the terminals look corroded. I would appreciate any advice as to what could have caused this and what to look out for when the battery is connected. Should I just leave this one and look for another?

http://hamilton.kijiji.ca/c-cars-ve...-2009-SeaDoo-155-Speedster-W0QQAdIdZ495142125

 

[mattydipps]

I am looking to purchase a 2009 speedster 150 155hp. The hull is in great condition. What concerns me is quite a bit of water in the engine bay and the ski locker is almost full of water. The explanation is that it was the rain, however, there is a cover on it and it is on the trailer in the driveway. The battery is not hooked up and the terminals look corroded. I would appreciate any advice as to what could have caused this and what to look out for when the battery is connected. Should I just leave this one and look for another?

http://hamilton.kijiji.ca/c-cars-ve...-2009-SeaDoo-155-Speedster-W0QQAdIdZ495142125

im not too knowledgeable on boats but i do know.. water in the hull is never a good thing..

 

[hancop]

What concerns me is why would the owner not remove all that water before he showed it to anyone ? Almost suggests he has not really taken care off or chooses not to take care of the boat. The ski locker should be draining into the bilge. Don't understand why it would be full of water, unless the drain hole is plugged. I would not purchase it without a test drive which should not be an issue since he is in Hamilton. If like the add says it has a warranty until 2016 you would have some piece of mind as if anything is wrong you should be able to get it fixed if it was not caused by user negligence. I would check into the warranty though and make sure it is transferable and is what he says it is. I would also find out how often he had it out or when was the last time because 15 hours on a 2009 boat is not much and a boat that sits without being used can end up being in worse shape then one that is driven regularly.

They are really fun boats though


Cheers

 

[timeman]

What hancop just said!

Beware, someone going to the trouble of listing their boat and not taking the time to make sure everything looks GOOD for prospective buyers....It's a sign! May be time to move on to the next listing?

 

[cheappc]

I believe that sometimes the rain could get in, it has happened to me when I left my boat in the backyard.. Test Drive it, run it, make double extra sure the extended warranty, no problem!

 

[Steve_Cay]

From the photos if he just left it parked nose downhill on his driveway, the rain water would probably not drain back and out. And without a battery to power the bilge pump, and the drain plugs perhaps screwed in, that water is not going anywhere.

I bought the exact same boat this year but a 2008, and the battery terminals looked corroded as well in an otherwise seemingly well maintained boat. 10 minutes with a wire brush, and copper grease took care of that!

But to echo others in this thread, with only 15hrs, and showing it full of water, he probably does not care much for the boat.

 

[JJT]

Thank you so much for all of your advice and experience. I will insist on an in-water test, check that the drain holes are clear and look into the extended warranty. I have been reading this forum for the past month and find it to be very informative and helpful. I will let everyone know what transpires. Thank you all once again.

 

[Steve_Cay]

I got a dealer inspection on mine for <$100.

You may want to consider that as well, especially to confirm that it is in "excellent condition" and that anything not so excellent would be fully covered by the warranty, without any exclusions that it was improperly maintained.

 

[SeaDoo Fan]

Without the battery connected the bilge pump will not operate and pump water out of the engine bay, but what I don't understand is why he doesn't have his drain plugs out. Always store the boat with the drain plugs out in case the cover leaks. Don't forget to screw the plugs in prior to launch!