"Haas C" wrote in message
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On Apr 3, 11:49 am, "Eisboch" wrote:
"Haas C" wrote in message

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Hi all!

I am about to purchase a pre-owned/used boat soon - it will be my
first time purchasing. I am going to buy something between 3-6 years
old - with that kind of age, what would be a good use of engine hours?
Not sure if i am getting an outboard, inboard, I/O, but would welcome
any and all suggestions. i am going to be boating mainly on lakes.
When i see ads, i usually see engine hours listed - just wanted to
know how many hours are too much, etc. Thanks!

Retain the services of a professional surveyor and also a engine
specialist
to inspect before purchase.

Hours on an engine are only a rough estimate of time between rebuilds or
repower. Some gas inboard or I/O engines need a rebuild in less than 1000
hrs. Some, better maintained engines will last longer.

As a rule of thumb, however, 1000 hours for a gas inboard or I/0 is about
average. I don't now about outboards.

Get it inspected .... there's lots more to be concerned about than the
engines. Hull, fuel tanks, outdrives, etc. can all be expensive to
replace. Faulty thru hulls and sea cocks can sink you. Jury-rigged
wiring by a previous owner can fry you.

Eisboch

Thank you all. I live in NJ - can anyone recommend a good inspector
for the engine and everything else? Thanks!

Just look up "Marine Surveyor" in your area. He/she should be certified and
can likely recommend a mechanic as well.
I paid $12K for my first boat many years ago. I didn't have it surveyed or
inspected because I didn't know any better. I spent another $6k-$8k or so
over the next couple of years just to make it safe and halfway reliable.

Eisboch