Do Not Buy These New or Used Boats... It Is a Mistake!

[@BoatBuyersSecretWeapon]

⚓FREE for Boat Shoppers: ⚓boaterssecretweapon.com/pages/boat-buyers-toolkit ⚓ 40-page resource for new & used boat shoppers to assist in the boat research & shopping process.

[@crawdaddct]

As a teen and young man, all I bought were old boats that had sat up a long time. My second boat actually had a baby pine tree grown by in the floor and trailer needed a new axil. I replaced the flooring and cleaned the carbs. Boat and motor served me great for 10 years and got it for almost nothing. That’s how you learn. In my 40 years of boat ownership I’ve never taken a boat to a mechanic. I fix them and do my own maintenance. So those old boats have there place and I recommend young people buy one and work on it. Learn. Fiberglass work, replacing steering cables, gas lines, electrical, and even welding aluminum. It can be fun and educational.

[@ASDasdSDsadASD-nc7lf]

No idea how you were making $250/hr repairing you own boat. You weren't? Then you should have just worked more hours at your regular job instead and paid others to do what you did on your boats.

[@crawdaddct]

@@ASDasdSDsadASD-nc7lf Na, my dad taught me repairing your own vehicle or boat is a skill everyone needs. My kids like working on their own stuff too. Boating is more than just getting on the water and having fun.

[@denialphasebitcoin5639]

​@@ASDasdSDsadASD-nc7lf 100% Time is money,

[@danmyrivd6220]

@@crawdaddctagreed I have quads, dirt bikes, boats… it would be expensive to take them into the shop every time they break. Only thing I don’t touch is my truck and that’s because it’s turboed.

[@codyhannah1451]

In short, this is a boat buyer's guide for 90% of people that should just stay on dry land anyway. Many good points about bad outboard models and some other models. Delving too much into the hours issue can definitely make someone pass up on a boat that would have been a smoking deal. We all have our favorite brands but outboards literally come with there own garage so it doesn't take much to get a lot of old ones up, running, and reliable.

[@robertnicholson771]

Two pieces of advice I got from boat owners. First, walk away if they won't let you test it in the water. Second, put your foot on the lower unit and push to see if the transom is soft.

[@wazup3333]

Pro tip for boat sellers, don't give out free water test rides.

[@autk]

You can test the transom with your hand by beating on it, with YOUR own open palm, and listening if you have the know how, I do and have been buying boats for 40 years, also better is get a large, I mean big flat head screwdriver and push gently on the transom, it shouldn't move inward, if it does transom.is rotten and must be replaced... better yet pay for the Marine survey. About $500 bucks ...never buy the junker, it will cost you thousands repairing the yard rotten egg.

[@donziperk]

Take a rubber hammer and tap the transom, you can hear the soft spots.

[@emmanuelmeyermeyer1083]

I want to see the green before you get the ride. Deposit ?

[@wazup3333]

@@emmanuelmeyermeyer1083 standard small fee of 100-200$ will weed out everyone not serious

[@JamesFrost74659]

EXCELLENT VIDEO!!! This video should be mandatory for ANYONE thinking about buying a boat. 100% spot on correct. If your not a mechanic..... don't buy a boat. I would recommend a nice RV instead. Start with that and you will save thousands of dollars every year with no dock fee's. Seriously, im not kidding, $25 thousand will buy a nice land yacht.

[@GeorgeBracht]

BRP Bearings, Rings, Pistons Old Rudes were such great engines

[@larrycarr6545]

BRP WONT LISTEN TO ANYONE EVEN IF THEY ARE PAYING THEM BIG MONEY.

[@marytica123]

HERE IN FLORIDA, there are literally hundreds of "abandoned" boats. The Indian River / Intracoastal Canal is a favorite dumping area for these. One county had to spend MILLION$ to remove almost 100 old derelicts from its waterways. Other smaller boats are dumped in vacant lots or just sit rotting away in people's backyards. WATCH OUT for wasp nests, termites, and even possums who take up residence in these hulks !

[@draileduncommon]

Sarasota,Manatee County it's a problem also. Bums like to go through and pillage them

[@josephforest7605]

Why please explain , I am new to boating ?

[@i1bike]

@@josephforest7605 Floridians dont catch fish, they rent charter fishing boats, earn thousands of dollars, so they buy more boats, abandon old boats. Floridians have more boats than all US combined, so if somewhere is normal to see many abandoned cars, in florida there are boats

[@josephforest7605]

@@i1bike Couldn't they sell their old boats ?

[@i1bike]

@@josephforest7605 To who ? Who can buy 30 000 pieces of fishing boats every 5 years after their leasing ends and owners switch to the new boat. They are very expensive, 5 years is not old and they cant lose so much from the original price. We europeans would be glad to buy them. But without those terrible american engines. No offense

[@danmyrivd6220]

My pops left me a 19 foot John boat with a 1983 115 Evinrude… I know nothing about boats but I’ve freed up the cylinders and replaced the water pump. Ran a sea foam treatment and replaced the controls. Took it on the water last weekend and she runs like a champ. I’m now about 200 in and I have a running boat that I need to restore. Love you dad.

[@danmyrivd6220]

Self taught everything… I’ve seen guys doing stuff and thought, I can do that.

[@FlatlanderGear]

Yep, I have a 110 Johnson that’s similar and it runs very well.

[@danmyrivd6220]

@@FlatlanderGear I blew it up after ripping it full throttle for 2 months straight lol. Getting it repowered now but, man that little evinrude could hang.

[@FlatlanderGear]

@@danmyrivd6220 how fast and with what prop if I can ask…

[@danmyrivd6220]

@@FlatlanderGear she was going maybe 45- 50, I can get that prop size for ya when I get it back. Little engine would scream

[@cash2.0]

I personally steer clear of any trailer boat with bottom paint. I state that from experience. Got rid of it and got a nice used Whaler that was always trailered. Best boat I've ever owned.

