- My Forums
- Tiger Rant
- LSU Recruiting
- SEC Rant
- Saints Talk
- Pelicans Talk
- More Sports Board
- Fantasy Sports
- Golf Board
- Soccer Board
- O-T Lounge
- Tech Board
- Home/Garden Board
- Outdoor Board
- Health/Fitness Board
- Movie/TV Board
- Book Board
- Music Board
- Political Talk
- Money Talk
- Fark Board
- Gaming Board
- Travel Board
- Food/Drink Board
- Ticket Exchange
- TD Help Board
Customize My Forums- View All Forums
- Show Left Links
- Topic Sort Options
- Trending Topics
- Recent Topics
- Active Topics
Started By
Message
Issues with Boat hasn't been run in two plus years
Posted on 7/20/17 at 5:13 am
Posted on 7/20/17 at 5:13 am
I'm looking at a boat that the owner just doesn't use. It's been stored (indoors) for over two years. He says he's only used non ethanol gas and prob has close to a full tank sitting in it (60+ gallons). Should this be drained out completely and refilled? Also any other things to look closely at for a boat sitting that long.
Kept indoors at his shop and looks to be in great shape. He took it to mechanic and said it fired right up with good compression. My purchase will be contingent on a test ride. Just wondering if I should drain all that gas before the test ride. And like I said if you can recommend any other things to look for it is appreciated.
Kept indoors at his shop and looks to be in great shape. He took it to mechanic and said it fired right up with good compression. My purchase will be contingent on a test ride. Just wondering if I should drain all that gas before the test ride. And like I said if you can recommend any other things to look for it is appreciated.
Posted on 7/20/17 at 5:50 am to BullredsRus
The seller's story sounds a little too perfect to me. Do you have any experience with boats?
Posted on 7/20/17 at 6:26 am to Beessnax
A little. But I'm not all that mechanically inclined. My dad is though and he is buying it with me. We'll be on test run together.
Also it only has 55 hours on motor and for its age it's really low.
Also it only has 55 hours on motor and for its age it's really low.
This post was edited on 7/20/17 at 6:31 am
Posted on 7/20/17 at 6:51 am to BullredsRus
I would think the water pump would need to be replaced after sitting for two years
Posted on 7/20/17 at 7:19 am to DeepSouthSportsman
I would drain the gas if I bought it.
I'd also change all fluids / filters and the water pump as said above.
Run everything during the test drive - not just the motor. Make sure all of the electrical works, pumps, trim, dash, etc.
I'd also change all fluids / filters and the water pump as said above.
Run everything during the test drive - not just the motor. Make sure all of the electrical works, pumps, trim, dash, etc.
Posted on 7/20/17 at 7:19 am to BullredsRus
2 or 4 stroke? What's the actual age and hp? Is there an oil/water separator? Need more info...
Posted on 7/20/17 at 7:19 am to BullredsRus
Two year old gas? Ethanol or not, drain it out of the boat, store it in a drum, and use it here and there in a vehicle to not waste it. If it starts up fine and rides well on the test ride and you buy it, take it to a boat mechanic and have them service everything. A few hundred bucks getting it in tip top condition will save you the headache and frustration of having little things go out here and there down the line...which they will. They do on all boats. Mine was purchased brand new, will be two years old in September, and I already had to replace the on board charger.
Check the trailer tires...may be egged or cracked from non-use.
quote:
boat sitting that long
Check the trailer tires...may be egged or cracked from non-use.
Posted on 7/20/17 at 7:20 am to DeepSouthSportsman
That's the same scenario we got our boat. It was kept under a lift so no real sun damage but it was covered in some filth. A little fiberglass repair and changing out the temperature sensors and we have a boat.
2005 20 foot seafox that is beautiful and fishes well for only 9k
Your probably fixing to get a real good boat for a real good price if the story holds true.
2005 20 foot seafox that is beautiful and fishes well for only 9k
Your probably fixing to get a real good boat for a real good price if the story holds true.
This post was edited on 7/20/17 at 7:22 am
Posted on 7/20/17 at 7:23 am to CootDisCootDat
I would make sure I out a new fuel filter and if it has one separator on it before running it. Or as soon as you get it home change all of that.
I would also consider changing the fuel lines out. Another thing that goes bad sitting that long are batteries check their ability to function under a load if you have to change 2-4 of them that gets expensive quick.
