Considering 2006 SV211 but have questions

[bartlettjw]

Hello and thanks for taking the time to read this thread. My wife and I have been searching high and low in the past few weeks for a nice used SAN210 or SV211 with little success. I'm located in West Virginia and dealers are few and far between, most of the boats that we have seen have been 6+ hours away.

We've finally found one (individual, not dealer) that seems to be a decent deal to us. I has only 165 hours but it appears that covering it was not a priority of the previous owner. It has many seat cushions (5+ surfaces and counting) with quite a few large cracks and the carpet has not been snapped down and folded over/frayed. I didn't notice many other items on the interior other than those. The gelcoat and trailer appear to be nearly immaculate (they've sent some very high quality pictures). We figure that even if we had to put $3000 in upholstery that we would still be "in good financial shape" at this point as long as there are not too many other items.

I've asked about being professionally maintained and winterized, as the boat is in New England, and they said that the local marina took care of it for the past six years since they do not have a Nautique dealer nearby. I don't have any receipts or records as proof though.

I've asked that they take it to a dealer that I found nearby and offered to pay for a "inspection" and compression test that the seller has agreed. My concern is that this dealer seems sell pontoons and outboards from their website, says they service Volvo Penta and Mercruiser though. Should this be a concern, I didn't get the impression that they work with a lot of V-Drives and PCM 330 took a few seconds to register with him? I would imagine that he knows how to ensure all the water plugs etc are installed prior to firing it up. It looks to me that the raw water strainer was disconnected too (pic attached).

Is there anything else I should ask about checking while it is there? I'm just really concerned about any winter or water damage at this point, unless I am naive and missing other more important things. The service gentleman told me that it was $90 for an hour of just making sure it is ready to go, fired up etc, tested (unknown how they plan to do this) plus another 1/2 hour $45 for a compression check. Anything else?

Thanks in advance!
Josh

[nukemustang]

Well.... Depending on the price, it can be a great, good, or horrible deal but you wont know that until you get a chance to really look it over and truly figure out if there are things wrong with it.

Most things can be fixed, it just depends on how mechanically inclined you are and how much you are willing to do. I bought a 07 211 last August (2014) and I enjoyed the winter "restoring" it to a condition I am satisfied with. I saw the boat and knew it just needed some love... so maybe this one is similar, in that I think sometimes people with $ tend to spend it and not really take care of whatever they bought.

I compounded and polished it, pressure washed the interior bilges, steam cleaned the carpet under the seats and trunk, polished a bunch of metal pieces, and did a mini-tune up (cap, rotor, oil, oil filter, belts, impeller), bought a correct fitting cover and now I just want to keep making it a little better a few hundred at a time. I browse these forums a bunch looking for ideas and better ways to fix things, and if it does break I will order parts and fix it.

As for the inspection, if they sell volva-penta and mercruiser, they should be familiar enough with a small block chevy to get the "basics" done. good idea on getting in independent review on it. Worst case bring it home with you and figure a few hundred for oil/oil filter, fuel filters, impeller, transmission fluid swap and other misc things just to make yourself feel better about knowing the age/condition of all the fluids.

The seats maybe a pita as you can go through a good interior place and actually end up with really nice seats... or go to a cheaper place and look... cheap.

I have priced the interior carpet, its a little over $500 through Corinthian-Marine. With the interior being finished fiberglass you should have no real trouble. Not sure how the gauges look, if it was uncovered the sun can cause them to "frost" over like older headlights...

The only thing I am not familiar with it the tube I have highlighted.. it would be on the drivers side forward. never seen anything like that, so I don't know what it goes to. The exhaust manifold elbow bolts look "new" in that they are silver appearing and not painted glossy black like the rest of the motor/exhaust.

Remember, nothing is impossible to fix... it might take a few $ or some time, but it can be done. They were built by humans, so they can be fixed by humans

[a0128]

You definitely want to get it out for a water test so it will need to be "Summerized" DON'T PAY for the Summerization. In my opinion the owner should cover the cost of this expense otherwise how is he going to sell it? If you don't buy it is the seller going to reimburse you for the cost? Otherwise you just paid to have someone else's boat prepped for the season. You will want to have a compression check performed as well as an overall survey looking at things like the electrical system (does everything work?), steering, ballast, transmission, etc. You say the owner was not able to produce any receipts for the six years of service? That sounds fishy to me. Call the dealer and see if the dealer can email you the records.

What about taking the boat to the dealer who did the work to have it inspected? Seems they would be the most knowledgeable about the boat's history.

I am assuming it comes with a trailer so that should be checked out as well. Areas of concern are tires, bearings, brakes. You didn't mention how far you would need to tow it if you bought it so make sure the trailer is road-worthy.

[bartlettjw]

Thanks for the replies. I'll add some more pictures that I have detailing some conditions too.

I'm mechanically inclined within reason. I don't mind doing some work and cleaning things up at all. I'm a bit of a perfectionist as well, I like to accessorize things and restore them to a like-new condition. I've considered degreasing and steaming the bilge out as well as totally detailing the boat. I've looked at a SeaDeck installation on a 211 too, haven't priced it out yet but expecting over $1000 since carpet was about $500.

Are the manifold bolts typically black like the rest of the elbow?

I'm actually just trying to get a third party to investigate this thing for me. I'm about 7 hours away and would be trailering it back on a tandem trailer that is included. I'd rather be the one that is employing the dealer as I want them to be looking out for my interest rather than the seller. Sucks, but I'm willing to spend $135 to save me a trip and I'd expect an honest answer that way too. I plan to water test it as well assuming the dealer tells me that it appears okay.

They've not refused the records. In fact, I've not yet asked what marina did the maintenance to request them. It's on my list to do. Also a good point about inspecting the trailer, I'll have it looked at as well.

Thanks!

[theskunk]

I don't *think* we have any members in the new england area, but if we do, hopefully somebody will come out of the woodwork.

What lake was this boat primarily operated on? I'd do some research on the water quality up there - I'm seeing a *little* corrosion that I'm not terribly happy with, esp around the transmission bolts. If it was a salt boat, you need to find out if it's already had manifolds and risers. Being such low hours can be good *or* bad, depending on when it was last really operated. i.e. - if it's sat for a long time, then starting up without inspecting the hose conditions would be a bad idea (dry rot goes through the exhaust risers and clogs things up...)

I'd like to see a shot of the side/underside - main point of concern on the gel-coat on these is between the swim platform and the rub rail at the back - if this is beat up badly, then you know the boat was well-used. If it's clean, then the owner was about as OCD as I am in yelling at people to not screw up my gel coat.

Look at the nose and see if there are any hard rubs/scratches from trailering.

On the trailer, get the date codes of the tires (the last two digits on the 4 digit number is the year they were made).

Find out the date of the last impeller/spark plugs/oil change (was this done yearly, or just every 50 hours... hope for yearly!)

Finally, I would suggest investigating a company to deliver the boat to you. IF something bad happens with the trailer on your way home, esp on a long drive, you're not going to be in a good shape to do much about it. If a delivery company has it (iirc, from New England area to DC area was about 350 and change, when i looked up that way) then it's insured, and it's a great piece of mind. At least then you're with your own local mechanics who can help you tell what's what.

What brand is the trailer?

I'm thinking about starting a new post that's just a conglomerate "check-list for buying a used Nautique"...

[bartlettjw]

It's actually in the Binghamton, NY area. I don't know which bodies of water for sure. They said that it was freshwater only. I don't have any close-up pics showing between the swim platform and the gel coat.

I've added some pics of the side and up close too. I don't have any of the nose either.

I'll ask the dealer about the tires and conditions when I check about wheel bearings too. I am taking a light aluminum floor jack and spare tire with me when I go to pick it up (if I go to get it). It has a tandem axel Nautique trailer and I'll be driving my 6.7 super duty, it is about 350 miles back home. I'll probably be taking my friend with me to look/get it if we do, he's a Snap-On guy, we should have enough tools to keep the trailer in check. I've had travel trailers and large utility trailers for years, dealt with blow outs as well. Although very good advice about hiring a delivery company, 7 hours is my limit, after that I'd hire.

The oil was done yearly by the local marina, I've not asked about plugs and impeller though.

Thanks again everyone for the help. I've been quite impressed with this site in the last few weeks!

[Paxdad]

The tube or hose you have circled in the photo is the outlet side of the sea water strainer. It was probably removed for winterization. From the photos provided it would appear that the boat was used in saltwater and no the manifold bolts should not be silver but rather covered in black paint from the factory. I would expect that they have been removed at some point and manifolds removed/ replaced. The bilge shows signs that water has set in it for a period of time and algae took over along with quite a bit of oil residue. If the floor deck is removed it will further support this suspicion. Unless you are getting it for a low ball deal I would pass as this maybe a low hour boat but it is on the extremely neglected side of things.

[bartlettjw]

I'll try to get the maintenance records to see if there is any explanation of any bolts that were scuffed up. I have pictures from multiple time periods, my initial guess was that it sat in the driveway uncovered for extended periods of time. Do you believe otherwise?

Not that I doubt your opinion but would like to educate myself, the seller says only freshwater. What evidence is there of salt?

Since this was going to be our first boat and we are not sure how often we'd get to use it, we are staying under 30k. We've expanded our budget about 5 times now in the last three to four weeks and we are at a hard limit now. I can get this boat for 28k

I was hoping that I could degrease it, kill the algae, and spiff it up to an acceptable shape. I was thinking that I could spend about 2k this winter fixing the upholstery and hopefully still be able to sell it for > 25k in two years. Is this unrealistic?

Also, if you have any other model recommendations etc (or even know of a specific one for sale) I'd love to hear it. We've looked at all of the brands and keep coming back to the Nautiques.

Thanks!

[nukemustang]

I'll try to get the maintenance records to see if there is any explanation of any bolts that were scuffed up. I have pictures from multiple time periods, my initial guess was that it sat in the driveway uncovered for extended periods of time. Do you believe otherwise?

Not that I doubt your opinion but would like to educate myself, the seller says only freshwater. What evidence is there of salt?