[@i1bike]

How much bostol whaler costs in US, im south european

[@compositestechbb9087]

​@@i1bikeit depends on the year make and model. $10 thousand - 1.3 million. They aren't worth it at all.

[@compositestechbb9087]

​@@i1bikeyou can find many comparable boats that are built much more solid. Boston whaler is more of a name brand at this point. They used to stand out because of quality, now it's just par for the course. It's like purchasing a jaguar and not realizing it's just a Ford escort.

[@i1bike]

@@compositestechbb9087 Or mercedes that costs 40 000 euros with 1.5 DCI renault clio engine inside haha. Anyways, i watched many videos glorifying the boat so i just asked. I like boats that are managed by one person and max 40hp outboard. We in europe have open fishermans, that look almost the same, but just made by 1000 different branded shipyards. And all of sudden they went from approx 7000 euros to 20 000 euros, horor

[@compositestechbb9087]

@@i1bike inflation and trade embargo. Slav ukrani...

[@kristinel6352]

I'm happy with my 1970s $600 boat for fishing that I totally redid myself and as been a nice low cost fishing boat for me. The fish don't care if its fancy or,not.

[@lovejetfuel4071]

As long as you don't care about fancy bells and whistles, don't mind doing abit of TLC, there is nothing wrong with ''Garage Sale boats'' . Better then getting into years of debt for having something you cant really afford. Just make sure the transom and hull are sound. I have had plenty of 1970s boats that turned out to be real gems

[@artlife6210]

Great video here! On the SEI, I have had three Yamahas that I put SEI lower units on and put hundreds of hours on all of them with no problems at all, the primary issue with the SEI units is people slap them on and go, without any breakin, SEI is very upfront about breaking in their lower units properly and informs purchasers of the correct process, which is super simple and takes a few hours of operation at most.

[@BoatBuyersSecretWeapon]

Thanks for sharing your experience with sei

[@CaptainSloose]

Came here to say this- my marina talked me into an SEI lower for my standard rotation yammy F150 when a lower seal went out on me. The warranty on them is super good as long as you follow the break in. The standard rotation shifts so nice I think I’m gonna order a counter rotation and just do the other side, as I’m on about 1300 hours and my motors get shifted a LOT.

[@artlife6210]

@@CaptainSloose Awesome! My neighbor still has my boat he bought years ago with thousands of hours on the SEIs with zero problems.

[@tfarris7113]

Same for me- I used a complete SEI unit to replace a troublesome OMC COBRA drive that had to be delicately tuned to shift right. Used an SEI conversion kit and lower unit- over a decade of trouble-free use! Just follow the break-in and change lube/impeller once a season or two.

[@tylersmith6979]

We have SEI on the old Mark Twain. The first SEI went out in the first year and was replaced without question. The second has been in the boat for six years without any problems.

[@chrispickett3092]

Old aluminum boat with a 78 evinrude 25 hp tiller. Still runs great.

[@barryzoll9772]

I’ve had my hands on several Honda four stroke outboards that were well-maintained and had over 3000 hours of operation. The keyword with anything is proper maintenance thanks for your videos. Really enjoy the channel.

[@HughButler-lb6zs]

In Alaska, the only outboard motor you see is Honda.

[@HughButler-lb6zs]

It has been my experience that the more you use an outboard motor, the less problems you have with it.

[@beliedat2457]

@@HughButler-lb6zs 100% I work at a small marina that services a small lake. We do about 150 of the boats on the lake and the ones that get used more are the ones that get worked on less. Motors that get used, and well taken care of, run great and have way less issues esp, with the electrical system and the fuel system.

[@302Camaro]

Excellent advice. This coming from a licensed delivery captain with 30+ years experience running all types of boats.

[@robertmunafo5039]

I would clarify on the Rotax comment about not buying them and them not being around for long. I believe you are referring to those specific newer Rotax S motors that you showed. Rotax engines themselves have been around for a while and everything from airplanes to boats to side by sides. I believe for the most part they are a fairly reliable engine.

[@derekkearns3377]

@@robertmunafo5039 seedoo have rotex

[@Hitech82]

I've been boating for over 40years. The last 10 years. I've been running our CHAWK 222 pilot house, poweredw/mercury150hp. Great boat.

[@kenbrown1440]

I've been involved in the marine industry for 30years. My advice to anyone is that it's an extremely expensive recreation no matter what the entry cost is. Do not expect to budget on the cheap.

[@crankychris2]

just like rving

[@mkp3824]

A couple of years ago, I saw a 1988 Sea Ray 46 express cruiser in an ad from Miami. These people sank over $200,000 in refurbishment of the boat, including pulling the CAT diesel motors for a full rebuild. The boat looked immaculate, but they wanted, at first, $289,000 for the boat. I felt bad for them. It doesn't matter how much you put into it. It was still an 88 Sea Ray, worth about $89,000. The last I saw, they were trying to get rid of it for $72,000.

[@lovejetfuel4071]

Thats absolutely ridiculous that someone would invest 200K in a 1988 46ft Searay, what are these people smoking??

[@mkp3824]

@lovejetfuel4071 it wasn't very smart, and I kinda feel bad for them. Whoever bought it got one helluva boat.

[@Marky-j3o]

Water ALWAYS WINS !

[@AmericanConstellation]

I have a 1994 Grady White Adventure 208 with a 1994 200hp Saltwater Series Yamaha. It's still mint.

[@gsxawd981]

I have a 1994 Bayliner Trophy with a 175hp Mercury. It’s a project. Hull is great but unfortunately soft spot in cabin.

