I will probably be purchasing a boat (first boat). It will be a starter boat, older alumacraft, ’78 i think with a 40hp outboard. It is a tiller. I was wondering what too look for before purchasing? I am clueless about boat. What are things you would look for when purchasing a older used boat? Help appreciated.
A boat that old has been around the block a few times. I would check for dry rot around the transom, loose or missing or worn rivets. any dings that would affect performance. A motor that old is likely near death. A good mechanic should check it out for you prior to buying. Make sure you have good bearings on the trailer and that the lights work as they are supposed to.
1) Go for a test ride. While in the water, operate EVERYTHING! Make sure everything works. When you pull it out of the water and pull the transom drain plug, how much water is coming out (does it leak?).
2) Operate the boat at idle, mid-range, and wide-open throttle. Make sure it runs “solid”.
3) Ask what service has been done on the motor and if there are receipts to prove the work.
4) Do a compression test on the motor. Research your motor and find out what the compression in each cylinder is suppose to be, with the tolerance noted. Typically, each cylinder should be within 5% of each other. Generally, as long as each cylinder is over 110lbs, you should be good.
5) Make sure trailer lights work and wheels bearings seem solid. Make sure tires are in “good shape”.
That is about it. It isn’t new, but as long as it is mechanically good, you can’t ask for much more.
One thing that is a good indicator, are the license current, on the trailer and the boat ? Are they continuos, or did someone just update recently ? Also the other things mentioned above are good things to check out.
big g 
Thanks for the input. About the compression, how do I check that? The motor is newer than the boat. It is a 86 Mariner 40hp tiller. I tried looking it up online, but can’t find the motor 
I do know the boat does leak a little and he has to use the bilge to pump it out every couple hours. Is that problematic? Or is it fixable? Or is that normal? The trailer is in good condition. Other than that I think I will be getting what I’m paying for it. Any more insights?
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I do know the boat does leak a little and he has to use the bilge to pump it out every couple hours. Is that problematic? Or is it fixable? Or is that normal? Any more insights?
Install a float switch to existing bilge or install a
2nd bilge with an auto float switch.
Might be the way to go until you can find the source(s) of
the leak and fix it.
With the auto switch you can leave it moored to the dock
in a downpour and not have to worry about it.
The compression will have to be checked by a trained
professional.
I wouldn’t worry about a little leakage on that old of
a boat. As long as the bilge(s) can keep up.
Good Luck
You can bring it to any “quality” service shop, and they can hook up the motor to a pressure guage and check the compression, leak down, etc. They should be able to give you a very good impression of any major motor problems. This may cost you a few bucks, but better IMHO then buying a bad motor.
Someone else will have to answer the leaky rivets. I know a few guys here have fixed them before.
Fixing leaky rivets in a boat that has a floor is not a simple task.
If the floor can easily be removed, then it is a piece of cake!
Take the motor to a mechanic. It will cost you $200 and you might as well have him give it a tune up and put in a new impeller. Then you might be looking at $400???
Where are you located?
If the boat has a wood floor, check to make sure it is not rotted. My Dad took great care of his previous boat, but the floor still ended up rotting in a few places. I didn’t read the previous posts in great detail so this may have been mentioned already.
I live in the North metro. The guy said he last had it serviced last winter, I’ll probably check to see if he can confirm this. So I’m looking around 200 wammies for a tune-up? Any good engine shops around the metro? I just don’t want it to be like auto repair shops…I had bad experience this summer. Good car went in to change a dead starter, came out with a new working starter but leaking water pump and the gas meter turned dead? I dunno, kind of funny…he needed 700 to fix that. I didn’t do it.
I heard coating the bottom of the hull will stop leakage? True? Is it expensive?
$400 for a tune up.
About $200 to take it in and have them check the compression/leakdown.
No, there are no coatings for the bottom of the boat, on outside of the hull.
Specifically to the motor…. If you are in the market for a 78 boat & assuming the 40HP is something that is also an earlier vintage, I would follow suggestions others have posted but also… It’s a great opportunity to go to NAPA & pickup a compression guage tester & learn how to do this yourself.. It takes just moments to do. It can be done right in the driveway of the person your buying the boat from in minutes. I noticed someone else quoted some pricing for tune ups & diagnostics. It’s certainly an option but also adds up really quick. Nelson marine in White Bear Lake wants $95.00 per hour. When I was in the market for my 70’s boat..there was no way I could afford it. IMO you’d be better off taking a cimmunity ed class on small engine repair just so you get a feel for the basics. I would set aside $25 to $50 out of the money you plan on spending on the boat & buy the service manual for the motor. It will give you important critical factors & guidelines to follow that can lead to engine compression failure (aka fuel ratio to oil mix) Good luck !
Sincerely,
A previous owner of a 70’s boat & 40 HP motor.
Here’s something that I think is real good to do, but is overlooked a lot of times, I would bet. Spin the prop shaft and make sure that it doesn’t wobble while doing so. Trust me, it’ll save you time and cash later on.
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Here’s something that I think is real good to do, but is overlooked a lot of times, I would bet. Spin the prop shaft and make sure that it doesn’t wobble while doing so. Trust me, it’ll save you time and cash later on.
Absolutely!
Also, after pulling it out of the water when you are done with your test drive, check the gear lube color in the lower unit. Make sure it isn’t contaminated with water.
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