Boats in the Northern states...

[keith]

I am looking at a WI boat. 2003 Nautique direct drive 216. Boat has 155 hrs. Why would this boat have surface rust on EVERY bolt, nut and screw on the engine? (Excalibur) The motor mounts have that white oxidation film on them as well. The trailer has road grim which is no big deal but it has me thinking salt for the roads, especially considering there is 2 ft of snow in this area. I understand the boat has ALWAYS been local to Milwaukee.
I am simply looking for responses as to whether or not this is a major issue or minor fix.

Thanks,

Keith

[janswake]

Are you sure the boat was always in Wisconsin.Sounds like it could be a salty.Possible as well the motor compartment sat closed up for a while well wet or high humidity.Besides being ugly to look at the it can be very hard to do repairs or take things apart when everything is corroded.If the boat is at a dealer they should be able to prove the boat was always in fresh water.If it's a private sale with original owner they should have receipts or paperwork to prove it.If it's a second owner boat they should be able to put you in touch with the original owner.

[keith]

My thoughts as well. I am calling Correct Craft Monday. I have been told by the selling dealer that it was originally sold and maintained in WI. I think it was stored wet with coveron it, on a lift. I am more concerned i guess about electronics, dash panel, etc.
Thanks for the input. Point well taken.

Keith

[janswake]

Hi Keith,
If it is the case that the boat sat covered well it was wet inside,check the upholstery and stitching on the upholstery very well for mold or evidence of mold.I made the unfortunate mistake of buying a boat out of florida without seeing it first.When the boat was delivered I was totally bummed basically all the seats were stained with little black dots of mold.Once the mold gets to certain point it eats right into the material and does not come out.Also someone used such harsh cleaners to try and remove the mold that it destroyed the all the stitching.

[keith]

mold

Yeah, not a good thing at all. Those cleaners make the skins brittle also. I have learned to use 303 only. Thanks for the input. I will know Monday if the 216 Air was ever in Fl.

Keith