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Good deal or run away?! Any advice is appreciated!

J

jchamp41

New member
I came across a listing for a 1795 Mercury Mercruiser 888. it hasn't been used in about 6 years but and the owner had the boat covered with plywood and tarps so the interior looks good. She said she doesn't know much about boats but one hydraulic on the motor has a leak and it ran like that for about 10 minutes 6 years ago. Now I know this would be a guessing game pretty much, but the only reason I am entertaining this is because she is interested in possibly trading the boat for a good size generator I own that was gifted to me in the first place, so if I am able to get the engine running at a decent price this could be a great deal. I am looking for an advice someone can offer. I've attached the images of the boat as well as the picture she sent of the damage on the engine, showing the good side and the bad side. Even if someone could offer maybe the questions I should ask before decided or anything THANK YOU in advance.
 

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Has the boat been subjected to any freezing weather since it last ran? If so, was the engine winterized? If not, there's a good possibility of a cracked engine block and cracked exhaust manifolds.
 
When it comes to boats, nothing free (or cheap) ever is. Count on spending far far far more than the boat could possibly be worth even if you restore it to as-new condition. Taking it away would be doing them a huge favor and the idea of you paying for that is obscene.
The only way it would be advisable is if this were some rare desirable boat or had some special provenance such as being a James Bond movie prop or owned by Elvis or something.
 
Way too many questions for a 43 year old boat. I'd steer clear of that deal.

I bet you could sell your genset, add some cash to that, and buy a much newer boat in running condition. Fall is a great time to buy a used boat at bargain prices and pending cold weather is a great time to sell a genset.

Around September folks often look at that boat they used once during the summer and they decide they don't want the expense/hassle of winterizing so they post it for sale. Few people are looking to buy this time of year so demand is low and gives the buyer a huge bargaining chip.

Start searching craigslist, FB marketplace, etc. and you'll see them popping up in the next several weeks. Also, just start driving through neighborhoods and you'll see boats in the driveways with for sale signs on them. you can also cruise the local marina/docks and probably find boats for sale signs there too. The great thing about buying now is you can take it for a lake test (not just running on muffs) and you also have the opportunity to ensure it's properly winterized.
 
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