New purchase question

[lashk]

Hey guys, I am looking at purchasing a 1997 challenger Sea-Doo boat that is in very good condition. One thing I had noticed is the hinges on the back engine lid have some missing bolts. I know the engine just recently was replaced with an SBT engine so that lid has been removed. Would this be an issue that one or more bolts are missing? Could it be that there's something stripped out on the lid or hull and is it easy to fix?
Thanks

 

[squad1]

I wouldn't be surprised if you found them in the bottom of the bilge as they may have been dropped while replacing the the hatch after installing the engine. You could remove one of the existing bolts and check to see if it threads into the missing bolt spots.
When I bought my 97 Challenger, I found a treasure trove of missing clips and bolts when I was cleaning the bilge. A shop vac works wonders to get stuff hiding under the engine and dark corners..

 

[racerxxx]

I'll bet the broke when they removed the lid. There is an aluminum plate the there that screws thread into. Only way to tell is to remove it.

 

[ORION '95 Speedster]

Of all the things to check, that is not one of them. Do a compression test, and run it in the water for a good long test drive. Make sure it acts ok at all throttle positions. Make sure the charging system is working too.

 

[lashk]

Of all the things to check, that is not one of them. Do a compression test, and run it in the water for a good long test drive. Make sure it acts ok at all throttle positions. Make sure the charging system is working too.

The engine is a SBT rebuild with less than 10 hours on it and is under warranty. It was professionally installed and water tested. New wear ring and pump oil. Mechanically the boat is sound which is why I was checking other things.

 

[snikwad003]

It was professionally installed and water tested.

Did YOU water test it?

 

[ORION '95 Speedster]

Did YOU water test it?

100% agree. You need to water test it yourself. Even if it is under warranty, lets say the motor is bad. You will have to remove the engine at your own expense, and you will have to pay for postage to mail the motor back. Then you have to get the motor back into the boat again. A hell of a lot of time and/or money spent. That warranty is like insurance - hopefully you never use it.

 

[Coastiejoe]

General rule is, if you do not test it on the water for a good 30 minute run, then you should assume that you will be spending money to do engine work. Granted, it may be perfect and you never spend a penny. But the norm is just the opposite. Scan the posts and you will see the MANY that have spent thousands on "it just needs a starter" or "it just needs a battery",,,

 

[lashk]

No I did not water test it. The owner showed me the receipts for the new engine which was put in only about six weeks ago. He then gave me the phone number to the mechanic that installed it and I talked to him for about 45 minutes about the boat. It was obvious that the mechanic was very knowledgeable about Seadoo engines and was very helpful with all my questions. I water tested the first used to Sea-Doo boat that I bought about six years ago from Legendary Marine in Destin. The boat ran fine and everything was great. The first time we got it home and took it out the engine blew and I had to pay to have it rebuilt. So I guess water testing isn't always the best way to find out whether an engine is good or not.

 

[ORION '95 Speedster]

I see. So you water tested a jet ski once, and it blew up the next ride. I guess we can all stop water testing boats before we buy them, because clearly the test is useless.

 

[ORION '95 Speedster]

Not trying to bust your balls man, but any reputable mechanic or experienced boater will tell you to water test and compression test a motor before buying it. Don't believe ANYTHING that the seller (or the seller's mechanic) tells you. The seller and the seller's mechanic are not acting in your best interest. Period.

 

[snikwad003]

So now that its yours I would service oil system, replace fuel filter, change jet pump oil, grease pto, rebuild carbs if they were not done with the motor. Poor carbs will destroy that motor almost as fast as no oil.

 

[ORION '95 Speedster]

Now that its yours, you should do a compression test and then test the boat on the water for 30 minutes.

 

[ORION '95 Speedster]

The same tests are necessary, whether you do them before or after you buy the boat. The tests will give you important information about the overall condition of the boat, as well as the reliability. Your not planning on taking your family out on the first water test.... right? Can I get a second on that?

 

[howie099]

Ok here some issues I see. Why would someone replace the engine and sell the boat right away? Plus pay a person to do the work? To me I would see what else they did with the engine swap. Paying someone to do the work on the 1997 and selling it right away you are not making money. You can sell the boat for parts and make more or the same.

I would for sure call sbt with s/n to verify the warranty and make sure you can use it. Ask about the fuel system and check it. Dual carbs are a few hundred to clean and service. Check the oil system out also to make sure it's working and hooked upright.

Unless the boat is cheap put it on the water to test it. I didn't test my boat when I bought it but I bought it for $2000 less than value so I figured that would cover my issues.

Still I would compression check it. New engines can still be bad.

 

[ORION '95 Speedster]

I seriously doubt that this guy is going to list any problems that were discovered on his first trip out, especially after the landslide of advice about testing it before buying it. Even if a motor locked up on the first water test, the average person would say: "see guys, the boat runs perfect, just like the seller told me it would". (To save face)