Newbee question about buying a boat

[rteichman]

I want to buy either a Speedster or a Sportster and need some help. Because of where I live I will probably end up having to buy something remotely and then picking it up or shipping. This is to be a "toy" and I want to keep it under $8,000 if possible but no more than $10,000. I will be storing it in my garage and driving it to various boat ramps for daily use. I don't expect to use it that much each year (hence the desire to not invest a lot).

Based on my price point the boat will obviously be used and likely over 10 years old. I'm looking for advice on what to look for and what to look out for. Maybe start the discussion with the fact that there is a 2006 Sportster 150 available locally for $10,000 and a 2000 Speedster 240HP M2 engine available from a seller a 10 hour drive away. Across the country in Florida there are lots of both types of boats in the $6-8,000 range which tend to be newer too. Those would have to be bought sight unseen and shipped.

So what do I need to know?
Thanks
Rob

 

[Coastiejoe]

I personally would NEVER buy a bot/ski without test driving it or paying a dealer to do so, (so that it is unbiased). You really need to know the compression as well as how it physically performs once it is up to temperature.

Engine, I would buy the Seadoo engine if for no other reason than many more people know them as compared to the Merc engines.

If you find something you like, see what members are in the area, I would htink that most would do a test drive for free for you.

 

[devonte007]

I agree with Coastiejoe, without a test drive or some other form of insurance, buying sight unseen is a scary gamble.

Speaking as an owner of a 4-tect Sportster (from 2003 on Sportster/Speedster 150 are the same boat) I don't think you could go wrong. It is on the small side, but most definitely a fun toy. These boats had a choice of naturally aspirated engines at about 155hp and a supercharged engine at 215hp or 255hp. I have the N/A version and it does the job. The N/A engines are nearly bullet proof. The supercharged engines require special maintenance, which if not done, will lead to engine failure. From a maintenance and ease of use point of view, you can't go wrong with the 155hp engine, still a fun fast boat.

I too would stay away from the Merc engines unless you are very good at working on them. It will cost you a small fortune to pay someone else to keep it running.

If you have any other specific questions post back and we'll do what we can to steer you in the right direction!

 

[lineofsight]

Its January and you're in Oregon, if buying a play boat locally would expect you to be in a very strong bargaining position.

If budget is $8,000 would also factor money for latent maintenance (depending on your own mechanical savvy), your local dealer should be able to tell you what is likely to need attention on a 10 year old boat (sitting for?) and the cost.

Echo Coastiejoe comment not to buy sight unseen - unless shipped on a deposit with a large enough balance due to cover deficiencies and some manner to confirm purchased from titled owner - unless you want to buy the boat that is parked down the street from me .

 

[Coastiejoe]

Bottom line, if you do buy a boat unseen and untested. You MUST assume the engines are junk and price it out that way or be willing to pay for potentially expensive repairs.

 

[rteichman]

I too was uneasy about buying something sight unseen. The idea to ask someone to check it out for me is a great one, thanks. Thank you also for the input about the Merc engine. Having owned a boat before I am familair with Mercury marine engines and was drawn to a boat with it. I see from reading the posts that in a SeaDoo it is harder to deal with so I will shy away from it.

What about horsepower? Aside from it being a Merc, the 2000 had 240 horsepower and the sportster 155. I figure we will be using the boat with 700lbs on board, maybe 800 (4 large guys). The idea is to have the equivalent of a jet ski that 3 or 4 could enjoy together at the same time. I know I could buy 2 jetskis, but the boat allows for use on a nice day to just tool around in.

As for my budget, the amount is really more about this being a very unneccesary toy. Money for repairs and maintenance will not be an issue. I guess that brings up a good question, since this will be used only occasionally, I wanted to minimize the initial outlay. Would I however be better off spending $12-16,000? I don't want a larger boat but should I spend more to get a newer one?

 

[Coastiejoe]

If you get twins, the engine size really isn't to critical. That said, anything with a Super Charger (SC) is a GREAT engine but does come with costs. Every 2 years or 100 hours (200 on an updated kit SC) they need rebuilt. The 155 engine is a VERY proven engine and can easily get 500 hours or better on it if the oil is changed and normal general maintenance is done.

I have two skis. One with the 155 and one with the 255 (SC intercooled). I LOVE the power of the 255. I will never not own a ski that doesn't have one. For a boat, probably not as important if you get twins. I say this as, with a ski you peg the lever pretty often playing around. Not so much the case on a boat for safety reasons in most cases.

 

[lineofsight]

Twin 155s in 2010 Challenger 210 SE seems good for 47 MPH on calm water.

My understanding is the internals of the 155hp are the same as the 255hp - same pistons, rods, crank, bearings... hence 155 is very durable.

The boat is a lot of fun but not "awesome" or "scary" as in VFR750 versus ZX11 (yeah okay, been a while since rode bikes). But for the fun am having with the family and some friends its good enough, can use everything it has and often driven by spouse or friends. Now if bunch of guys, cost close in used market, only need extra maintenance every second year... can see where am going with this. Start doing fun stuff then more power will keep you moving longer and get you moving again sooner.

Top of my head figure at a minimum change motor oil/filter, coolant, pump grease, plugs all pretty straight forward and a lot of guidance on this site. Potentially bilge pump, carbon seal/boot, impeller, wear ring, battery, supercharger... If compression low then no go. But if cost of repair/maintenance no issue then should not have a problem with flight down to wherever there are the most boats available. Benefits of water test is can tell if waterproof (really, no leaky seals or seams), and how run when hot.

Good luck, we're enjoying our Seadoo a lot more than boats with other drives.

 

[rteichman]

Thanks everyone for your input. A local guy has a 2000 Speedster with the Merc engine for sale. He has owned it for 6 years, has records, and is taking it to a local dealer (mercury not seadoo) to have them get the engine hours. I was going to ask them if they would do a pre-purchase inspection for me while they have th boat. As they buy and sell boats, I assume they will know what to look for. I would also be able to personally check the boat out then too. Assuming they do it, and they are OK working on the boat what do you guys think? I like the seating arrangement on this model better than the sportster yet it keeps the small size. It's also the less expensive as I should be able to get it for $7,000 or less. The other local boat is a 2005 Sportster 150 asking $10,000.

Finally, if a dealer is evaluating it for me, do I need to do a water test? I don't relish the idea of going in the water in February, especially since I don't own a wet or drysuit any more

 

[rteichman]

Just wanted to thank everyone again. I ended up buying a 2001 challenger 1800 with the Merc 240 engine. It was cheaper than the 2000 speedster, and I was able to have it professionally evaluated and water tested. The Mercury dealer said the engine was an in excellent condition, had great compression, and ran exceptionally well. They took it out on the water the boat ran great as well. The dealer recomended some minor stuff like a fuel filter and gear oil change which the seller paid for without me even asking.