How many hours is too many when buying used?

[Ultra_Stealth]

I am trying to get an idea of how many hours is too many when buying used. When do motors normally need to be rebuilt? How much does it normally cost to rebuild a 496 motor or 502? I am thinking about selling my boat and going bigger. I am just thinking used would be better for me.

[panic button]

My velocity had 400 hours on it when I bought it. The motor was still strong. When I tore it down there wasn't any wear on the bearings. With my Cig, I blew threw 2 motors with less than 100 hours on them. Just depends on how it was run & cared for.

[titties and beer]

mine has 225 and i have all service records,if someone had that and was someone from the boards i would look at it(you can also ask around about the boat) how it was kep,inside outside how clean is it.a well serviced boat should see 500-600 hours no problem

[titties and beer]

+ hours on a boats arn't (most of the time)WFO,lots of idel hours on some boats.ya just have to look and ask???

[kimswang]

With a newer engine you can simply take it to a dealer (well worth the cost if you ain't mechanic) and have them check the computer. For the rest of us, bring a comp tester, a plug wrench, and check the oil.. (yeah, the dipstick can tell you a lot. If in doubt, ask one of the board members to go with you (well leave PH out unless you want to save gas by being towed), and I know a lot of us will be more than willing to help you out..

[Red Horse]

From what I understand a gasoline marine engine should last 800-1200 hours in IDEAL conditions. Performance, significantly less. Anything approaching 400+ hours would be buyer beware INHO. However, look at PBs boat. I can tell you first hand how well the Velocity ran...

[Rude]

like kim said, have it checked out. if the guy selling it has a problem with it there are reasons he doesn't want you to do so. in that case, WALK. there are plenty of other boats out there. if it's a boat that is far away you can hire a marine survey company to look at it for you.

[Ultra_Stealth]

Thanks for all the info guys. I have been tossing the idea around of going bigger but looking to buy used. I have noticed many of the boats I have liked have around 200 hours.

[Trouble Maker]

I'd try to find one with less than 200 hours...and from someone who can show you sevice records. Anyone who doesn't keep their service records probably doesn't take that good of care of their boat anyway...

[Liquid Courage]

I'd try to find one with less than 200 hours...and from someone who can show you sevice records. Anyone who doesn't keep their service records probably doesn't take that good of care of their boat anyway...


I do all my own work, what would I show for service records?

Oh ya, and approaching 300hrs and not looking back, or even worried for that matter.

[Trouble Maker]

I do all my own work, what would I show for service records?

Oh ya, and approaching 300hrs and not looking back, or even worried for that matter.

Okay, well, I guess there's exceptions to every rule.

The guy I bought mine from though, I could tell knew nothing about turning a wrench...but, he did have a big ole stack of receipts showing regular servicing a couple times each year. And me, I keep all my receipts for anything and everything I've ever bought for my pig..to include oil and filters. I've got a stack of receipts at least 2" high now... I need a cheaper hobby!! :headshake:

[kimswang]

I've got a stack of receipts at least 2" high now... I need a cheaper hobby!! :headshake:

I hear you, I have three 2" binders worth of receipts....:insane: