Buying a Repo Boat from Bank - What to look for

[sicktc06]

New to the Nautique Forums, currently a Moomba owner looking to go Nautique.
I've found a very good deal, a friend of mine works for a dealership and was able to get me some information on a used 2009 210 SANTE, then spoke with the owner of the dealership about it and got a lot of good information. They sold the boat originally, did maintenance to it, then was asked to sell it by the bank a while later.

My question is, with boats that were repoed, I've heard the chances are high they were stored without winterization. My fear may be damage if it wasn't. Is that true?

Can you guys give me some more things to check out that I may miss when doing my inspection of the boat? Main thing I know to look at is Ballasts and Block. I will be checking the Ballast System and plan to extensively go inspect the block, but this would be my first used boat purchase. and if the block were to have damage, is there a certain place it would be most evident (I'm not a mechanic but am bringing one along with me to inspect as well).

Also, is there any way to tell how much was still owed on the previous lean from the bank?

Thanks Much!!! Really hoping this may be my in to the Nautique Family

Stephen

[Quinner]

Stephen,

Assuming the broker is a Nautique dealer would imagine if there are major issues with that boat they will disclose them however you still want to do a complete inspection.

Take the boat out and run it through its paces, be sure bilge is completely dry before leaving, check for water while underway and at end of test drive, look and listen under the doghouse while running, fill ballast tanks and empty them checking bilge for water throughout. If the motor is closed cooling note a/f level before and after test drive. If boat has heater check floor around drivers kick panel for warm wet carpet, could indicate broken heater core.

If the block, heater core, cooling system, etc. has been cracked water will be leaking into the bilge while running, would be quite obvious. If ballast tanks/system had issues the same would be true when the tanks are filled or emptied, leaking water would most likely end up in the bilge.

Regarding how much was owed, if collections where pursued through the public courts those records are available thru the FOIA or you could ask the bank or dealer.

Spend as much time as you can inspecting every inch of that boat, turn on every accessory, look at the hull and interior, more times then not a bunch of dock rash and torn or faded vinyl (on a newer boat) usually are very good indicators of how the whole boat was treated, good or bad.

Good Luck

[fyrhog]

Make sure there are no tax liens on the boat.

[Laketexoma]

Check the oil after running it. Make sure it's clean. If it looks like a milk shake the block could be cracked

[s_kelley2000]

Check the oil after running it. Make sure it's clean. If it looks like a milk shake the block could be cracked

Do the same with the transmission/vdrive fluid as well.

[pe4me]

This is assuming of course, you buy it right. Someone buying that much boat probably wasn't planning on mistreating it, but if they were not responsible enough to own it they may have neglected other things as well. The value should be reflected in the price...unless everything checks out and you continue to get a good vibe from the dealer selling. Check onlyinboards.com and other sites for used to make sure you are in the ball park.
I think you would be happy with the switch to Nautique.

[sicktc06]

Awesome!! Thanks for all the tips! From the sounds of it and what is said, it is near perfect on the sides and decals. The price he is asking is right, but I think there is plenty of room to budge. All of this information was extremely helpful. Thanks much!!

[Paxdad]

Awesome!! Thanks for all the tips! From the sounds of it and what is said, it is near perfect on the sides and decals. The price he is asking is right, but I think there is plenty of room to budge. All of this information was extremely helpful. Thanks much!!

If you are on Lanier there are several of us on the forum that have 2008 210 TE than can assist if you get the boat. The Nautique quality is incredible and the 210 is easy to work on if you do your own maintenance.

[HS]

ask about the warranty -- and be sure to read the warranty (a repo boat might be un-warrantable -- be sure to read up on this).

[NautiqueJeff]

ask about the warranty -- and be sure to read the warranty (a repo boat might be un-warrantable -- be sure to read up on this).

I believe you're correct. I think I remember reading in the warranty that a boat that has been repossessed is not covered under the warranty.

[4th ski-doo]

The old owner may have just lost his job, tried to keep the boat but couldn't.

How hard does it freeze where you are? How long has the boat been sitting?

[sicktc06]

Awesome! I will definitely check into the warranty information. And I am on Allatoona all the time but do come up to Lanier on occasion. I am actually trying to move to Lanier. But this year, the freezes have been rather harsh, lows down in the single digits at points. But, it's also two states away, more central. But if I'm not mistaken, they've had harsh weather too.

Thanks much! Tomorrow's the day.