Another used boat - Luxobarge edition

Sonic said:

How about buy a moisture meter (which you can sell later), then spend 2 hours poking all around the boat.  Tap on things with a soft hammer for delamination, check stringers and transom for moisture, give hoses and thru hulls and bellows a close look, and possibly send an oil sample out fit analysis.   This isn't a super complicated yacht with multiple systems, so doing this basic due diligence should be enough for someone mechanically inclined with some boat experience (like you).  

This is the answer. You will do a more thorough check than some guy that takes your money and then goes home, with no repercussions. 

You will have much more skin in the game than some guy out of the phone book.

I’ve looked into surveys more than once, never was I satisfied with the work, credentials, or my lack of recourse.  Your mileage may vary. 

In reply to Curtis73 (Forum Supporter) :

With all due respect n’ such....   Those of us that leave our stern drive boats in the water all summer do occasionally need to paint the drive.  Mercury had an issue with their paint process in the early 2000’s as well, my Dad’s 2005 Alpha got repainted under warranty when the factory paint was peeling off in big pieces.   I wouldn’t let this be a deal breaker.  

I can dig the paint thing.  I think it's just because I'm a cheapskate and the boats I usually look at are usually worth my skepticism 

After much shuffling I got initial survey results by phone last night. The hull checks out great- very dry, no rot. Moisture readings a little high around the windlass but transom and all through hull areas were good. The surveyor did some research on the common issues before seeing the boat and said he was really impressed with this one. 
 

Unfortunately there's an engine problem. One cylinder is down on compression. Here's the scope output from the relative compression check:

notice there are only 7 peaks in the repeat. The guy says it's common to see the cylinder after a dead one exhibit a higher peak like that, has to do with the starter spooling up through the low compression stroke. 
 

so...he's sending me my deposit back and he's going to have his mechanic diagnose what the issue is. He'll keep me in the loop and we will discuss further. You guys have any thoughts on a single low cylinder?
 

I really like this boat and I'm not wholly opposed to dealing with an issue -or even a report- IF he gets right on the price. 
 

sigh. Am disappoint. 

In reply to ultraclyde :

Looks like the survey was money well spent.

In reply to adam525i :

Indeed. 

Well E36 M3.   Good call on the survey, hopefully it’s something that can get repaired easily and you can still work out a deal.  

We'll see. He's having it checked by a shop that can do a full compression and leak down test. That should isolate the problem.  It blows my mind because it ran great, and idled nice and smooth. 
like I said the rest of the survey was good. I keep looking at the cost of repowering and wondering if it might be worth it. I guess that depends on things yet to be determined. 
But damn I'm disappointed. 

Hello GRM Nation. This is Mrs. Ultraclyde.  As I am sure you all know by now- Ultraclyde passed away in August of 2021.   I now need your help in selling this boat.  There is more information in this thread and the thread where  Ultraclyde and I picked up boat than I will ever know.  It has been parked in my driveway for almost a year and I need for it to be gone.  I'm asking only what we paid for it - $23,000.   Any help you can give will be most appreciated!

In reply to MrsUltraclyde :

This is so much the boat I'd like to have for myself!  But, the post covid economy has been hard on me so this is not the time.  But, also, the post covid economy has been great for boat prices.  Here are listings for same:

$35k in CT

$29k in FL

$55k in Wisc

$45k in NY

If you list this boat publicly like on Facebook for $23k, it would be sold before the end of the first weekend.  With that much room to play, you might consider putting it up with a boat brokerage.  Unlike cars, used boats are often sold more like how used houses are sold.  The broker represents your boat in the sale but does not actually own the boat.  The broker then takes a contracted percentage of the sale price for the work of representing the boat.  But, asking only $23k, the boat dealer might very well be interested in truly buying the boat from you (and then they will sell it a lot higher.)  That would be the easiest route.  The brokerage route would get you a higher price with just slightly more effort.  

Marine Max is a mega-sized, boat broker/dealership with locations all around the nation.  They have a location in Savannah which would be the location near you.  It might be worth a call.  

Another thread about this boat for those that want more information and or pictures.  

https://grassrootsmotorsports.com/forum/off-topic-discussion/boat-trippin/185621/page1/#post3502522

@John this is perfect!!!  I would love for some place like this to just buy it and get it out of my way.  I don't have the energy to deal with the public about this dang boat.  I have a local lead and if that falls through I'll talk to Marine Max.  Thank you!!!!

In reply to MrsUltraclyde :

I purchased the blue truck several years ago. Just wanted to say that I think of your husband often. I hope you are well and best of luck with the boat. 
-ben

In reply to MrsUltraclyde :

I am so happy that my words could be helpful.  I am reminded that 6 months ago, in an earlier thread, I wrote a long post that generally said, "let us continue to be the voice of Dave."  Sure, we will never really be, but I'm glad I got to try!  

My recent "thinking of Dave" moment... 

I came across a cleaning product that is sold door to door that surely looks to be "snake oil."  I thought to myself, "I've got a guy on speed-dial who with one look at the ingredients can tell me  - - oh, wait...I don't" 

That cleaner is sold like this slick talk video for this stuff

John Welsh said:

In reply to MrsUltraclyde :

I am so happy that my words could be helpful.  I am reminded that 6 months ago, in an earlier thread, I wrote a long post that generally said, "let us continue to be the voice of Dave."  Sure, we will never really be, but I'm glad I got to try!  

I miss Dave too and I’m sorry if I over enabled on this thread.   Good luck with the sale, I hope you’re doing as well as you can Mrs.Ultraclyde.  

Looking at the trailer.. if it does not have an extendable tongue, one could easily be built and added.  Basically a sleeve with another tongue inside it like the one under my Montgomery 17.  Pull the pin, extend the tongue to the next hole, insert pin, launch

Curtis73 (Forum Supporter) said:

I can dig the paint thing.  I think it's just because I'm a cheapskate and the boats I usually look at are usually worth my skepticism 

You are like me, a die-in-the-wool cheapskate. But we've got to step back and realize.  Some issues aren't big deals just leverage points to be used in negotiating the best deal possible. 
  Taking an even longer look  don't loose a  Good deal trying to turn it into a bargain  of the century.  
( I've been guilty of that more than a few times ) 

In reply to frenchyd :

Did you happen to read the rest of the posts in this thread (or other threads over the last year)?

I was actually hoping you had a neighbor who may be interested in the boat.

Hello GRM fam - Mrs. Ultraclyde here.   This boat is for sale!   I'm only asking what I have in it - $23,000  

If you or someone you know might be interested give me a shout.

Also - thank you all for your kind words.   I haven't been on the forums for a while.   I am doing as well as I can.  Starting to have mor good days then bad.