Need advice. What should I look for test driving a 94 sport?

[hep]

I found a great deal (we'll see) on a 94 Sport Nautique and need your help to know what to look for when I test drive and walkthrough the boat. The boat was hardly used and has under 150 hrs but was stored outside with only the bow cover so the interior is shot. From what i was told the engine is in perfect condition and it runs flawlessly and the only issues are with the upholstery and carpet (cross my fingers). I was told that it overheats if you have it floored for several minutes but at normal start and stop ski speeds or lower rpms it never has any problems. I read through the guide for purchasing pre 93 nautiques but was wondering what everyone's advice would be on a 94.

Thanks in advance for the help.

[88mars2001]

RE: Need advice. What should I look for test driving a 94 sp

You wont have to deal with stringers and floor on a 94 (unless it has some delamination?) so that rules out all my knowledge! I would be curious as to why the boat overheats when WOT and not at idle/slow speeds. Seeing it only has 150 hours I'd guess the impeller is bad but I would think a set impeller would perform better at high speeds so I would guess its something else? Hopefully someone comes along with more knowledge than me because I'm in the same position! Good Luck! Lets see pics!

[Mikeski]

RE: Need advice. What should I look for test driving a 94 sp

In 1994 one of the option motors had throttle body fuel injection, I believe it was based on the Holley Pro-Injection automotive system. These could be problematic, I avoided the 94 fuel injection when I was searching for a previous boat. If it was a late build it could have a GT-40 or it could have a carbed motor, either would be preferable to the 94 FI. Look for cracks in the exhaust manifolds, this is a tell-tale sign the motor has been overheated. Since you say it overheats you might need to factor in new manifolds at the cost of $180 each plus the upper elbows cost $100 each. Overheating at WOT might be indicative of impeller pieces clogging cooling system flow. I might expect it to steer hard indicating you need a new steering cable, figure $180 for parts.

[hep]

RE: Need advice. What should I look for test driving a 94 sp

Thanks for the feedback.
Is there a checklist of things I should look at that any of you would suggest?