[@gsxawd981]

Nice 👍. Glad it’s still running

[@thediplomasta5891]

Two things. I bought an old jet boat. A 98 sport jet 175. I love it. The biggest worry is the forward gear oil compartment. Make sure that doesn't leak. Finding someone to repair the gearcase is difficult. Parts are still available, but they're expensive. The motor side of a sport jet system is almost exactly the same as an outboard. It's much easier to work on than a rotax, and more power. And 2nd, omc stringer drives are awesome. The design is radically different from most stern drives, but the benefits are great. Much more reliable design. Everything. Even the steering cable is different. Now, the water pump impeller is a big job. No way around that, but that's the biggest hassle. It's the only stern drive with a wet bath gimbal bearing that lasts forever. No u-joints. No bellows except one big one that is super easy to replace. It has Points ignition, so there is no super expensive magic chinese box to worry about. And it's the only stern drive that doesn't use the transom to bear the load. The thrust is transferred to the stringers where the engine is mounted. Hence, the name stringer drive. Oh, and i almost forgot, no hydraulics! Which means no fluid to leak. The tild and trim are all gear driven. 😁 The stringer drive is from a different time. A better time.

[@mattdudley3789]

Stringers were good drives. They are simple but 2 major drawbacks…. The first is no parts anymore. Can get anything you need for a 1970 Mercruiser. Not so with a stringer.. the other drawback is it’s only tilt, not trim

[@thediplomasta5891]

@@mattdudley3789 you just have to look harder. The parts are still out there.

[@thediplomasta5891]

@@mattdudley3789 no no, there is trim! It occurs at the front motor mount. The solenoids for it are up front. The tilt solenoids are on the back. And while it does seems to have a lot of solenoids, it does TNT. You're thinking of the Chrysler/Volvo stern drive. That one is tilt only.

[@mattdudley3789]

@@thediplomasta5891 Not all Stringers had trim. It came later and it was an option. Called Selectrim

[@thediplomasta5891]

@@mattdudley3789 really? Well I've yet to see one surviving today that didn't have selectrim. I guess they were the only ones worth preserving for all these years. I have worked on a 2 of them this year, and they're still going strong. I work on all brands, and get the opportunity to critique the differences in engineering. Based on everything I've seen, the stringers are the best quality engineered sterndrive setup that there is. Sure, the impeller job is a nightmare, but everything else is great. It's the only wet oil bath gimbal bearing in america. It's the only double-pull steering cable too. Lasts a long time. Has a points ignition, so there's no $300 powerpack to worry about. Stringer drive was designed to actually be reliable. I stand by my statement.

[@marytica123]

ANOTHER TIP - don't think that "fiberglass" boats are immune from wood rot ! Most older fiberglass hulls are built on WOODEN stringers and decks, which eventually get waterlogged thanks to cracks in the fiberglass coating.

[@HughButler-lb6zs]

OMC used to.make Johnson and Evinrude.i have owned several old Johnson motors and they were bullet proof. I owned one Evinrude, and it was a POS. Go figure.

[@EBinCA]

A buddy just found that out, the bow deck on his newly purchased used boat was soft under the anchor windlass. Had he anchored and encountered swells it probably would have ripped the anchor gear off.

[@thekingsilverado3266]

@@EBinCA I have 77 KrisKraft its called. Has a Chevy V6 on steroids really a solid motor in the water with some kind of huge galvinized prop on it. Years ago I got this Sherwin Williams commercial coating for fiberglass and went all over the boat. i still have 5 gallon bucket of SWD598 its called. I got it at the Navy Yard in Norfolk the Navy was throwing it out in dumpsters and I wish I took more of it. But I keep the boat in my barn. My grand kids play camp out in it this time of year. The thing is like new yet due to care. I do believe the floor & spars super structure is wooden. The transom is solid aluminum. I was told the boat I have was 36K in `1977. By the quality of the lighting and wood working I would not disagree. I plan keeping until I am gone. last time it seen any water is 31 years ago. The boat was sprayed by me an Aviation A&P back in 1990. That thing still sparkles in sun light. I actually tried scratching the Sherwin coating and it is even hard to scratch the stuff Why the Navy even tossed it out is mystery nobody could ever solve. I sprayed tractors and stuff with it and it is super stuff. Nothing like ya can buy today.

[@josephforest7605]

How far back , how many years back were boats manufactured that way .

[@compositestechbb9087]

​@@josephforest7605pre - 2005 ish. Most new boats are all composite. If you know how do use a skill saw and know how to laminate you can easily repair floors and transom. Its a matter of setting your blade height correctly and grinding alot.

[@charliegglines3965]

For boats with outdrives, Volvo and mercruiser are phenomenal. But they are expensive to have serviced through the marina. Unless you can do the stuff yourself, I’d recommend an inboard or a Yamaha outboard. I’ve got a Bertram with 2 alpha one drives. Also, make sure the person is qualified to work on them. Had a number of workers at a marina put shaft seals in wrong (which makes gear oil leak) and put the impeller in the wrong direction, (made the engines overheat numerous times) Good luck

[@Pattycake-n9g]

I have an old runabout 1974 aluminum 16 ft StarCraft super sport model. The floor was rotted. It was Simple inexpensive easy and quick to replace the floor? I run a 2002 90 hp 2 stroke Yamaha outboard . It’s easy to work on I’m currently replacing the top end . Again inexpensive for parts do it yourself has been great too. I am a 50 year old female Vancouver island. Found some websites with full diagrams and parts lists and tons of KZbin vids with how to’s and maintenance and diagnostics tips galore. Also nowadays online ordering it’s easier to find parts and accessories at affordable cost. Water isn’t a problem with aluminum. The transoms a concern but I bought mine with previous reinforcements so I check for any give or movement . It’s good. Also holding an older Honda 5 hp kicker. I think it’s an 88 and still runs! I’ve restored the boat over the last 2 years and loved doing it. Repainted replaced the rocker panels adding USB and new toggle switches. New seats last summer. List goes on. I love my boat. I’ve had it 10 years. I prawn and crab mostly. I would love to enter a derby .

[@treeguyable]

Got a Triumph in 07. Good to go every day. No fenders, no paint, no fiberglass to worry about. Just spray and flush motor and go when done. Easy, reliable, just goes and worry free.

