Buying a boat that has sat for a while

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GregR

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I sold my 2000 Monterey 302 in April for 30% more than I paid for it 1 year prior. My thought was to start a search for the next boat. Well, the next boat is way too expensive. The market is crazy right now, overpriced IMHO. So, I found a 2005 Monterey 302 at my marina and left a note asking the owner to call me if they want to sell. 2 weeks later the owner called. I loved mine, just wanted something a little bigger.

Boat history: Bought new at the marina in 2005, used one season, owner went to Iraq for almost 10 years. Boat was shrink wrapped and stored on land. Shrink wrap eventually tore off so the boat has been exposed to sun/rain/elements for the past 4-5 years. Cockpit canvas was not on, Bimini canvas was.

2nd owner bought the boat. 40 hours on twin Merc 5.0s, Bravo III outdrives, 9 hours on Kohler genny.

Parts were missing including many genny parts and the cabin refrigerator. The genny has been rebuilt and runs great. Cabin refrig has been replaced with a new one. Outdrives were completely serviced. Fuel pumps and injectors have been replaced. Bottom was bottom painted. Hull was detailed. Boats been in the water for 6 months. Current owner has used it once and has realized he never should have bought it.

I inspected the boat including a sea trial. Aft cabin mattress was very damp. Mold/Mildew odor in the cabin. I asked the owner to address this. Marina shop looked at this and suggested running the AC full time, added Dehumidifier Buckets, and replaced the seal in the aft cabin window/port. This seems to have resolved the issue.

All helm gauges have moisture in them, but function. Exterior upholstery is yellow stained, my guess is from sun/rain. I think I can clean these up.

I paid the shop to sea trial and go thru the mechanicals. Using computer on the engines they hit 4800 WOT, 175 temp, 14.5 volt, 50 oil pressure. Engine compression is 170-175 on all cylinders on both engines. Genny checked out except it may need a new water pump. Outdrives shift very smooth, trim tabs work well. Everything else checks out.

The boat is dirty, needs a good cleaning. The cabin still has a musty odor. I think I can take care of this with an Ozone generator.

I looked at a similar one a few weeks ago that was in pristine condition, it literally looked brand new. It's listed for $45K thru a broker. The owner of the one I am looking at is asking $28k. He paid $33K in February.

I figure worst case I buy the boat, clean it up, use if for a while, and can decide if I want to sell it, maybe for $35K to $45K and perhaps make a profit. The cost to repair/replace what I mentioned above is about $2k.

Thoughts? Impressions? Anything I am missing in my inspection, survey assessment? I do plan to get oil samples.

Thanks
 
You seem to have covered the bases well. IMO you will never get the mattress odor free. Just get a new one. That is true of most soft goods.
 
quote:
Originally posted by pdecat

IMO you will never get the mattress odor free. Just get a new one. That is true of most soft goods.

Click to expand...


Thanks Bruce, I was thinking the same. The carpet under the mattress was wet as well. It's odor free in the aft cabin now, surprisingly. I'm impressed it's actually a spring mattress and not just some foam cushion one.

Is this a special marine mattress, or is it one I can buy at a mattress store?

Just heard from the owner/seller. Genny guy thinks it's the water pump (it's making a rattling noise under power, probably bad bearings). Pump will be replaced this week.
 
The genny needs a new bearing, something to do with the camshaft and rotor. Genny mechanic states he has seen this 6 times in 20 years, always on a boat that has sat for a long time. $1500 to replace, most of the cost is labor. Seller agreed to pay for this.
 
Sounds like you have done your due diligence. Buy it and use it. At that price point, if something better comes along, you should be able to sell this one easily.
 
Thank you for the replies, I'm getting a survey next Wednesday, hopefully it goes well.
 
You might keep in mind , ozone generators (at least the commercial ones the boatyards use), can kill mildwew & mold and neutralize odors but they are also strong oxidizers which can accelerate wiring & other corrosion and "age" rubber parts and possibly upholstery adhesives. And cause dirt/dust particles in the air to cling to nearby surfaces.

Not good for people or pets to be in an enclosed space with them either, ozone is toxic. Ventilate well after use.

I doubt the old little Sharper Image -type O3-generators would have much affect on boat mildew.
 
I bought a 2004 Maxum 4 years ago, it had 60 hours on it, probably because it sat for a long time is why I ended up replacing the engine and outdrive around 100 hours. It didn't go right away which is weird. Just saying......
 
quote:
Originally posted by Sandy

You might keep in mind , ozone generators (at least the commercial ones the boatyards use), can kill mildwew & mold and neutralize odors but they are also strong oxidizers which can accelerate wiring & other corrosion and "age" rubber parts and possibly upholstery adhesives. And cause dirt/dust particles in the air to cling to nearby surfaces.

Not good for people or pets to be in an enclosed space with them either, ozone is toxic. Ventilate well after use.

I doubt the old little Sharper Image -type O3-generators would have much affect on boat mildew.

Click to expand...


I bought this one: Enerzen Commercial Ozone Generator 6,000mg Industrial O3 Air Purifier Deodorizer Sterilizer (6,000mg - Black) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00JAP7388/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apap_Nk4xGBw9jzHMr

I plan to run it for 15 to 20 minutes
 
Survey went well, a few minor things. Shower sump pump is tripping breaker, head system, though working, continues to stay on. I've had same issues on prior boats. Surveyor overall was impressed with the boat and how well it ran.
 
For those reading this thread I will share my experience with buying a boat that has sat for a while.

Lots of fuel related engine issues. If I did it again I'd replace everything from the tank thru the injectors.

A bearing in the genny was bad from sitting too long - $1000 repair. New carb for genny, new impeller and many more genny parts.

Replace all raw water impellers

Replace engine water pumps

VacuFlush seals had to be replaced from sitting/lack of use

Moisture issues in the cabin (smells, mold, etc.)

I got a great price and it all worked out well. Not sure I would do it again though.
 
Great follow up.
Sounds like, as an experienced boater, you knew what you were getting in to and it worked out for you.
Buying a boat like that is not for the faint hearted or those with limited funds.
Unfortunately, most of the time when you hear of someone taking something like that it’s a person with less experience than you and usually with limited funds looking for a bargain.
Sadly, those boats rarely seem to get brought back to life.
 
Glad it worked out, first time seeing this thread....you had me in your introduction until you said, "maybe sell for a profit". lol.

Yep, fuel sitting a long time is a killer, it gels up and blocks everything. In regards to the moisure, I assume you figured that out but I would remove anything I can, let sit in the sun, etc to try to save it. In the meantime, install a regular home dehumidifier in the cabin (drain to the sink) and let run for several days.

But I guess you are past that issue. A little elbow grease and you have a bargain boat,,,,good stuff!
 
Well, I actually did flip the boat in 3 months, made a $9k profit :)
 
quote:
Originally posted by Sandy

You might keep in mind , ozone generators (at least the commercial ones the boatyards use), can kill mildwew & mold and neutralize odors but they are also strong oxidizers which can accelerate wiring & other corrosion and "age" rubber parts and possibly upholstery adhesives. And cause dirt/dust particles in the air to cling to nearby surfaces.

Not good for people or pets to be in an enclosed space with them either, ozone is toxic. Ventilate well after use.

I doubt the old little Sharper Image -type O3-generators would have much affect on boat mildew.

Click to expand...


Thanks for that information, I have been running twenty four hours with an ionizer..
 
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