"Robert M. Gary" wrote in message
...
On Apr 3, 9:29 am, John H. wrote:

Make sure you get a chance to have the boat and engine inspected before
plunking down your money!

Everyone says that as a kind of CYA. However, in truth paying $800 to
inspect a boat that is otherwise pretty new and been maintained (with
documentation) by a well-known shop may not be best bang-for-buck.

-Robert


I agree if you have some knowledge of what to look for. However, the OP
indicated he was purchasing his first boat and came across such that it
appears this is a new experience for him. If he's buying an old boat for
a couple of $1000, that's one thing. But he was considering outboards,
inboards, I/Os in the 3-6 year old range which are likely to be a more
significant investment. For example, finding out what risers are on the
engine and the fact that they need to be replaced every 4-6 years is not
something he is likely to be aware of .... until they go bad.

That situation is ripe for the assistance of a surveyor and mechanic's
inspection, IMO.

Eisboch