Purchasing a used Speedster 200

[Drew Gloede]

Hello, new to the group as I am looking to purchase a used Speedster 200 twin 155's no super charger.

My question is the sellers boat was used regularly in saltwater as it was a florida boat, the boat is now in Wisconsin and would be used here exclusively.
The compression on the motor is with in spec of a boat with 150 hours, boat is clean from what I can see of any salt corrosion.

What should I be looking for prior to even having a tech do a once over on it.

thoughts and concerns appreciated.

Thanks in advance,

 

[Nosnibor]

I'm still pretty new to all this but I bought my first boat this May and have been using it in salt water every weekend. I would say just have him make sure there isn't any obvious signs of corrosion inside the engine bay and the pump housing outside. Also check the artificial anodes. They are several thick metal pieces attached to bolts around the pump housing that are made to rust first instead of your motor. As far as that I don't have anything technical to tell you to look for. One of the more technical guys may be able to give you some advice.

 

[Chakane]

What Nosnibor has said is a good start. Things aren't too bad with using these boats in the salt water as they have a closed loop cooling system which reduces any significant damage. Check the clamps on hoses in and around the motor and the anodes as well as the battery clamps etc. The hose clamps are a good indication of how well it was looked after. I have used my 200 in salt since I got it but after every run I made sure it was completely flushed with fresh water and all the clamps, hinges and clips were sprayed over with a marine lube and protectorate. The engines and engine bay look as good as the day I purchased it with no signed of rust or corrosion. Just have a really good look over the engine bay in areas that are difficult to get to but you would expect to corrode with salt exposure if it wasn't looked after properly. And make sure to take it for a run because this may indicate any other issues you can't see but, depending on the year, these motors, especially the non SC'd ones, were nearly bulletproof.

 

[Drew Gloede]

Thanks guys, I agree that if taken care of which from speaking to him sounds like it has their very reliable. I will get my eyes on it tomorrow and follow your guidelines. I'll get it to a tech asap also to get a download off the onboard computer. It's been "taken care of by a reputable mech. but I want to have the readouts done again in front of me.

 

[devonte007]

Good advice above. Like others have mentioned, the engine does not care if used in salt water or not since it is a closed cooling system. The exhaust system is cooled by raw water though. Not a problem if it was flushed properly.

In general, if the boat is clean and in good order chances are the previous owner also took care of mechanical things. Since it was in salt water, take a good look in and around the engine bay. Look for any corrosion or rust on engine parts. There should be none, if you find some it could indicate lack of maintenance.

Also look very closely at the parts that actually touched the salt water, then entire propulsion system. Driveshaft, jet pump, etc. Any corrosion could be suspect. Lastly, I would also take a look inside the fuse boxes in the engine bay and under the driver console. Pull out a couple relays, fuses, plugs, etc. See if there is any corrosion.

If everything checks out you should have an awesome boat. Let us know how it goes, good luck!

 

[pwgsx]

Honestly RUN as far away from it as you can and dont look back. Let me share some pics of the boat that I had. Purchased from a guy that used it in freshwater, I found a lot of stuff that didnt add up after I got it home and was able to really inspect it. Upon selling it a few years later ( after I had fixed everything ) to buy a new car, I found out it had been used in FL for a short time.