I would also consider changing the fuel lines out. Another thing that goes bad sitting that long are batteries check their ability to function under a load if you have to change 2-4 of them that gets expensive quick.
Posted on 7/20/17 at 7:31 am to BullredsRus
The trailer hubs will likely need to be rebuilt. After a long tow the inner seals may start to leak due to drying out, check the inside of the rims.
The hydraulic steering may need to be rebuilt, after your test run check for oil residue in the splash well, it will be a slightly yellow oil and you may not be able to see it, but can tell it’s there by the residue in the splash well.
I would not run that boat without a fuel/water separator, or any boat for that matter. Ask him if it has one and when was the last time it’s been changed.
It’s his boat for now, and it’s his choice, but you may need to add an octane boost to gas that is 2 years old. I would feel better just draining it all and running it in my lawn equipment or a gallon or two in my vehicles over time. Filling with fresh gas, run the tank nearly dry, change all filters including any on the engine and the fuel/water separator.
Entire cooling system needs to be checked, insects love to find a home there, may need a complete rebuild of the water pump.
Lower unit oil should be fine, tilt the engine all the way up and remove the bottom drain plug. Be careful as oil will try to come out, just plug it with your finger. Look at the plug for shards of metal, a very small amount is normal, but bigger pieces or an excessive amount may mean there could be lower unit issues. The plug is slightly magnetized and metal will settle there, so do this before your test run.
The hydraulic steering may need to be rebuilt, after your test run check for oil residue in the splash well, it will be a slightly yellow oil and you may not be able to see it, but can tell it’s there by the residue in the splash well.
I would not run that boat without a fuel/water separator, or any boat for that matter. Ask him if it has one and when was the last time it’s been changed.
It’s his boat for now, and it’s his choice, but you may need to add an octane boost to gas that is 2 years old. I would feel better just draining it all and running it in my lawn equipment or a gallon or two in my vehicles over time. Filling with fresh gas, run the tank nearly dry, change all filters including any on the engine and the fuel/water separator.
Entire cooling system needs to be checked, insects love to find a home there, may need a complete rebuild of the water pump.
Lower unit oil should be fine, tilt the engine all the way up and remove the bottom drain plug. Be careful as oil will try to come out, just plug it with your finger. Look at the plug for shards of metal, a very small amount is normal, but bigger pieces or an excessive amount may mean there could be lower unit issues. The plug is slightly magnetized and metal will settle there, so do this before your test run.
Posted on 7/20/17 at 7:44 am to Chris4x4gill2
quote:
I would drain the gas if I bought it.
I'd also change all fluids / filters and the water pump as said above.
Run everything during the test drive - not just the motor. Make sure all of the electrical works, pumps, trim, dash, etc.
All of this.
Im a little weary that it fired up no problem after two years of sitting with old gas. Id ask for the paperwork from the mechanic just to be sure.
Posted on 7/20/17 at 7:45 am to BullredsRus
If he said 2 years, it's probably closer to 4.
On the gas, it's so cheap right now I would not hesitate to drain it to avoid chance of way more expense from damage.
On the gas, it's so cheap right now I would not hesitate to drain it to avoid chance of way more expense from damage.
Posted on 7/20/17 at 8:12 am to Geauxtiga
quote:
On the gas, it's so cheap right now I would not hesitate to drain it to avoid chance of way more expense from damage.
True I was thinking you could just add a can of sea-foam and octane boost and be good to go but a 60 gallon tank of gas would be about $150 bucks to refill with non-ethanol, in this case it would be worth it.
OP, if its a glass boat look for spider cracks in the gel coat, look at the wiring for cracks, open every hatch and look for cracks. If you could be a little more specific on the year and model of boat you would get better answers.
Posted on 7/20/17 at 8:18 am to BullredsRus
IF the story is true about the 2 years, IMO the gas will be fine if you add some STA-BIL to it. Like others have said...change the oil, the filters, probably the impeller, plugs, check all fittings and give the trailer a thorough looking over.
Posted on 7/20/17 at 8:29 am to Wtodd
ID get a 55 gallon drum and drain the gas, it easily could be good but it's not worth risking until you get the motor running well. It's an easy variable to remove and in my experience bad gas can have a couple different symptoms so it's hard to absolutely blame gas sometimes.
Posted on 7/20/17 at 8:37 am to baldona
2 year old gas will have a varnish break down and I would not recommend using it in a carb engine. drain it before you run it.
Posted on 7/20/17 at 9:51 am to Boat Motor Bandit
Thanks for all the info here.
