Looking at a boat

[NAKID]

Just looking at something for the family to tool around the river and sound in. I talked to this guy:

http://providence.craigslist.org/boa/1342727303.html

It's 26 years old, but the guy is out on it almost daily (couldn't show it today because he was on the water with it when I called).
He works at the marina it's docked at and sounds like he knows what he's talking about in the 15-20 mins I was on the phone with him. Based on www.nada.com it's a bit over-priced, but what isn't on CL right? Figure I can talk him down at least a bit.
Anything to look out for? Mechanically it's sound, but it is 26 years old and I expect a few bumps along the way. I'm looking for any MAJOR issues to look out for.
I have never owned a boat and have helmed one once for a short period. I plan on doing a boaters safety course and carrying all of the proper safety equipment.

Let the opinions fly....

[somegirl]

Your link is fubared.

Too bad MrI isn't around, he's pretty good with the used boats.

[NAKID]

Thanks. Fixed.
Oh, and thanks Nate for moving it. Didn't realize I was in GMF at the time...

[herm]

did the add specify if the engine was originally a marine engine or not? i would shy away from it if its not.

just my opinion...

[Norm]

What's a "marine" engine?

[NAKID]

Marine engines are designed to run constantly at a certain rpm. Not up and down like a road motor. It doesn't say it wasn't a marine engine and from what I have seen on CL, it appears to be an appropriate engine for the boat of the time period....

[Norm]

I built boats for 6-7 years and never heard that. All Mercruiser gave us was auto motors prepped for marine use (exhaust, etc.). We built some of our own as well and inside, it's no different than any other motor.

[NAKID]

Hmmmm, that could be, but I have heard otherwise. Maybe that was justification for "marine" engines being more expensive...

[Norm]

I'd check your source. I heard recently that some people believe the sun revolves around the earth but I'm pretty sure they're wrong.

[NAKID]

Hahahaha. I know, I've been looking online since you said that and can't find too much about it. Most I've found is that many auto engines are "marinized" by changing things such as the fuel pump, putting spark arrestors on it, etc. to make it more appropriate for the marine environment.
I've also read that some engines are designed as marine engines and rotate opposite of auto engines.

Whatcha say herm?

[NAKID]

Too bad MrI isn't around, he's pretty good with the used boats.

Where is he? Send him a message! I'm looking at the boat this weekend.

[ducpainter]

Where is he? Send him a message! I'm looking at the boat this weekend.

can you spell...

Kazakhstan? 

[herm]

Hahahaha. I know, I've been looking online since you said that and can't find too much about it. Most I've found is that many auto engines are "marinized" by changing things such as the fuel pump, putting spark arrestors on it, etc. to make it more appropriate for the marine environment.
I've also read that some engines are designed as marine engines and rotate opposite of auto engines.

Whatcha say herm?

dont know about the opposite rotation thing, but i think the rest is on track.

would you buy a car with a mercruiser under the hood? i would not.

but I also wouldnt buy a toyota Fj40 that had the inline 6 swapped out for a v-8. or a ford truck with a cummins diesel conversion.

again, just my opinion.

[ducpainter]

<snip> or a ford truck with a cummins diesel conversion.

again, just my opinion.

I'd rethink that.

[Bun-bun]

I've had a bit of experience with boats(Marine mechanic/rigger, boat owner 25 yrs).
First, what do you have to tow and launch it with? You'll need something that'll tow 4000lbs, minimum. 4wd will help with slippery boat ramps as well. Otherwise, you'll need a slip, which means a monthly slip fee. That runs $8-15/foot in my area(Chesapeake bay).
Second, is this the only boat you've looked at? Boat dealers are in horrible shape right now, and it's the end of summer. You should be able to get a much newer boat of the same displacement for that price.
Third, 25 years is a long life for a boat. I can't tell much from the pic, but if it's in the water for the summer, it should have bottom paint. This will need to be renewed every year or two. Good bottom paint runs about $150/gallon.
Inboard/outboard engines are based on automobile engines, but are marinized by replacing starter and alternator with spark protected units. The air filter is replaced with a spark arrestor. These engines are rated in hours instead of miles, and a gas powered marine engine should be ready for a complete rebuild at 1500 hours. If he's used the boat daily for 26 years, what do you want to bet the motor is ready for a rebuild? We're currently building both motors on my 25' Luhrs, and we've put about $4500 in each motor, but we're performing the labor to save money.
Fourth, Do you want a cuddy cabin in a boat this small? It's been my experience that the cabins in anything under 27' are just about useless except for storage. You might consider a bowrider.
Fifth, that boat with that motor should get about 1-1.5 MPG. That boat has a 35 gallon tank. Are you ready to pull up to the gas dock every 30-40 miles? And you thought Ducs had small tanks!
I suggest you try Boattrader.com or BUCnet, and see what's available. If you do go meet with the owner, ask when the last major service was done, and what was done. Look for corrosion on the outdrive, especially on the wings. Look at the outdrive skeg(the fin on the bottom) to make sure it's not chipped or broken(sign that he hit something). Check the outdrive trim and tilt - it should power up slowly for about 10 degrees, then smoothly come up out of the water.