Found a great deal 1,130 miles away (Lutz, FL)

[capt]

I found a great price on a 2006 sx230 with aftermarket tower. What should I ask before driving to Florida from Texas. Guy has been trying to sell it for a few months now. He said their hot rod shop got it from a trade in. Says the steering cables are being replaced right now. No other issues.

I am looking to spend less then 15K and this boat if in good working condition hits all the marks I am looking for.
"His ad"
2006 Yamaha SX230 with Twin High Output 4 Stroke 20 Valve Motors..

Kenwood Stereo Upgrades with Stern and Cockpit Controls
RockfordFosgate Marine Amp
Blacktip Traction Mats on Bow and Stern

Comes with skis and various extras not pictured currently... Has pop up table for rear and insert for bow seats (as seen in pictures)

 

[Bruce]

The seats appear to be dirty.

The steering wheel is new.

I would ask for compression test numbers on the engines and YDS output as to how many hours are on the engines and any errors that are logged.

I would ask for the shift cables to be replaced at the same time as the steering as they are likely in similar condition.

 

[capt]

How do I see if there are any members in the area that might want a nice steak dinner for helping me check this boat out?

 

[Bruce]

How do I see if there are any members in the area that might want a nice steak dinner for helping me check this boat out?

https://jetboaters.net/usermap/ will let you see who is in the area.

I would see if @Murf'n'surf could check her out. He has a very similar boat and a huge amount of experience.

 

[Murf'n'surf]

Lutz is almost 3 hours from me and out of my range to view the boat for you.

What kind of $ are they looking for?

My best advice is that you must water test ANY boat you want to purchase...even those shiny new ones.

Lots of members up in the Tampa area. Anybody able to view this boat up there?

 

[Floyd]

Lutz is right next to me, but I'm leaving for Alaska in a couple of hours.

 

[capt]

thanks @Bruce and @Murf'n'surf I am getting them to do a compression check and plan on doing a sea trail when they complete the steering cable replacement.

 

[Julian]

@CrankyGypsy or @tim h are nearby....

The stereo looks to be all aftermarket...so the old JVC remotes (still in place) will be inert. Also they have the headunit in the bottom glove compartment vs where the stock one goes because the stock was a regular DIN size and the Kenwood looks fatter. They don't show a photo of the top glove compartment....but make me wonder if they left the old one in there...or if there is just a hole?

Agree with Bruce, if the reverse gate cables haven't been replaced...they will need to be soon. Also, some close up shots of the impellers would be nice.

 

[Julian]

It also looks like there is either water sitting in the engine compartment, or a dark grey line where there used to be water....or the lighting is weird...

 

[Betik]

I am useless in judging the mechanics of the boat, but I think I can use my psychology degree on this one. Hence, I would say "the previous owner seemed to have utility relationship rather than a love affair." Nevertheless, if you decide to pull the trigger ( hope not), I help driver over the weekend ( Friday evening to Sunday evening) to pick her up from Florida.

 

[mraz72]

If you so a sea trial, don't let the seller control everything. What I mean is, there was a thread somewhere where the seller SLOWLY throttled up to full speed because the seller knew there were cavitation issues.

Flooring it at your leisure shouldn't be an issue, see how it rides at different RPM ranges.

 

[capt]

thanks @Julian and @Michael Rasmussen. Some more good questions to ask before I go look at it. If the engines are running well and the compression tests comes back good and I have a PWC shop run a YDS on the motors would you think that 12k would be a great deal?

 

[capt]

@Betik I agree it is apparent that the owner is not in love with this boat but I feel like if the motors are in good shape then I fix the dirty seats and other small cosmetic things. If I can get this around 12k I hope it should last a few years till I upgrade and I should be able to sell it around the purchase price.

 

[Julian]

As long as the engines run well, she drives well on the water and the hull is not damaged....12K would be a good price based on what we can see from those photos.

Oh...and you'll probably want to know how old the tires are before you try to drive 1000 miles on them! If they are the original tires...your first stop might be a tire store!

 

[capt]

@Julian Thanks I was thinking the same thing in regards to the tires!

 

[capt]

Is that a stereo remote by the throttles?

 

[Scuba_ref]

Hilarious...installed it right through one of the warning stickers!

 

[Julian]

Is that a stereo remote by the throttles?

Yes that is a new aftermarket remote....cut through the sticker as @Scuba_ref points out, and it looks like they might have over shot on cutting one of the corners....(again...hard to tell).

 

[Murf'n'surf]

Wow. I need to check the nada on my boat.

 

[Jp127]

Make sure trailer wheel bearings are greased.