Ok guy, i found a deal on a boat but need info?

Question

it a 1986 marathon. i think 24-26 foot w/ a 170 merc and alpha one drive on it. it looks good but and the engine is newer but... none of the wiring is hooked up, so i cant hear it run. is there a way to by pass the dash or something and jump the satarted or something? also it appeared there was coolant? ive never hear of this but im a noob so what so i know. is there somewhere i can get a wire schymatic for this boat? the serial number is NB0BB347J586 if it helps. anything else you can think of to help me out would be appreciated. i think its a deal for $1200. thank you very much

Answer 1

no because that wouldnt be real safe if u tryed to go in the lake and there is a little wave comeing and u try to jump it, it can cause a hole or break down in your boat

Answer 2

Is there a Nut House somewhere on the internet that just turned everyone loose?  Why in the world would you even bother with all that nonsense?  

For one, even if it was running perfectly, and even if you had an on the water test run - (and therefore knew it floated, planed, and steering and everything else worked...

It still isn't that good a deal...  Check the internet... I just did, and found 3 in less than 3 minutes.  The ones that had pictures all "looked" good and were listed as in good running condition.  All of these were $1,000 and under in price. So... "IF" you could get a test run on the water - and everything checked out... it would not be a bad deal...

As is however... I would not look at that boat twice!  Engine has been replaced... (that alone should tell you something) wiring torn out... what else, other than the manufacturer is no longer in business - do you need to know in order "not" to buy it?

Take a peek for yourself... www.boattrader.com/listing/photos/904791...

Oh... and one more "caution" for all the "first time" boat buyers out there... You should demand an on the water test run on any boat you are thinking of buying... even if it is brand spanking new!  Believe me... I have seen and heard engines that sound great... on land... but, put them in the water and put a load on the engine... and they go no where!

Don't get me wrong... I love boats, and boating and boaters... I even love "first time" boaters the most... (that's cause us old timers think you are so funny... cause we've all been there and done that.)  I want you to enjoy your boat, I want you to love it and most of all - I want you to be safe in it... But don't buy any boat on a whim... not without having it checked out in the water first!  Peace of mind - as MasterCard will tell you - is priceless!

Answer 3

Wish I could help but I can only offer advise. I had a "deal" similar to yours, Took the boat out, got 1/2 way across the lake and the motor overheated, thank goodness it has safety that shut down the motor before any real damage could happen. Like a used car, test drive if possible, but at least get the motor running for a good amount of time.  Best of luck.