What issues to look for when buying a user cruiser.-gctid359874

[Guest]

First off the boat in question is NOT a Bayliner, I am asking because I trust this forum. I am interested in purchasing a 1994 24' Chaparral Signature 24 Sport Cruiser http://delaware.craigslist.org/boa/2845396293.html . My question is since my first and only boat has been my 185 what items on the boat do I pay specific attention to ensuring they work. Has anyone created a checklist?

-Joe

[Guest]

A survey is a good value if this is your first cruiser. You can tag along and learn a lot as the survey is done. For that age you may need it anyway for your insurance.

[Guest]

Joe,

First off get as much paperwork for maintenance as you can. Get a good surveyor. Check compression, check moisture on hull, check the engine and outdrive, check the bellows. Make sure the freshwater systems don't leak. Look in tha cabin for water leak signs. Check the trim tabs to ensure the are working. Check on the outside of the hull to see if there are any water leak or oil leak mark. Make sure you take a sea trial. Once the engine is warm shut it down and make sure it starts back up. Check the electronics.

I could go on...

If you need more pm me.

[Guest]

Surveys are always good, and since it is on a trailer, you save the cost of a haul out.

My advice is to research on line known problems unique for that boat/line. I would worry about fuel tank issues, as that can be dangerous as well as expensive. Some lines have had big problems with corrosion in the fuel tanks, and shoddy installation causing leaks, etc.

Then use common sense, and do what you need to to take the emotion away. If the boat has been properly cared for, it says a lot rather than a boat that you can see has had some butch work done; sloppy wiring, dirty bilges, smelly cabin/head, mold, automotive parts on the engine, etc. If the little things were not paid attention to, the big things likely werent either. No matter how good the line is, all cruisers need to be taken care of. Take it for a nice long high speed sea trial, but let her idle for a long time too. Check water in the bilge before and after and let the engine run with the bilge open. Smell the exhaust, and smell for gas. Listen to it run out of the water (hooked to water, of course). Try everything that has an on/off switch. Not everything that does not work, and assume the worst. Smell the water in the fresh water system. Is the holding tank empty?

Just a few thoughts off the top of my head. If in doubt, walk.

good luck with your "non bayliner".

[Guest]

This will seem minor, but since others know mechanical things I won't go there as their advice will be superior to mine. But when I bought my boat I noticed that the cushions in the V-Berth were 'musty' but thought nothing of it. Once I had the boat to myself I realized that 'musty' was really more like 'disgusting' and I vowed to change them.

That minor issue set me back $645 for new foam and new coverings on it! OUCH, that hurt.

That's all I've got for you.

Good Luck,,,,I hope that you find a BEAUTY

Sarah

[Guest]

I spent more on upholstery on a project boat some years back than I did on rebuilding its engine.

[joe440]

LazyCrusr wrote:
This will seem minor, but since others know mechanical things I won't go there as their advice will be superior to mine. But when I bought my boat I noticed that the cushions in the V-Berth were 'musty' but thought nothing of it. Once I had the boat to myself I realized that 'musty' was really more like 'disgusting' and I vowed to change them.

That minor issue set me back $645 for new foam and new coverings on it! OUCH, that hurt.

That's all I've got for you.

Good Luck,,,,I hope that you find a BEAUTY

Sarah

I know exactly the smell you are talking about :/

[itsabowtime2]

Checklist. That is a good idea as you are bound to miss something.

Are you planning on getting a survey done?

[dmax2]

Sarah or anyone else dealing with a musty, mildew,mold smell. Check this product out. I have used it myself and it works unbelievable. www.elitemarineshield.com. Of coarse if you have a extreme case don't buy the boat. Dave

[Guest]

dmax2 wrote:
Sarah or anyone else dealing with a musty, mildew,mold smell. Check this product out. I have used it myself and it works unbelievable. https://"http://www.elitemarineshiel...rineshield.com. Of coarse if you have a extreme case don't buy the boat. Dave

Excellent

Thank you,,,,,,I have just the spot for a dab of the stuff

[dmax2]

You also can use on house furniture or whatever, another nice thing is you don't need alot and it will last all year.

[Guest]

My game plan is this, I am going to see the boat tomorrow and test everything I can while on dry land. Since I am 320 pounds I can tell if the deck is soft or not. If for any reason I find items not functioning or out of my league I will walk away. The hardest thing for me is to keep my emotions out of the deal. If it does past my feable attempt to look over the vessel well I've contacted a surveyor who can give her a good going over on Saturday. If she fails I am only out $550.00 if she passes I'll have an awesome sport cruiser towable and under $9,000.

Oh, I am making a huge checklist and I am researching this manufacture's boat issues. Thank you so much all...

Alvin (spikeitaudi) good to hear from you, if this goes well I plan to cross Delaware bay from Delaware and go to Atlantic City.

[Guest]

Well best of luck Joe

even tho it is not a Bayliner! :blu-

Jeeesh, some people!

(totally kidding)

Sarah

[Guest]

I will still be a Bayliner owner, I plan on keeping my 185. I told the admiral I am working on my own fleet, she replied I maybe living in my own fleet... LOL LOL LOL

LazyCrusr wrote:
Well best of luck Joe

even tho it is not a Bayliner! :blu-

Jeeesh, some people!

(totally kidding)

Sarah

[Guest]

As far as the mildew problem, I accidentally found the solution a few years ago. We bought a boat that had been partially submerged and the cushions were done for. I took the fabric off the foam, then left the foam in the yard since it wouldn't all fit in the trash can. Come back a few days later to throw it out...and the sun had completely eliminated all smells. Foam recovered.