He is going to drain it and refill some prior to our test drive. I will def check everything out real good on test drive. All the electrical switches, trim tabs, trolling motor, bilge and wash down pumps, lights etc.
It is a 250 HP Yamaha with 55 hours. He is going to bring it to an engine place to get them to run that same test and give the printout with the hours and compression and all that stuff. We have agreed on a price but he did say that we could renegotiate if something big is noticed on test drive (or in engine reprt). The guy that gave him the 55 hours number was a guy his buddy told him to go to. But he didn't get any paperwork or anything. But he said he is calling around and everyone is two weeks out. So I said that's fine I would rather wait and make sure RD good to go. I'm hoping that when they run the engine and get that report it would tell them if any fuel filters/water separators need to be replaced. If not maybe I should just ask him to do that and I pay the bill when I pay for the boat by just tacking it on to sale price.
Seems like a really nice guy. And he isn't poor. He apparently has the type of money to buy a really expensive toy and just not use it. His barn/workshop was bad arse. Said once he got into his horses he pretty much quit using the boat.
He is going to drain it and refill some prior to our test drive. I will def check everything out real good on test drive. All the electrical switches, trim tabs, trolling motor, bilge and wash down pumps, lights etc.
It is a 250 HP Yamaha with 55 hours. He is going to bring it to an engine place to get them to run that same test and give the printout with the hours and compression and all that stuff. We have agreed on a price but he did say that we could renegotiate if something big is noticed on test drive (or in engine reprt). The guy that gave him the 55 hours number was a guy his buddy told him to go to. But he didn't get any paperwork or anything. But he said he is calling around and everyone is two weeks out. So I said that's fine I would rather wait and make sure RD good to go. I'm hoping that when they run the engine and get that report it would tell them if any fuel filters/water separators need to be replaced. If not maybe I should just ask him to do that and I pay the bill when I pay for the boat by just tacking it on to sale price.
Seems like a really nice guy. And he isn't poor. He apparently has the type of money to buy a really expensive toy and just not use it. His barn/workshop was bad arse. Said once he got into his horses he pretty much quit using the boat.
Posted on 7/20/17 at 10:40 am to BullredsRus
I use my boat from February to the end of July.
I drain the fuel and refill with fresh gas every year.
The motor runs much better after I started doing this.
I drain the fuel and refill with fresh gas every year.
The motor runs much better after I started doing this.
Posted on 7/20/17 at 11:16 am to BullredsRus
quote:55'hrs is nothing. Someone asked if it was a 2 or 4 stroke, which is it?
It is a 250 HP Yamaha with 55 hours.
quote:Sounds like he's honest but con artists do, too. I'm probably being on the overly cautious side here but Inwould feel more comfortable bringing it to get this done by my guy.
He is going to bring it to an engine place to get them to run that same test and give the printout with the hours and compression and all that stuff. We have agreed on a price but he say that we could renegotiate if something big is noticed on test drive (or in engine reprt).
If it's your first boat and you don't have or know a mechanic, maybe bring it to one recommended by a friend you trust who would have no dog in this hunt. Not sure what a mechanic would charge for compression test but evenif it costs you $150.00 it could save you thousands. And maybe he would split the cost or assume it if it comes back a no deal.
Posted on 7/20/17 at 2:49 pm to BullredsRus
A guy I recently bought a used boat from told me a similar story
Said it had 35 gal of non ethanol fuel in it. I took him at his word. I eliminated the oil injection and when I added more gas/oil to account for the elimination of the oil injection what I had was a gas that was
a) mixed at nearly twice the ratio it was supposed to be because it didn't have near the gas in it he said it did, and
b) gas that had a shite load of water in it because what little was in it had water in it
Needless to say I got to pump ask that shite out and clean the carbs. I'll never take a guy at his word like that again without hearing it run.
Said it had 35 gal of non ethanol fuel in it. I took him at his word. I eliminated the oil injection and when I added more gas/oil to account for the elimination of the oil injection what I had was a gas that was
a) mixed at nearly twice the ratio it was supposed to be because it didn't have near the gas in it he said it did, and
b) gas that had a shite load of water in it because what little was in it had water in it
Needless to say I got to pump ask that shite out and clean the carbs. I'll never take a guy at his word like that again without hearing it run.
This post was edited on 7/20/17 at 2:51 pm
Popular
Back to top
Follow TigerDroppings for LSU Football News