[@karlmcnealjr]

Bought a used boat w/ a 150hp Force motor, ran great when I bought it on a walk through. Started water leaking in the motor a month later. Replaced the motor w/ a rebuilt 100hp Evinrude for 2500.00. Tried to rebuild the Force but they used stainless bolts through aluminum which created terrible corrosion. Used everything I could think of to help w/ the bolts on the head, deoxidizer, liquid wrench and a soft impact wrench still snapped 9 of 14 heads of the bolts. Mechanic said $80 per bolt to drill out and retap, I donated it to a scraper. Lesson learned.

[@drizler]

I had a Force L Drive for a while. One day I put it gently in reverse and the whole drive dropped off hanging by the hydraulic lines. Every one of those Grade 8 bolts but one had been long ago snapped off. The last one broke the day it dropped the drive. When I went to remove them the only one that didn’t simply drill through like hardware store bin #2 garbage I use for sheer pins. The one good one was that last one to snap and it was so tough that I couldn’t drill it nor could the guy I knew with a machine shop. It was the only real grade 8 in there. The rest were all stamp marked but fraudulent. Force is truly JUNK in my opinion and it’s not just on the one incident.👎🏻

[@HughButler-lb6zs]

I tried trading a Force outboard and boat in on a new boat and motor and the seller told me I would have to pay him to take the motor.

[@thomasbullen5239]

My buddy always called Force motors as "Farce" motors. Lol

[@cantmovenow7112]

Absolutely excellent. This should be the first step for a used buyer.

[@southshoreanglingandboatin6184]

Clearly, bro is experienced in buying and selling boats Good show boss

[@edwinwise6751]

I bought a new bay liner with the 3.0 / alpha 1 gen 2 drive . Before the warranty expired, tha engine had be pulled and completely overhauled. When they pulled the engine , the found the out drive was also in need of an over haul . This was a year after I bought it ! I have used an sei upper and lower unit on 23 mini cruiser with no issues its still going strong after 20 + years and appears to be better built than the mercruiser

[@edwardranno7119]

Bayliner is junk

[@mark5862]

I had a 1973 mercusier 170HP straight six motor and both the motor and outdrive were phenomenal. It was 20 years old when l got it and we ran the crap out of it for another 10 years water skiing. The Murcruiser is a solid engine. Maintain and winterize properly and they last forever. If l was still into boating I would still go with mercruiser over any outboard.

[@vics128]

I was waiting for you to say stay away from boats in general lol. You named like every boat I’m thinking about buying lmao. Love the videos brother.

[@BoatBuyersSecretWeapon]

Hey man, just be patient. The right boat is out there that will fit your budget that you’ll love for a long time. And thanks for being a fan and subscriber the channel

[@erniebrightfishing]

Here in Tennessee bill of sale is all you need no title. Also only register the boat. Not the motor or the trailer. One of the good things about living here.

[@mikeedwards9240]

Here in Texas if you don't have a title it's nothing but junk

[@brady3474]

@@mikeedwards9240 yeah and im about to move from tn to tx. Very mixed emotions for reasons like thay

[@slabbusterrtr7690]

Same in Alabama

[@erniebrightfishing]

@@mikeedwards9240 send em over here and it's easy money then. No title no problem. Just write up a bill of sale. Name address make model and year to the county clerk then send off an application to the twra (Tennessee wildlife resource agency) and then you get the registration sticker.

[@ashleighelizabeth5916]

@@mikeedwards9240 you have to have a title for the motor too if it's new enough. Getting a salvage title from Texas DNR is a ridiculously long drawn out painful process. And the number of people I've seen trying to sell boats without titles here is nuts!

[@Boats_n_Hose]

My 1957 Evinrude fastwin 18hp has been super reliable and easy to find parts for still. The older Evinrude are bulletproof. Just thought I'd add that 😊

[@BoatBuyersSecretWeapon]

Ah, the days of the reliable old engines!

[@mikem4432]

to folks that may want to get away for a day or so once in awhile on a boat.. I recomend a boat club.. no hassle.. use the boat when you want(depending on membership) and never worry about maintenance.. its not cheap but it may be a LOT cheaper than owning a boat.

[@phil8212]

I’m a professional captain and I tell people all the time who tell me they are interested in buying a boat to go to a boat club and save the hassle of buying a boat, storing it, maintaining it, cleaning it, trailer maintenance and have to make sure your vehicle can tow it safely otherwise you’ll have to buy a new one to tow it with to the ramp. And after all that you’ll actually only use it one weekend a month if you’re lucky

[@blaster-zy7xx]

I have owned and still own boats and jet skis. And I often suggest boat clubs for people who would be casual users. We are out all the time. Most people are not.

[@itcantbetruebutis7778]

@mikem4432 just like a time share or condominiums lmao 🤣

[@blaster-zy7xx]

@@itcantbetruebutis7778 Time shares are a worse deal than a boat club. You are not tied into a boat club membership with added 'maintenance fees" over the long haul.

[@larrycarr6545]

