Questions about 1996 2000 scl, should i buy??

[Secn2nunn]

I'm new to boating and have been looking around for my forst boat for a couple months now. I have my eye on this 1996 2000 scl for sale. I don't know much about boats, but it looks like it's in decent shape. Is this a good boat? I like the cuddy idea. Having young kids and a wife who doesn't like the sun, this might be a nice little place for her to take shelter. I just want to know what I should be looking for as far as problems with the boat. Do I check the hours, hull, transom, batteries????? I know it's a used boat and it won't be perfect, but I can't buy a lemon. The current owner claims to only have had it last summer, so that makes me suspicious. Any info would be extremely helpful.

[ss3964spd]

Oh man, what to look for will be a long list, especially if you don't really know a lot about boats or the mechanical bits.

Checking the number of hours would be a start, the fewer the better, but really won't give you a clear indication of the boat's condition. You're best bet, hands down, if you don't know anything about boats, is to hire a certified marine surveyor to go over the boat top to bottom. They normally charge X dollars per foot. You may think it is costly but look at it like this, he may save you a ton of money by preventing you from buying a boat riddled with problems.

Dan

[Secn2nunn]

Thanks Dan. I'll look into the marine surveyor.

[ss3964spd]

Happy to help, Sec. Feel free to ask any questions you like, someone here is likely to have an answer. Best of luck.

Dan