My first bass boat - Sprint 286 DC ProTournament

[GioFromNJ]

hey guys, first post just joined -- 

 

i'm going to be purchasing my first boat in a month or so - a 1997 Sprint 286 DC ProTournament. does anyone have any insight as to what i should be looking for when i see it? going to see it next weekend when i get home from a work trip. 

any tips or areas to look for would be fantastic - thanks in advance!

 

Gio

[Shimano_1]

I would inspect the transom area very well and make sure there are no cracks etc. Do a Google search and get an idea. Around the splashwell is usually where they occur.  Put it in the water and run it and make sure everything works as it should.  I've seen a lot of those boats and have always heard positive things but have no first hand experience.  Just take your time and make sure everything is copacetic.  Good luck and hope it's a jewel! 

[Dirtyeggroll]

1. Inspect it.

Every square inch. Inside and out.
-Look for any cracks in the fiberglass especially around the transom (on the back of the boat and in the bilge/battery compartment) and check corners.

-Look at the keel for nicks and gouges

 

When you think you’ve spent too much time looking it over spend that much time looking over it again. Then take a break and move on to the other parts of checking it out. Then after you’ve done everything else below, look it over again.
 

2. Check the transom for flex. Stand on the back of the motor and ride it like a bull. Really put your weight into it and see if the transom flexes.

 

3. Check the decking/floors for soft spots. March (lightly) over the whole boat.

 

4. Put the boat in the water and let it idle. Ask the seller to meet you with the boat cold so you can see how it starts. If you know how to check compression or know someone who does have them come with you and check the compression. 
 

5. While the boat is idling check all of the electronics. Bilge pump, live well and navigation lights. These all can be a pain in the rear to replace. Check the bilge area to see if any water is leaking into the boat.

 

6. Run the boat. Let it rip. Then stop and start it again.

 

7. Check the trailer. Lights, brakes if applicable and hubs.

 

If you encounter issues with the transom, find areas with exposed fiberglass matting, find soft floors, or run into issues with the motor, you should pass it up unless you are wanting an expensive project. Seriously, just walk away if you find issues with any of those. Another boat will come up.

I probably forgot some stuff.

[Way2slow]

I don't want to sound blunt, but they are cheaply made boats.  I looked at one that was only three years old at the time.  They had traded in the hull for a new Stratos, and the dealer was offering me a good deal on the boat without a motor.  Upon inspecting it, it was very obvious to me why they traded it in.  The transom was total rotten junk.  I didn't see any signs of silicon around the bolt holes so it looked like the bolts were not sealed when they installed the motor.   I've know of a few others that had them all had problem with soft wood in the floors and one had a cracking transom.  

So, with that be sure you check it out very well or have someone very knowledgeable check it for you.  I  put it in the same class as a Bayliner.

[GioFromNJ]

 

On 12/9/2019 at 9:29 PM, Way2slow said:

I don't want to sound blunt, but they are cheaply made boats.  I looked at one that was only three years old at the time.  They had traded in the hull for a new Stratos, and the dealer was offering me a good deal on the boat without a motor.  Upon inspecting it, it was very obvious to me why they traded it in.  The transom was total rotten junk.  I didn't see any signs of silicon around the bolt holes so it looked like the bolts were not sealed when they installed the motor.   I've know of a few others that had them all had problem with soft wood in the floors and one had a cracking transom.  

So, with that be sure you check it out very well or have someone very knowledgeable check it for you.  I  put it in the same class as a Bayliner.

i don't mind blunt - the boat (haven't inspected it in-person yet as i'm on travel for work; will see it sunday) is going to be free to me. i will do as others have posted and do a thorough look at the transom, floors, hull and others places for stress cracks and weak spots. while i understand you believe it might be a 'cheap' boat, i've literally never owned a boat before and this would be my first one. 

[Way2slow]

Well, one good part about this deal, the price is right.  The best way for you to check the transom is to try tightening the motor mounting bolts.  If they start making a recess and pulling the washers on the inside down into the fiber glass with just 50 or 60 pounds of torque, then you have a major problem.

[GioFromNJ]

14 hours ago, Way2slow said:

Well, one good part about this deal, the price is right.  The best way for you to check the transom is to try tightening the motor mounting bolts.  If they start making a recess and pulling the washers on the inside down into the fiber glass with just 50 or 60 pounds of torque, then you have a major problem.

will be sure to do that - i'll also take extensive pictures and notations when i'm there on sunday. would you guys be ok with looking at them and giving a look in case i might miss something? again, even if i agreed to purchase it, i have until mid february to take delivery of it. (travel for work)