I’ve spent over 35 years selling for marine manufacturers- I sold motors, aluminum and fiberglass fishing boats and pontoon boats. I also sold fishing supplies, marine electronics and related products. I’ve been there & literally have the shirts and hats to prove it. Here are some interesting observations about boating besides taking that test drive: a boat is a hole in the water into which one pours money; the two greatest days in a boaters life is they day they take delivery of their ‘dream’ boat and the day they see it being towed or driven away while he holds on to the check from the buyer; inexperienced boaters think all boats are built the same way and ride the same; when towing your boat, I guarantee you will have a transmission go or loose a wheel, or have a flat so be prepared; all new smaller boat buyers (under 30’) should have to take courses in trailering, launching at the ramp, retrieving at the ramp, docking the boat & using the proper hitches to tie it up while bringing the towing vehicle to the ramp; when coming up to the dock, have a line attached to the boats midship cleat, it makes holding the boat at the dock easy; learning to back the trailer in an uncrowded parking using the same cones you used when parallel parking (I hear not all states require the parking test now what a shame); if you are buying a jet powered boat and have not had at least 2 full days of dealer sponsored training, don’t buy it; do not back the trailer any further than the top of wheels, any deeper will make retrieving and centering the hull on the trailer difficult and you will probably be the star of the day on Alfred Montaner’s great KZbin show ‘Chit Show’ ; never release the boat from the trailer winch until the boat is ready to move away from the trailer especially with a roller trailer; 95% of the people who buy a pontoon boat do it only after sitting in the seats and making sure their gluteus maximus feel good in the seat; I call it the a$$ and eye effect; buy towing insurance for your vehicle and from one of on the the great on water towing companies…lastly… and I have seen this happen too many times-NEVER EVER EVER EVER GO INTO A BOAT PARTNERSHIP ON A BOAT WITH YOUR BEST BUDDY OR A RELATIVE BECAUSE IT WON’T TAKE MORE THAN ONE SEASON OF USE FOR THE FRIENDSHIP TO END, THE DIVORCE TO BE FINALIZED OR LAWSUITS TO BEGIN! And…..Don’t forget the transom straps or transom plug and have at least an extra plug in the boat and tow vehicle. I STARTED TO LIST JUST A FEW THING, BUT GOT A BIT CARRIED AWAY

[@Woot30]

I have a 2011 Yamaha 242 Limited S with 255 hrs. Awesome awesome boat.

[@jamespoole9839]

Count your blessings, in 2017 I bought a new 242 Limited S with twin 1.8 jet engines, I absolutely love the boat but one of my engines threw a rod three months after after the factory 3 year warranty and cost me over 11,000 for a Yamaha dealer in Goldsboro to replace it and it only had just over 50 hours on it, I got it back a year later and have used it the last two summers taking the kids tubing but it’s always in the back of my head how long is the other engine going to last that had 50 hours on it as well.

[@Woot30]

@ I guess it can happen to anyone.. why with such low hours did that happen?

[@Mad1Mike]

I have been in the business for over forty years and you are spot on. Did you miss a few points? Sure. Fuel quality might be an added subject. Me? Gone back to sails and a diesel aux. I'm not on a lake.

[@robarko7189]

I've had 2 nitro boats and I've always loved them still have one and won't change wonderful products

[@dshow1658]

To own a boat I think it’s a must to be able to work on a boat. Or have plenty of money and time to wait

[@BarryMcCockiner1]

I have the Volvo XDP drive on my boat it has 10,000 hours. Salt water. Never had a problem

[@c.c.hiliner1065]

1972 22' Hiliner Adventurer, 200 Evinrude OceanPro. 1974 22' Hiliner Gypsy, 5.7 Volvo Restored myself Still have both.

[@compositestechbb9087]

Soft transom are relatively easy yo repair if you know how to do it yourself. Replace the rotten material with pensky.

[@TerryB751]

Transposing numbers/letters if it's on titles or anything else means always double check. Just like Volvo XPD and XDP.

[@CaptainSloose]

Disagree on the SEI lower unit- my marina SWEARS by them, and recommends them for lower unit replacement. I blew one of my lower units last year because of a bad seal due to braid fishing line, and they talked me into one rather than OEM. I’ve got a few hundred hours on it and it shifts and runs so nice I want to replace the other lower unit with one. I’m running twin Yamaha F150s and so far I’m super happy with it. The unit has a 3 year unlimited hours warranty, and the marina said they have never had one come back in 10 years of installing them. You’d never know it’s an aftermarket either- once it’s painted it’s identical.

[@BoatBuyersSecretWeapon]

@CaptainSloose thanks for sharing your experience with SEI

[@sparky6086]

If you're looking for a smaller boat, especially an older one, it's good to consider aluminum, because wood & even fiberglass can breakdown over time, & you can end up spending more time patching the boat, than using it. This at least, goes for freshwater boats. Saltwater may corrode aluminum too much, IDK?

[@jamesorth1521]

They sell sacrificial anodes for that.

[@sparky6086]

@@jamesorth1521 Good point!

[@CaptainDayne]

Aluminum will oxidize.

[@alxx1378]

Two are the happiest moments of a boat owner, the day he buys it and the day he sells it.

[@BoatBuyersSecretWeapon]

The dumbest saying from people that bought the wrong boat or have never owned a boat

[@alxx1378]

@@BoatBuyersSecretWeapon actually I sold my boat a week ago and yes I'd rather rent

[@autobiographyofanidiot6036]

@@alxx1378 I can’t agree. My family owned the same crappy bayliner for 15 years. Always got it running, rarely had to do anything to it. The biggest expense was the snacks and drinks. Then again, half the people in my family are mechanics, but we never really worked on it either. Sold it running for more than what we originally paid for it

[@alxx1378]

@@autobiographyofanidiot6036 my grandfather had a fifteen metre motor sailor, my uncle had a sailboat ⛵ ( Swedish part) my father had a kaiki classic Greek fishing boat thirteen metres , i had my diploma for optimist in 78 , owned a couple of small boars type five meters . I'd rather rent

[@autobiographyofanidiot6036]

@@alxx1378 fair enough. Anything on the smaller end I’ll buy but anything larger I would want to rent

[@noellowery6542]

Always love you advice!

[@BoatBuyersSecretWeapon]

I appreciate that!

[@scottehrlich6653]

Moisture Meter ! Buy rent or borrow one. Check everything with it. Don’t forget transom and anchor locker.

[@butcherchef]

Thanks. I spend $120 for the OBD plus $20 for the license and got activated. The dealer wants to charge me $180 for diagnosing and charge me more to program so you did save me money. And now it change. I just need to activate just one setting. I wish I can share my screenshot

[@thesaltlifemanshow5522]

On a side note if u find old project boats especially glastrons and Chris crafts I'd be interested they are kind of my addiction

[@html9155]

Thank you. Excellent information.

