Buying a used boat

[VolsFan24]

I plan on going to check out a 1985 17' Winner Tournament with a 1995 175hp Evinrude Intruder. Other than the hull, floor, lights, bilge, trim, and transom, what should I be checking on the boat? Also, lower unit was rebuilt last year. I read to drain some oil and check it for water. Other than that, what should I check out on the motor? Ive never owned a boat so Im extremely nervous to pull the trigger. Have read good reviews about the motor but I dont want to buy it and immediately have to repair it. I do plan on taking it to Wrechin2 so he can clean it and tune it up, but dont want repairs. I realize repairs are inevitable, but if I buy it and have to repair it immediately, I may be looking for a place to sleep for some time, as my wife would kill me. Haha.
I apreciate all the help. If anyone is free tomorrow and wants to go with me to check it out, shoot me a PM. That would really make me feel better.

 

[Mansell82]

Definitely do compression test, you and the seller could do that. A mech doing a leakdown test would be even better. I bought an '86 Winner with a freshly rebuilt '86 Evinrude (by Wrechin2) last year and it runs like a top. Steering wheel should be easy to turn, if it's hard that might mean the boat needs new steering cables. That's about a $400 DIY job.

 

[Dgreen]

Check with wrechin2 about inspecting it for you before you buy it. It will cost a little but will be money well spent. Could save you a lot of money in the end! When I was looking I asked one guy if he would mind if I had someone look at his boat for me. He didn't really like that idea. Needless to say that was the end of that! If you just ask the owner about having a mechanic look at it, you may be able to tell from his reaction whether he knows something is wrong or not. Good Luck!

 

[VolsFan24]

I called James yesterday and we spoke briefly as he was busy. He called me back and I was feeding my daughter so I couldnt get to my phone and then I thought it would be too late to call. I coach high school baseball and today we had a double header 2 hours away so I was busy from 8:00am-10:30pm (gotta love smart phones to help out with a 2 hour ride on a yellow bus!!). So I havent really been able to talk to him. I told the seller I wanted to have a mechanic look at it as Im a newby when it comes to motors. He didnt have a problem with that.

 

[wrechin2]

Feel free to call tomorrow afternoon.