Low hour boat

[risquebznss]

What sorts of things should I be looking for on a low hour boat? 25 ft 2005 5.7 300hp bravo3 that has less than 40hrs.

Is there a carfax type service for boats to show any insurance claims/damage/lemon history?

Thanks in advance!

 

[Ghost]

Primarily you want to see the maintenance log. Unfortunately, many/most folks don't keep one. Too bad, because without one you really don't know how she has been ran. It's not very old, but at under 40 hours, did it even get its first oil change? As always, get an engine survey. Also, make sure the engine has not been over propped, not an unusual situation. You do this by verifying the engine can hit is mfg recommended WOT rpm's under load.

What's the make of engine?

 

[cwms]

Make of the engine? He said it is a 5.7 Bravo 3, which means it is a Merc.

 

[j-d]

You might expect a sticky steering cable. Also the bellows may be dried out after years of standing with little flex. Especially if the drive was stored UP and/or boat was out in the sun. Our boat was 8 years old with 90 hours. The fundamentals like engine and drive were basically OK but most peripherals like VHF, fish finder, hour meter, didn't work or gave up shortly.