[@usa91787]

I have an older Evinrude Ficht 90 and at the risk of jinxing myself it's been a good motor so far. It's a 2003 and I've owned it since 2008 and it starts right up and runs great. I replace the impeller every 3 years whether it needs it or not and do regular tune ups. Do I wish it were as quiet as a 4 stroke? Yup. But overall, this motor has been 1000% better than the anchor I had in a Mercury 150 that was supposed to be bulletproof. As for cruiser boats I don't care how old they are, get a survey done before buying one every time.

[@BoatBuyersSecretWeapon]

Glad you had a good experience

[@bill2uok753]

Remember this if anything. It is only worth what someone is willing to pay for it. You think it is worth $20k and the seller wants $33k. Walk away. There are millions of boats for sale everyday.

[@mjay6567]

@@bill2uok753 millions, huh

[@bobconaway]

Inspect, inspect inspect the heck out of the trailer. It may seem mechanically simple compared to the boat but trailer issues can (1) Prevent you from taking that new boat to the water, (2) Make launching and retrieving an agony, and (3) Cost a surprising amount of time to track down old suspension and brake components to make needed repairs. Replacing bunk boards is it's own special difficult situation, parts for welded-on trailer couplers can become unobtanium (Atwood comes to mind), replacing safety chains, rewiring the lights and replacing light fixtures. And on and on. It's not only a boat that can nickel-and-dime you to death.

[@stevieg.4816]

i have a johnson 1999 175pxees and it's a tank. still running great. I guess they don't make them like that anymore.

[@williambrown238]

I replaced both my lower units with SEI Not because I was being cheap but because both were making metal on a grand scale and Johnson patrs are not readily available. SEI is better than used crap off of Ebay that is as probably as wore out as what I'm replacing. SEI makes good stuff.

[@BoatBuyersSecretWeapon]

Thanks for sharing your experience with SEI

[@bankfishingislife5484]

i use my boat for commercial catfishing. its a little underpowered with only a 60 hp but only when im filled up with fish in the livetank..then ill just go back to the ramp slowly, but it works. and motors cost too much money. though i guess the best thing would be to learn to work on the motors yourself get the tools to do full disassembles and then buy a bigger motor for cheap that you can rebuild. and hopefully save a lot of thousands.

[@stevenlittell1071]

@@bankfishingislife5484 .even the parts are not cheap and getting hard to get the ficht engine he talked about evenrude or mercury yes evenrude made an engine for mercury throw it in the junk pile parts are few and far apart

[@dougowens2686]

Good comment on the Title screw up , We purchased a camper from the original owner, I though my wife checked the vin and she though I did , after registering it and using for 15 years we decided to sell when the potential buyer check the Vin it did not match . Lucky for us we keep every single piece of paper from the original owner including copy the Bill of origin, copy of his title and the recipe from the dealer we had to take it to the DMV for inspection and vin conformation the agent stated the vin was impossible as it was for a pull along trailer with a diesel engine she scratch her head said we will issue you a new title in three weeks , I remind my wife often why I keep every thing.

[@BoatBuyersSecretWeapon]

Thanks for sharing that story, it happens for sure

[@tymesho]

Regardless of precautions, water ALWAYS WINS........~!

[@normanbirk3075]

Beware of a free boat ! A "friend" gave me a 22 foot Parker, with a soft floor. I cut the entire deck and all the stringers out with a Saws-All. Removed the 100 gallon pitted aluminum gas tank. Stripped out all the wiring and hoses. Rebuilt the stringers with styrofoam and heavy fiberglass. Had to have a gas tank made....$1400 ! Put a brand new Yamaha 200 on the boat. Total spend on restoration, $30,000. It was a lot work work, but the boat is awesome now!

[@dougowens2686]

I also had a Force simple but finicky we destroyed 4 props a lower unit and rebuilt the power head all problems due to abuse man it fun !!! yes sold it running

[@testboga5991]

Great video, as always!

[@HankSnatchez]

Locally a guy here was selling a 99 Angler 22 foot for $27000. Nice boat for it's age and had a newer Suzuki 200 on it. I messaged him and told him I had the same boat back in the 90s I bought new for $15 grand out the door.

[@BoatBuyersSecretWeapon]

Crazy times

[@thebaldeagle655]

Another thing regarding the title. If there is a lein holder listed, ensure that the title has been signed by the lein holder as well as a notarized letter of release of lein. I just ran into that and had to wait for an out of state bank to reissue the letter, send it to the seller then he send it to me.

[@BoatBuyersSecretWeapon]

Good point!

[@Busabuck100]

Should you walk away if there are bushes and weeds growing in the hull ?

[@BoatBuyersSecretWeapon]

Not if you're using at a planter

[@justaviewer111]

You didn't mention new boats but it's in the title (unless that tiny blurb on Evinrude was it??).

[@BoatBuyersSecretWeapon]

Stay away from the first generation of anything new in the marine space

[@joeythedime1838]

All the you said plus - that Rotax engine is using the E-TEC direct fuel injection system. I have a 2016 Boston Whaler 210 Montauk, purchased new, that came with a 150 Mercury 4 Stoke. I worked with the selling dealer to take the Mercury in on trade and "UPGRADE" to a new Evinrude E-Tec G2 200 H.O. - boy did I drink the cool aid. It was great and performed awesome the first few years, now parts and repair knowledge is almost non-existent in SWFL, so now I am looking at a repower with a Suzuki 200...ugh.

[@darrenalkire5281]

Yep lots of people drank that Kool-aid and are sorry they did.

[@patrickjmoynihan]

I repowered my boat in 2019 w/ an evinrude etec 90. Wish I didn’t watch this video. So far so good although i know evinrude is no more. 😮

[@watomb]

Well it’s funny how many trawlers/houseboat never move with out getting towed to be repainted. I think most are just cheap apartments

[@mikedavis2566]

Wait a minute, now if you can get a steel for $500 for a 1978 Cruiser Yayat Barnet 22' with very nice trailer, owner didn't know how to do repairs, but KZbin show me how to fix the water pump in the 3.7 engine (480) Change out water pump in the Alpha 1 outdrive bellows shift cable you name it replaced it or work on it. But after $4000 in parts I got a nice camper boat, TV, Shitter, air Cond this year. FUN, on the lake!!!!! Been offered $8000 last year but now air. Can't wait for a hot night!

