Rebuild the outboard?

[57Loader]

Ok, first post.  I've been reading for weeks now, and love this place.  Thanks for everything I've learned so far.

I'm working on buying my first boat.  Was talking to a friend that said he would sell me his bass tracker.  Somewhere between 1988 and 1994, I haven's asked yet.  35hp outboard, fishfinder, TM, could use new carpet but not a big deal.  He told me 3k it was mine.

My problem is that I don't believe it's been started in at least a year, maybe years.  I've heard that was the worst think you could do to a boat, short of sinking it.  

What is it going to take to get it running.  A tune up, rebuild, or something else.  I don't know anything about this subject and wanted to get your opinion and experieces before some sales guy told me it was shot and I needed to spent thousands.  I'm looking for ideas of what needs to be done and maybe what it's going to cost before I get too excited and buy the boat.  Might as well buy a newer one if its not working and going to cost too much.

History of the boat:  I have been fishing a few times on this boat but it's been years ago.  He said it always ran great, and everything is in good condition except it has been sitting for quite a while.

All comments welcome, and thank you in advance.

HASS

[Stoneyman]

If i were buying the boat i would want to take it out on the water and see what works and what doesn't and suggest a fair price to your friend.

As far as the engine goes, there are serveral factors in determining wheather the engine needs a full blown overhual or just a minor tuneup. The best thing to do is find out how many hours are on the engine then call the manufactuer to find out what they recemmend and what the cost would be.

There should be a label with the model and serial number on the engine.

[jdw174]

If it were me, I'd ask to have it checked over by a mechanic first, then go from there.  Or at the very least, an on the water check.

[cart7t]

If that thing hasn't been used in that long, before you take it out inform him to dump whatever gas is in the tank(s) and put in fresh.  At the very least the carb(s) will probably be gummed up depending on how he took care of the boat before he put it up for it's long nap. You could also be looking at dry rotted seals and gaskets.  Really hard to tell. Some of it depends on how well he prepared the boat for long term non-usage.

Where was it stored all this time? If it was in a garage you're probably in pretty good shape.  If it was outside, was it under a cover like a carport?  If it was left outside and even with a cover on it you then have to worry about water that got into the boat and what potential damage it did.  Did he have the boat tilted up sufficiently for water to drain out of it?

Aluminum boats do have wood in them and it will rot just like any other boat.  

[RobDar]

3K seems like alot of money. My 1989 pro17 has a 60 horse outboard and its NADA value only comes out in and around 2K ( do not remember the exact number)

The mechanic is always a good suggestion. My mechanic would charge $65 to look it over and test run it etc, but it would be $65 well spent if it avoids an expensive problem.

I would definately take it out with your friend and run in it as well. The Tracker boats have issues.

1. check the fuse block under the console for corrosion. I do not know what Tracker was thinking but the cheap fuse panels they used were absolute junk.

2. make sure the boat is still stable and does not flex or twist when running or crossing rough water.

3. check for leaks

4. stomp on the deck and feel around real well for rot.

5. slide underneath and look really well along the center rib on the keel for loose rivets ( seems these always go first on these boats)

these are great little starter boats in my opinion...but they are what they are...and they were never the best built boat ever made.

[NJfishinGuy]

3k sounds like alot. i got a 1999 bass tracker for 3800 and it was like new

[Flatfish]

Fresh gas and a battery charge, replace the water pump impeller before you start it, and then head for the water. Good Luck

[Way2slow]

Fresh gas a battery charge will probably leave you at the ramp trying to get it started.

There is a remote posibility it might start, but very remote

As a minimum, as long as it's been sitting, carbs need to come off and rebuilt, fuel system needs to be fully perged, tanks needs to be dumped and checked for crud in the bottom and will probably need replaced.  It's a good chance the fuel pump is gummed up also, if it's a VRO motor, a new fuel pump will cost over $300 if you go back with a new oil injection pump (CRO pumps now) or almost $200 for a non oil injection replacement.  The battery is going to be 100% pure junk unless it has be replaced in the past couple of months

You can also figure in a new water pump, it's almost a sure bet that ones impeller has hardend and started to crack.

Another thing to consider is where it's at.  Motors sitting out during cold winters will develope rust on internal rust from condensation caused by the warm morning sun, ruining the crank, bearings, rods etc, if it was not properly winterized and fogged.

Now, if you have to have all this done buy a dealer/mechanic, figure on $500 - $800, maybe more depending on the rates in your area.

Before paying anywhere near what you say the price is, the person that has the boat would have to prove to me this work was done.   Even if you get it running without doing this work, it will have to be done in the near future, that you can rest assured of so pay at least $1000 less for the boat so you can pay for the work when needed.