Since this was going to be our first boat and we are not sure how often we'd get to use it, we are staying under 30k. We've expanded our budget about 5 times now in the last three to four weeks and we are at a hard limit now. I can get this boat for 28k

I was hoping that I could degrease it, kill the algae, and spiff it up to an acceptable shape. I was thinking that I could spend about 2k this winter fixing the upholstery and hopefully still be able to sell it for > 25k in two years. Is this unrealistic?

Also, if you have any other model recommendations etc (or even know of a specific one for sale) I'd love to hear it. We've looked at all of the brands and keep coming back to the Nautiques.

Thanks!

They may have pulled the manifolds at some point in time, it isn't a bad thing, I would just wonder why (troubleshooting an overheating problem?)

I think the general amount of rust on the transmission and motor mounts maybe the first indication, but those are made of plated zinc I believe. Mine have a layer of surface rust too, pretty much the only thing in the bilge that does, but it is what it is. If I ever need the engine realigned, I will just drop the couple hundred dollars for new ones with new rubber isolations as well. It could just be as simple as leaving the plug in and having a few rain showers fill the bilge and then have it sit "covered"...

You can pull the center of the floor out and get to a large portion of the "aft" bilge all the way to the transom. From the ski locker you can get most of the forward bilge. I pressure washed mine and used a scrub brush and simple green to remove traces of oil and grime. They used to "hose" the engine down with anti-corrosive stuff as part of the winterization, seems to have left a film on everything....

Sweat equity is the best kind, no cost, but it does have a return, even if it is "small". If the boat suits you, buy it at worst case you have something to tinker with in the winter and enjoy in the summer.

[bartlettjw]

Paxdad, could you give me an idea of what a "low ball deal" on this boat would be in your opinion?

If I go far enough to schedule and have them send it to a dealer of my choosing, is there anything else specifically that anyone would recommend that I check?

Thanks again guys!

[Evening Shade]

Bartlett, I am also from WV, but now live in GA. I think you could find a better boat with low hours in the southeast that wouldn't be any further from you than Binghampton, NY. I didn't see a price on the boat you are looking at, but I agree with Paxdad about a low ball price. If you replace the cracked vinyl with Nautique skins its gonna get expensive even before labor.
Just to illustrate my point: My last boat was an 07 Malibu Wakesetter and I sold it to someone from New Hampshire. He flew him self and his son to GA to test the boat and flew back to NH and then flew back to GA to do the paper work and tow the boat back to NH. He said it was a 19 hour drive. I said can't you find a nice boat say within 400 miles of your home? He said that there were just so many more nice used boats in the south. He had a friend that did the same thing.
My point is that I think you could find a nice boat in TN, NC, SC, or GA that wouldn't be sending up these red flags. If you haven't searched used boat on onlyinboards.com, I highly suggest that site.

[bartlettjw]

I can get the boat for 28k, I don't know what's considered a low ball price for it though.

My wife and I check onlyinboards, boattrader, craigslist, and ebay. Do you have any models that you think we could get into for about 30k in better shape?

Thanks!

[Evening Shade]

Hmmm. $28k may be a good price for that boat. I'm gonna have to see what the other guys on here think. I'm sure they are more in tune with the value of the boat you are looking at. Most of the 210s and 230s I looked at this spring were well north of $30k. Having said that, I was looking in the 2008-2010 range and ended up buying a 2011. I do think that SANTEs do command a little higher price than SVs. Not because they are better boats, just because the demand is high for SANTEs.

[Paxdad]

Paxdad, could you give me an idea of what a "low ball deal" on this boat would be in your opinion?

If I go far enough to schedule and have them send it to a dealer of my choosing, is there anything else specifically that anyone would recommend that I check?

Thanks again guys!

$28K is not bad but I would go to $25K based on the interior conditon and the fact that it probably sat full of rain water at some point. I would pay very close attention to the steering cable and how easy it steers. It should steer full lock to lock without much to very little one finger effort. I am only pointing this out because if the cable sat submerged in water it will need to be replaced at some point in time.

[bartlettjw]

Thanks Paxdad.

It's funny how it all worked, I won this boat in an eBay auction for $25,100 (my max bid was actually $28,000 at the time. The photos on eBay did not indicate any of the neglect or damages though. I asked for those the entire way up to the end and didn't get them until after the auction was over. No big deal to me, if it wasn't up to my standards I'd back out and let eBay deal with them over mis-representation. It didn't meet the reserve price and the owner and I started exchanging information. I asked what price they'd be willing and they quickly responded with the fact that their reserve was 30k, but they'd let it go for 28k.

I've read a bit about the steering cable, I'd need to find the procedure for that if this ever happens. I'm sure it's in the DIY section with a parts list. I'll need to find the fluids and filters list too, if we go through with this, I'll do it all before I put it in the water.

My wife and I have briefly mentioned the 2008 SANTE210 w/ less than 300 hours at the local dealer now too. They were expecting between 40-45k for it. We are just wondering if it is a better deal/idea in the event we don't get to use the boat enough and have to sell in 2-3 years. It's a good bit more than what we wanted to spend but if it's much easier to get back out etc... I'm okay selling with modest loss but I don't like getting hosed.