I think I found a good deal??

[icemanbryan]

Check it all out as the guys say.
Go for a ride and see how she does.
If you are still interested after all that, start at $2000.00 offer.
My 2 cents worth

[dburr]

MA=MS, MS=MI......    

Next thing you know, cats and dogs will be living together....      I'll go back to the Goslings and call it a night..

If you look at the motor mount, you can get the model/serial number of the motor and from there you can get the year.  If the mechanic is going to demo the motor, by all means it is reasonable to ask for a compression test, let him know before you show you and he may be ready to do it for you..

It may be their boat, but it's YOUR money, if you settle for something or don't ask, you're stuck with it.. Don't be bashful!  
 

[AQNOOB]

MA=MS, MS=MI......    

Next thing you know, cats and dogs will be living together....      I'll go back to the Goslings and call it a night..

If you look at the motor mount, you can get the model/serial number of the motor and from there you can get the year.  If the mechanic is going to demo the motor, by all means it is reasonable to ask for a compression test, let him know before you show you and he may be ready to do it for you..

It may be their boat, but it's YOUR money, if you settle for something or don't ask, you're stuck with it.. Don't be bashful!  
 

LOL.. Don't know what to say except you're making me thirsty.

I will let him know ahead of time about wanting a compression test, thats a good idea. Question is though... do I still want a motor that has low compression on 1 cylinder.. 2 cylinders? If it runs smooth is this ok to live with?

[Georgie]

I'm working on a basic "what to look for when buying a boat" thread that I'll post in the resource thread as soon as it's done.  Sit tight.  Hoping to finish over lunchtime.

[Georgie]

Here you go.  Hope it helps.

http://www.classicaquasport.com/phpbb3/viewtopic.php?f=8&t=10634

[AQNOOB]

Here you go.  Hope it helps.

http://www.classicaquasport.com/phpbb3/viewtopic.php?f=8&t=10634

Yes, great! Very comprehensive, I have a feeling that could end up being a go-to resource on the web. Thanks to you all for responding to me.

I'm going to try to reach back to previous owner if possible because seller has only had boat for 1 year. Hoping somebody took care of fuel tank not too long ago...

I've got my inspection/test plan fairly set now I think.

Check ID# on boat to confirm year of boat.
Deck: walk around, feel for soft areas... Priority: Not a huge concern with older aquasports because thick fiberglass, but if VERY bad could need recoring/replacement
Under-deck: Look under deck in compartments as much as possible for overall condition. Check for gas smell in bilge/everywhere.
Gas Tank: Hope for the best! Ask if tank has ever been replaced.
Transom: Tilt motor up, use as lever with body weight, 2nd person watches for transom deflection.. 1/4" is bad sign... Tap all around with hammer, look for soft/dead spots
Electronics: Check all electronics, pumps, lights for functionality.
Trailer: Inspect for rust all over, tap with hammer to verify not rotting badly inside-to-out.. lights, winch cable. Tire condition.
Motor: Check serial to confirm year. Compression test, overall appearance under cover. Cables dry rotting? Steering, tilt clean not leaking oil? Priority: High
Test drive: Motor running, how does it sound? tilt, steering, watch transom when shifting gears.

[fitz73222]

I've been following along on this thread for a while and for $2K-$3K don't expect that much. There is going to be issues with this boat. It seems like you are real excited about this rig which is great, just don't let emotion get a head of common sense. You just need to prepare yourself financially for another $5K-$7.5 in upgrades or you're buying yourself a nice yard ornament. Assume the boat is a piece of and let the seller prove otherwise!

[AQNOOB]

I've been following along on this thread for a while and for $2K-$3K don't expect that much. There is going to be issues with this boat. It seems like you are real excited about this rig which is great, just don't let emotion get a head of common sense. You just need to prepare yourself financially for another $5K-$7.5 in upgrades or you're buying yourself a nice yard ornament. Assume the boat is a piece of chit and let the seller prove otherwise!

I think this is a fair assessment of the whole situation.. I'll try to take this to heart. I appreciate the advice, and the $ estimate of work-to-be-done is a nice benchmark for me to keep in mind.

[AQNOOB]

update:  the local guy who was recommended to me stopped by and looked at the boat..  bad news... 2  fold.

 to quote, " the guy is a piece of crap,  and the boat is a piece of crap." I guess the guy has gone bankrupt and reopened a few times under new names..  the stringers are blown out he says,  and repairs done make it worse..  needs to be redone.. not something I want to get involved with.

very thankful to all you guys, and the local marina guy who took some time to check this boat out for me free of charge.

im still looking and itd be great to find an aquasport or another solid classic around... well see what happens

thanks again!

[Georgie]

Sorry to hear the disappointing ending but glad you didn't get stuck with a lemon.

[200CCPMerc200]

Bet yer glad you listened to all the "positive" advice ! Lol, glad you didnt get stung. I have found the best place in the NE for an ASport is NJ and Md. I've gotten solid boats over the years, just watch buying a non maintained salt motor.

[200CCPMerc200]

And anything over a 200ccp should have a tandem trlr., my 200 came on a sea lion sgl. 5200k axle, which is ok, but i'm looking to upgrade to an alum. I beam tandem bunk, instead of rebuildind the lion.