[@inquisitive980]

How do I select an out of town surveyor?

[@BoatBuyersSecretWeapon]

You can look at ASA certified and post in local Facebook groups for recommendations and see what names come up often. Also ask other dealers or brokers in the area

[@autk]

As a general rule, for good cruising fun and better build quality go, Baja, Formula, Checkmate, Donzi... not exhaustive list and not automatic, but if you know what to look for they are better than most, and more expensive...if you're trying to get in cheap, be prepared to spend thousands repairing them.

[@BoatBuyersSecretWeapon]

Those are go-fast boats that many people run excessively hard... so I'd be cautious. Plus, that style is not right for many people. Baja is mid-tier and had some off years as well. As with all used boats over 5-7 years, it is more about how the specific boat you are considering was cared for than the brand of boat. If it was cheaply built, it will often start showing itself.

[@autk]

@@BoatBuyersSecretWeapon take another look at all of those, no way are they all go fast, many are sport cruisers, much better than cookie cutter chopper gun bow riders built cheaply; every boat needs to be maintained but every one of those manufacturers makes a great boat relative to the garden variety bow rider.

[@EricLawrence-y5t]

Investing in ice scupture might be better.

[@Dave-SailsAway]

My first watch of your channel. Well worth my time. Thanks.

[@BoatBuyersSecretWeapon]

Glad you enjoy it!

[@davethusberg8954]

Lots of good advice. However I submit that the Seadoo XP with 800 Rotax was bar none the best motor I ever ran. Bulletproof for 25 years straight in the worst of the worst conditions.

[@BoatBuyersSecretWeapon]

Thanks for sharing your experience

[@jeffreysantore7606]

I have installed at least 30 SEI sterndrives throughout my time in the marine service industry and I never had a problem with a single one of them.

[@dalehansen5050]

Thanks, I just bought one for a project boat

[@autk]

Nothing wrong with SEI, proper maintenance is everything!

[@lovejetfuel4071]

I have owned two ''Garage sale'' Or ''Side of the road'' Boats, first one had some soft spots, had that boat for 3 years never had any issues with it, matter a fact ended up being a very sea worthy boat, Both boats needed abit of TLC, but were cheap and basic. Always inspect the transom and condition of hull, stay away from I/Os and live within your means, if you cant afford it, don't buy it

[@Goaway398]

Jet boats from 79-02 are the best

[@mypie3301]

100% agree with everything you stated.

[@erichemard7066]

First the price of the used boat market rivals that of the new market. I just recently looked at 2 center console bay boats of the same model one new current year and the other was 5 years older. There was only a $4k difference between the 2. Went 10 years older same model, $6k difference….ripping off the consumer. This is why consumers buy these types of boat. Ended up buying the model i mentioned above from a private seller, 5 years old for 7k less than the dealerships lowest price.

[@BoatBuyersSecretWeapon]

Yep, right now the best deals will be on leftover 2023 and 2024 models. People who bought a 2020-2022 paid a higher price and many will keep their boat than sell at a larger hit on depreciation

[@FishingWithDummies78]

I didn't realize that I had to register a outboard to the boat wow

[@donbrum2264]

I am looking at 2 different new yachts to purchase: Formula 430 ASC, Kraken 52 . Which would you recommend over the other and why?

[@BoatBuyersSecretWeapon]

I’ve not inspected or run either boat but very different so really depends on how you’re going to use it… long runs like doing the loop or or near shore pleasure cruises or day boating

[@Offalotcr]

I was looking at buying a Sea-Doo Switch would you say to stay away from it and get a traditional Poon toon ?

[@BoatBuyersSecretWeapon]

I'm not a fan, especially if you'll leave in the water for any length of time. Lots of them sold and deprecation is an issue. With that said, I know some people who have them and love them but for me personally, I'd go with a traditional toon

[@dennisharrison4744]

I worked on a couple of bayliners dont think I will ever own one poorly made ones I work on was farly newer look like they were slapped together

[@JR-ho5qm]

The Evinrude G2 is a fun outboard, for anyone reading this as long as you have a local good repair centre ( just incase) and the price is right don’t be scared to buy one. The latest version is pretty reliable. There was definitely more unreliable engines built at the time.

[@michaelblodgett4704]

@@JR-ho5qm I'm looking at boat right now that has a 2016. Is that the latest version?

[@JR-ho5qm]

@ no that would be one of the first. But as long as the centre section was changed or updated you will be fine. I think most of them were updated on recalls. My motor is actually also a 2016. It’s a 225 HO and is fantastic! I absolutely love the motor

[@bikerguy5829]

Rotax motors have been around for eons

[@jamess3532]

We found what we thought was a great deal on a used boat 3 years ago. The boat was manufactured in 2001, and it was obvious to us that it was well cared for based on the material/mechanical condition and the water test. However, the deck was a little soft around the engine cover, (inbd/outbd mercruiser). I knew the boat had a wooden deck and I also knew that it would be something I would have to deal with and this is the year that came to fruition. Replacing a soft boat deck is no small task and even though we got a great deal on this boat and it has been reliable and enjoyable for the past three years i wish I would have passed on it. So far I've spent close to $800.00 in materials and I know I'll never get a return on that investment due to the age of the boat. Great channel by the way.

[@jamesorth1521]

$800.00? If that's a big deal you should not be near a boat. BOAT means bust out another thousand. That's life. They are not for poor people.

