I am interested in purchasing a 1994 sea ray laguna with 175 merc o/b.
I am a little new to boating and am nervous about a 12 y/o motor. I do
believe it was owned by an older woman and well maintained over the
years by a reputable mechanic. It has been kept in the water over the
years in the NY area. It looks to be in great condition. Should I stay
away from a motor this old?

While the price may be attractive, not knowing exactly what was maintained,
and you being new to boating, a 12 year old boat may yield a less than
desirable experience.

Ron Knapik

wrote in message
ps.com...
I am interested in purchasing a 1994 sea ray laguna with 175 merc o/b.
I am a little new to boating and am nervous about a 12 y/o motor. I do
believe it was owned by an older woman and well maintained over the
years by a reputable mechanic. It has been kept in the water over the
years in the NY area. It looks to be in great condition. Should I stay
away from a motor this old?

Wow, bummer, it looked like such a nice boat. Is there a certain price
point
where it would be a good idea? Book value is approx $11k.

"FREDDYPD" wrote in message
ps.com...
Wow, bummer, it looked like such a nice boat. Is there a certain price
point
where it would be a good idea? Book value is approx $11k.


Don't throw in the towel on this one. I think you are going in the right
direction by looking at used boats rather than a new one for your first boat
purchase. You also don't want to spend a fortune only to find out later you
really don't care for boating.

Do some research and find out what the boat should be selling for in your
area. If the boat is valued at $11k, I would make an offer of $9,750, with
the deal contingent upon a satisfactory structural and mechanical survey, a
compression test of the engine and a sea trial. If the boat passes all
those things you should be OK. Be prepared, however, for an engine rebuild
down the road, with that rebuild costing around $2,500.

Is this a freshwater or sal****er boat? What State are you located in?