Hi Folks, just looking for your opinions / experience
If you were looking at buying a 2003 used boat and engine with 300 + hours on it would you expect to see a full engine service record (dates/engine hours and details of each service with invoices)? The reason why I am asking is that I have been looking at several boats over 10k and the responses I have had from the seller is to contact the marine mechanic myself to obtain service records which is vague and not in writing or I have had written confirmation that the boat was serviced in a 7 year period when the owner requested the service (no details of when or what)
I don't think its a lot to ask for and the monies involved means I can't afford to get a troublesome motor what are you views please?
Any legitimate seller who truly wants to sell their boat will have a detailed history of work done, including servicing to date, plus they'll take the time to show you it.
If you have to do the donkey work, then simply give the seller a wide berth!
Some of us have never had our engines professionally serviced... Look at the manual, between 0 and 300 hrs its changing oil, impeller, gear box lube, a few grease points, possibly plugs, possibly a valve adjustment. Most RIB owners (as opposed to a yacht) owners are pretty handy and how hard is all that?
The 2nd boat I am enquiring about the owner is doing the donkey work however he has come back to me with the a letter stating that from 2003 (new) - present date that it was serviced when requested by the owner (the reason for this arrangement was the marine mechanic was a relative as they have same surname) Although the engine is out of warranty like captain jack states there are only minor things that needed doing however it feels like I am still relying on the owner to tell the truth and may effect resale value of the boat should I purchase it.
Even if you did "Self Service" you'd have receipts for plugs, oil, impeller etc. Just not the labour. I keep all the receipts for what I spend on the boat, just to scare myself now & then
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Even if you did "Self Service" you'd have receipts for plugs, oil, impeller etc. Just not the labour. I keep all the receipts for what I spend on the boat, just to scare myself now & then
The 2nd boat I am enquiring about the owner is doing the donkey work however he has come back to me with the a letter stating that from 2003 (new) - present date that it was serviced when requested by the owner (the reason for this arrangement was the marine mechanic was a relative as they have same surname) Although the engine is out of warranty like captain jack states there are only minor things that needed doing however it feels like I am still relying on the owner to tell the truth and may effect resale value of the boat should I purchase it.
Thanks
I think you are better off having your mechanic (or surveyor) take a look at the engine. Oil analysis if you feel so inclined, compression, etc. That'll tell you as much or more about its condition than receipts or a service history.
As far as resale value, it might be reduced by not having a more thoroughly documented service history. Obviously you are questioning it and some other future buyers might as well. But the added value of a "since new" service record should be already "lost" and reflected in the price you are paying.
)
Sula
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