[@jamess3532]

@@jamesorth1521 Now that is a jackass comment. Great job being a jackass! $800.00 isn't a big deal but since you missed my point I'll make it clear for everyone else. What a person thinks may be a great deal on a used boat isn't a great deal at all if it ends up needing major repairs. Replacing a floor is a major repair and means less time on the water. Here's some friendly advice for you. Don't let your fingers type faster than your brain can process information.

[@jamess3532]

@@jamesorth1521 Guess you can't afford a boat then. You seem very poor. Oops I meant ignorant.

[@bobp7542]

@@jamess3532 $800...You're kidding...

[@bobd9868]

Ok, there’s no way an AC system is $15k and water heater is $6k. I bought an “old” cruiser (Trojan International) and the water heater was $350 from Home Depot and I replaced the AC unit with a 12k Mermaid which was around $2k. Yes, that’s me doing the work but neither was hard to do.

[@philscott7949]

2:30 50 years of aircraft engines, 40 years of Ski-Do snowmobiles and 15 years of Sea-Do jet skis would surely give Rotax some experience?

[@BoatBuyersSecretWeapon]

@philscott7949 check out the Rotax outboard and let me know if you think its a good idea...

[@todddubler2091]

SEI is not inferior if that is what you were implying. I have used their drive and it was perfect, and theirs are thousands less and identical in every dimension, so no fitment problems at all. Great warranty too, but you are unlikely to need it.

[@J.W.W.]

If you trust Chinese internals, yes.

[@dalesmith561]

@@J.W.W. mercury uses Chinese parts in their new, factory stuff for. I've plenty of mercury parts, from the dealership, labeled, made in China.

[@CaptainSloose]

@@J.W.W.my marina swears by them. It’s not a small marina company either- it’s a Safe Harbor marina, which also owns the company Jarrett Bay. Nearly everything is china made now anyway, even Yamaha OEM equipment

[@crankychris2]

good advice

[@BoatBuyersSecretWeapon]

Thanks, glad you found it helpful

[@mustangracer5124]

Buy 3 or 4 pwc's and go have fun.. if one breaks use another to tow it!

[@blaster-zy7xx]

There are three of us freinds each have jet skis and we usually go at least in a pair. More than once, one jet ski tows another one back home.

[@howiej2000]

Rotax has been making marine engines for 35 years - heard of SeaDoo? Those have been Rotax powered from day one. I would not be afraid of a Rotax motor.

[@BoatBuyersSecretWeapon]

Check out the Rotax outboard and then tell me what you think

[@PatriotSteve]

@@howiej2000 Rotax makes reliable plane engine and Can Am atv's, known to be the best atv brand, use Rotax engines. They're pretty much bulletproof.

[@Bruce-n5u]

Until they’re used in salt water and not properly maintained. High RPM engine. Does not last the long run. Always installed as duels. Twice the trouble. Run Joe, Run!!

[@PatriotSteve]

@@PelicansCourtsideClub you'd be wrong. i ride atv's and Can Am is the best out there. BRP engines are workhorses whether you're talking about their aircraft engines or recreational vehicles.

[@Soundsofthewood]

I just recently went through this issue. Bought a boat that sat outside for atleast a decade. I didn't know what I was getting myself in to. The furniture was all rotted away and missing the engine. The outdrive lower had a crack through it. The stringers and transom was all rotted. At the end of it all I had to throw the boat away. I sold or kept the stuff I could. Cutting the boat up because the trailer didn't have a title to get a plate. That took about a month between working and weekends to get rid of it. It wasn't worth the cost to repair it. I understand more now. However I kinda don't want a boat anymore.

[@224valk4]

Bought new in 2020, outboard drive. Got 8yrs Merc warranty, Crownline has lifetime on stringers. We are in dry stack out of weather & sun. BOAT BREAK OUT ANOTHER THOUSAND

[@mrkattm]

All very good advice, although one thing that was not said and it should be. If you are a normal working Joe, ie not independently wealthy, you should be able and willing to do most, if not all, the repairs and maintenance on your boat. That means buying some specialty tools, If you can't or won't then you probably should not own boat, go rent one.

[@djsgravely]

There must be a lot of used boat owners/dealers who despise you for being so truthful. I have always been of the opinion that the best and most enjoyable boat, jet ski, snowmobile, motorcycle, RV, airplane and vacation properties are those that belong to somebody else. Or like a wise old man once told me “If it floats, flies, or f*cks, rent it!”

[@blainesnider9089]

I don't agree with the SEI drive I sold them and they work great!

[@nickwinn]

You can argue the back taxes on registration by just saying the boat was inoperable and in the back yard or out of state at a repair facility. States will be hard pressed to prove otherwise and you won't be forced to pay previous registrations.

[@bighoss14]

My advice, know how to work on fiberglass, know how to deal with aluminium, know how to work on motors, lower units, outdrives, and electronics. No boat is built to last and you will break something eventually, so know how to do it yourself - especially if you buy your boats on marketplace.

[@jasoncarter411]

Great vid brother

[@BoatBuyersSecretWeapon]

Thanks

[@HammerDownDriver]

What about a 1998 Baja Boss Hammer?

[@HammerDownDriver]

7.3 bravo one outdrive 587 hours.

[@BoatBuyersSecretWeapon]

All depends on the particular boat, how was it run and cared for over the past 25 years

[@thesaltlifemanshow5522]

It sucks the g2 flopped I loved mine but got rid of it cuz of evinrude dying. But I'll never ditch my 7marine engine

[@law1143]

as an owner of a pretty new manitou tritoon (with thankfully, a traditional mercury outboard).... I gotta say im a little concerned about how many BRP brands are represented in the first couple minutes of this!

[@BoatBuyersSecretWeapon]

I’m not a fan of the direction of their boat division… but power sports is super strong

[@law1143]

@@BoatBuyersSecretWeapon im really happy with the 2022 Aurora that we bought. but yeah, the way things have gone since seems questionable... The models that replace the Aurora and Encore are not a step in the right direction.

[@SCherry-j1t]

I'll take a soft transom boat any time, as long as it's dirt cheap.