85 Ski Nautique

[dbnewton55]

Would appreciate any thoughts on this. Was getting ready to purchase an 85 SN 2001. Boat looks great, always kept in boat house. I called and spoke with the marina that did the latest service and have now found out the boat had been in storage for 14 years. They did a complete tune up, points, plugs, distributor cap, and carburetor rebuild. Oil and transmission fluid changed, new starter solenoid and water strainer/filter. Mechanic says boat was ran for a sold 2 hours with no issues. Bilge is clear of any signs of leakage, stringers look good. Interior has been replaced. No sign of cracks or damage in gel coat.
My concern is the fact that it was sitting for so long. Had offered $7K including trailer. Are my concerns warranted given the price and service that’s been done?
Thanks.

[NautiqueJeff]

Some may disagree, but that wouldn't concern me in the least. As long as it is running great now, I would go for it.

[jpwhit]

The only other thing I would do, is a compression check. If the highest and lowest readings are all within 10%, then I'd buy it. The reason for the compression test, is when an engine sits that long w/o being run, you can have corrosion and pitting in a cylinder wall. That will show up as a low cylinder in the compression check. If the compression is good, then I think you're golden.

In terms of other things that will deteriorate when sitting for a long time, the Marina has done what is needed IMO for that vintage boat with a carb. It gets a little more complicated for fuel injected boats.

[Rednucleus]

If you buy, watch your rubber hoses, belts etc as they are prone to rot & failure when put back in use - sounds like a keeper to me, especially if you have some basic mechanical skills - that's coming form a guy who's DD is an 85 Nissan 200sx.

[Jonny Quest]

I wouldn't be overly worried. As mentioned above, changing out all the hoses and belts is a good place to start. Keep an eye on engine seals and tranny seals. Those can dry out and leak a bit. For $7K you've got plenty of room to do a bit of TLC if needed.

JQ