Out of State Purchase

[RiverRat5]

Hey Everyone! First time post, long time reader.

I'm considering buying my first Nautique. I like to do-it-all so looking a crossover boat that is still easily towable and storable. I'm looking at Sport 200's, Malibu VTX's, and Mastercraft X14V/214V).

I found a used 2015 Sport 200 with about 200 hours that is pretty much my dream boat. Only problem is dealer is 1,600 miles away. Boat sits on a Boatmate tandem axle trailer. From the additional pictures and walk-around videos provided by the dealer all looks to be in very very good condition. Only blemishes I see are some gel marks on the bow and some small areas of the sticker graphic pealing off.

This is my first boat purchase (although been around boats my entire life) so a bit apprehensive, especially about doing a deal so far away.

Looking for any advice/lessons learned from those of you who purchased boats out of state.

1.) Dealer said they sold the boat originally and have serviced it. I'll be requesting all service records (oil changes, v-drive oil changes, impeller, plugs, fuel filter. etc)
2.) Normally, I'd pay to have it inspected by an independent mechanic and water test it. Not sure where to go though being that it's out of state.
2a.) have compression tested
2b.) check for exhaust leaks
2c.) what else is recommended?
2d.) I believe it's already been winterized. Is fake-a-lake adequate for these tests?
3.) What is everyone's opinion on a fair price? I realize it's tough without knowing all the options and the used boat market right now is probably, what, 20% high because of COVID.
4.) Anyone know how much shrink wrapping and shipping would be?
5.) If all the above checks out, I would plan on negotiating price contingent on an in-person inspection.

Lastly, it has the PCM 5.7L 343. No idea what prop. I enjoy barefooting and would add a BI tower boom. Can this engine do 42 MHP with stock prop?

Any other advice would be appreciated!

Thanks everyone!

[northernoak]

More experienced members can hopefully help with your questions. I wanted to provide a little insight and suggestions into the trip since I literally just got back from picking up my first Nautique doing a similar mileage trip. Drove from SE MN out to Oregon and back in 3 days. After spending months looking at various boats for sale and just missing out on another one because I got cold feet on the distance I finally decided to jump on the perfect one when I found it. Matched all my criteria except for being close by. My dad and I drove out and we did a quick water test, looked it all over for obvious major issues, bought it, and pulled it back home. Below are the things I did before deciding to make my long drive.

• Get as many questions asked and answered as possible before you make the trip.
• Make sure to be upfront that you're interested but it would be a long trip so you want to make sure its the boat for you so you/the dealer are not wasting your time.
• Ask for pictures of every seat/upholstered surface so you can see any upholstery issues.
• Since they serviced it absolutely ask for any service records they have.
• After getting all your questions answered and you've seen everything you can from a screen make the decision if you want to commit to the trip.
• If you'd be comfortable paying their asking price then I'd negotiate in person. If you think they're too high and you don't feel its quite a fair price then I'd negotiate price before going so you again are not wasting your time/money or theirs.

Good luck!

[MN Ryan]

RiverRat5

I think northernoak has some solid advice. If it's already winterized, I would be surprised if they'll want you to run it, but that would also be a deal-breaker for me, so be sure to get that confirmed before you leave! Also, I would get some info regarding the trailer before you leave--tires, bearings, lights. Plan on some on-site maintenance, if needed. That's a long trek if the tires are crappy, bearings are rusted, or the lights don't work.

I have an '07 SV211 (a bit bigger than a Sport 200) that has the Excalibur 330 (basically the same engine as the 343, but the bumped the HP a little in '08 or '09, I believe). I have never barefooted, but mine will run 43, maybe 44 with a 14" x 15.5" prop, so I think it'd do 42, but it'll be screaming on the RPMs.

So, are you a member of the TC River Rats ski team?

[RiverRat5]

Thanks for the advice guys. I too have spent way too much time looking at boats and excluding those that matched my criteria because of distance. Limiting my search to only those boats nearby is like finding a unicorn...and I ain't getting any younger!

I've requested their complete service history on the boat and still waiting for them to send it. I also requested the boat and trailer VIN#'s so I can reach out to Nautique for the build sheets. I do plan on water testing it if I make an offer and end up making the trip out there for an in-person inspection.

Trailer is a 2015 with original tires so I assume bearings are as well. Dealer didn't know for sure. My hope/plan was to have it shrink wrapped and shipped instead of pulling it the 1,600 miles home. Even if I replaced the tires and bearings out there before I leave, that's 1,600 miles on them I'd rather avoid. Although, shipping a boat also makes me nervous and something I have no experience with.

MN Ryan
Yes, I am a member of TC River Rats ski team.

[MN Ryan]

RiverRat5 Very cool! We thoroughly enjoy your shows--been going for years. I've thought about joining the team along with our kids (8 & 11), but sports already take up a lot of our summers.

Here's our dog enjoying a show this summer: