Buying a 3300SCR - Questions on pre-purchase inspection

[Vicked]

Hi all,

So happy to have found this forum. I am looking at a 2005ish 3300SCR to purchase and have had a pre-purchase inspection performed. I have also had the pre-purchase inspection report reviewed by a second mechanic

I thought I would ask the people who actually own the boat their opinion, this will be my largest ever boat so I am trying to be as thorough as possible.

For reference, I am in Australia, the boat is 110v which makes it a bit of a hassle here but not a huge deal.

It has twin 350 MAG Mercruisers and Bravo 3 drives.

The major items of note are:

- Manifolds and risers 4 years old, showing signs of leaks. I will have these replaced as soon as possible after purchase.
- Transom shield shows signs of leaking. I have had second mechanic into the engine bay and he has said he can see no sign of leaking, so something to keep an eye on. Interested in peoples opinions on this!
- 2 valves in bilge suggested to replace
- Antifoul, anodes, prop speed and polish due soon
- Port skeg damaged. Am considering asking for money off for this, something has been hit.

The compression test cold on the engines were:

Port
1. 112
2. 118
3. 118
4. 115
5. 110
6. 112
7. 115
8. 118

Starboard
1. 110
2. 115
3. 120
4. 120
5. 108
6. 122
7. 110
8. 118

The engines are showing 800 and 1000 hours, however they both had a long block rebuild about 3 years ago with minimal hours since (around 100).

The B3 has an uncertain history, definitely no maintenance in 2 years (also something I will rectify asap).

Any input at all is welcome!

[mmwjr]

Welcome aboard. While both engines have compressions within 10% of their cylinders they are all on the low end of acceptable. A good compression is normally around 160 psi. Since the claim is both had long block rebuilds only 3 years ago I would have a leak down test to see if the low compression is due to valves or rings. IMO in their current condition I doubt you’ll get 5 years out of them. Did they achieve proper WOT during the sea trail?

[Vicked]

Yes, performed well in the sea trial, I have had 2 mechanics take them out for sea trial, both commented how well she behaved.

The survey also reported manifolds/risers showing signs of leaking, I have the second mechanic coming by for another look this week, he did notice anything when he looked.

I am happy to change them asap, but leaking can damage the engine so I am wary...

[shrew]

Originally Posted by Vicked

Yes, performed well in the sea trial, I have had 2 mechanics take them out for sea trial, both commented how well she behaved.

The survey also reported manifolds/risers showing signs of leaking, I have the second mechanic coming by for another look this week, he did notice anything when he looked.

I am happy to change them asap, but leaking can damage the engine so I am wary...

5 years is about the duty cycle for manifolds and risers in salt water.

A 3 year old long block with compression on the low end? I wonder if he's been dealing with overheating issues. Bravo III's are known to have issues with the aluminum corroding and constricting the flow of the raw water intake hose.

I had that issue on a Bravo III and ended up changing the transom assembly.

[Vicked]

Went out today with my mechanic and used a new compression gauge, it read about 25 psi higher, so looks like the surveyers gauge was low.

I took some photos of the transom shield and manifolds/risers, the mechanic wasn't concerned (noting I will replace the manifolds/risers immediately).

What does the brains trust here think?

[mmwjr]

That’s great news on the compression readings. The boat is equipped with dry joint exhaust components which greatly reduces the possibility of a leak causing water intrusion. The last picture is the only indication I see of a leak on the exhaust. I’m seeing some corrosion on the inner transom shield, especially around the steering lever which would indicate a possible leak of the swivel shaft seal. It’s also common for the swivel shaft to corrode requiring replacement.