How much should this cost?

[prosunseeker]

Hello members,

New boater or soon to be boat owner here. I live in Vermont and plan to cruise around lake Champlain this summer. I found a local guy selling a 1992 1800 SR for $3500 with trailer. I'm clueless to boats but familiar with automotive so I'm not sure if this is a good deal or not. The boat has pretty new vinyl seats/benches. New prop, plugs, and oil were done recently too. Theres no hour gauge which worries me. The gentleman works in maintenance and seems to keep everything in pretty good shape. Thoughts?

[mmwjr]

welcome aboard.

A lot of boats this size don't have an hour meter. Take the boat for a test ride and not just a trailer engine run. Use a dead blow hammer to check the transom and stringer for void sounds (rot). There area have wood inside to provide structure. Use a handheld IR temp sensor to check for true engine temps. Engine should be 160F exhaust manifold(s) should be no more than 120F. On a boat the exhaust is water cooled due to being in a confined space. Find out when the impeller was last change. This is a raw water pump that draws water for cooling. It should be replace every 2 years.

Good luck and let us know how it goes.

[CGG]

Wouldn't hurt to go to www.boattrader.com and search that boat and see what the asking price is for that boat around the country. Took our boat years ago up the canal system into Lake Champlain a few years ago. Quite a beautiful lake with lots to do. You will really enjoy the lake.