New Boat check list?

[soggyshoes]

My dealer emailed and the river is finally low enough and cleared out enough for my check ride. Which means I can finally get my new boat! Wooo hooo!
What I was wondering is what to look for when checking over the boat? Are there common issues to look for or less common ones that would be a nightmare if I don't catch them before I take delivery?
The check ride is part of this process so I will be able to do maneuvers, listen and look for anything while the boat is running.
This dealer came highly recommended by some people that I really trust so I am not worried about them tying to hide anything but they are a dealer and I know that addressing issues is always easier before you take delivery.
I searched the "search first" reference thread and then searched the 'what to look for when buying a used boat' listed in that thread but didn't see anything specific. It would be nice if some of the more experienced members or even any dealers that are on this site (Toby at Phil Dill?) could post check lists that could be linked in the reference thread for buying new and used used boats.
Thanks. Other than property this is the most expensive single purchase I have ever made so I want to make sure it is a good and smooth experience. I am so excited that it would be nice to have something like a checklist to keep me grounded. I feel like a 5 year old getting his first bike! At least the dealer never caught me making the vroom vroom sounds when I visited the boat in his warehouse.
And yes, I will take pictures.

 

[Gthunter5]

Buying new or used?

New: check hull for any cracks or deformities. Don't be afraid to crawl under the boat and look. Take your time and check/double check. Don't feel rushed.
Check interior for any spider cracks.
Check upholstery for any tears.
You get a warranty so I wouldn't worry a lot about the engine plus sounds like you're getting a "sea trial". Ensure everything shifts smooth and don't be afraid to hammer down and run WOT. Afterward open engine hatch and look around for oil or water.

Used: check the above.
Have them give you compression numbers. They should all be close to each other. X%
Check the trailer. Look for cracks in welds / beams. or dry rot tires. Visual insp is ok.
Check hull for any repairs. Paint may not quite match in a repair area.


New boat should be ok generally. Used, spend a bit more time looking it over.

While underway feel and listen for excessive vibration, knocks and surges. The boat should accelerate smoothly. Hold different rpms like 2500, 3000, 5000, 6000 etc and feel for vibrations.


Ps:
I was gonna buy a leftover 2012 last year and the dealer discovered major hull damage when they were swapping trailers. Prob happened during shipping. So he had a 2013 that I bought. Stuff happens.

Others chime in on maybe running both engines differently. I'm not sure on that.

These are simple boats so most of all, enjoy!

 

[txav8r]

If it was my boat I was buying, I wouldn't be running WOT on motors that were not yet broken in. Just saying.


<Admin edited checklist>

 

[cane.mba]

Check the carpet snaps... I had one pull out within the first month of owning my Yammie. Instead of replacing the carpet my dealer put a new snap in, and it looks like crap. I also found a small cut on the front of one of the cushions which they wouldn't cover, and I knew we hadn't caused it. Neither were big enough issues to worry about, but it still annoys me....

 

[txav8r]

Yeah, once you drive away...it is yours and anything you find that is damage...you did it even if you didn't. So pull all cushions too, and see if there are any cuts due to taking in and out underneath and on the sides. And learn to pull out before you remove, and place down before you push into the corner. It is all too common to have the vinyl tear due to friction. There is an art to removing and replacing without wearing those spots...and they wear eventually anyway.

 

[dan144k]

Boat
- with it running bounce lightly on middle of hatch that opens to clean-out ports and see if engine(s) die. Easy adjustment but very frustrating when boat dies while docking because some one stepped their.
- During the sea trial, accelerate hard a few times to check for cavitation.

Trailer
- Check the trailer really good too. Every body forgets about it.
- After test drive check trailer without boat on it, carpet condition on bunks.

I got a MFI trailer in 2010 and it had very rusty chrome rims, very dry rotted tires, and bad brakes from new (grab tongue check for movement). Also after a few months, I found more rust than I expected under and between fenders on a painted trailer but the dealer would not correct issues for me. Also was told bow stop movement was normal.

 

[soggyshoes]

Thanks for the suggestions and help. I took what everyone suggested, the list that Txav8r made, some suggestions from other friends, and my own previous experience and made my own list (see attached). I welcome any suggestions, additions, or changes. Also please correct any mistakes I made. Hopefully this will help me be thorough and help any future jet boaters in their purchases.
Everyone here has been so helpful. Most did so with out knowing it as I lurked on the other forum for over a year. I am hoping that I will be able to start to paying it forward and help others.

By the way, I am buying a new Yamaha 212x in space blue. I have been dreaming of a Yamaha jet boat boat ever since a bunch of us rented one in 2005.

Now I just need a break in all the rain that is expected next week.
I can't wait!

 

[2devine]

Check the storage head closet door for fit. I had mine replaced under warranty. Some states require brakes on both axels if your buying out of state.

 

[xoomer]

I just had my SX240 delivered a few weeks ago-- I didn't do an in-depth examination of the boat but luckily I haven't found any problems. One thing you will receive from Yamaha in the near future is a survey about your buying experience with the dealership and one of the questions ask is if you received a pre-delivery checklist. I didn't get one so I'm not sure if it was to cover the condition of the boat or not, but you might ask about it to help make sure there are no delivery issues.

 

[Julian]

Added this post to the FAQ! Another great thread!

 

[txav8r]

@soggyshoes I didn't make up the list, I just converted the excel file to word so it would upload here. I think Cam designed the original form.

 

[Gthunter5]

If it was my boat I was buying, I wouldn't be running WOT on motors that were not yet broken in. Just saying.

Forgot about break in. Break in first!!

Not to get off topic. How does the engine interface with prop shaft? Spline or coupling? And. Anyone ever run into any critical speeds?

 

[soggyshoes]

Thanks @Julian for linking this. This community has been so helpful for me although my wife has concerns about all the mod ideas I have been looking at and the money that will cost.
I made the list from lots of sources so I don't consider it mine but rather the communities and have added links to this forum as it is the best resource a jet boat purchaser can have. I posted it in word (compatibility version) so anyone can make changes or additions. I am also posting it as PDF so people on mobile devices and those without office can read it. Especially since this site is so easy to use on mobile platforms!

 

[msavold]

Just thought I'd add something to the list - and I know it may sound obvious but check the serial numbers! Hull (HIN) AND trailer (VIN). Make sure they match the paperwork.

Short story: bought boat in NH where trailers are not titled. Moved it to DE, went to DMV for inspection and they noticed trailer VIN did not match paperwork. Bill of sale, certificate of manufacture, all with (same) wrong number. But it was close - so a quick glance wasn't enough when I bought it. No trailer in Yamaha's or Shoreland'r's records with the number that is on my trailer! Had to get a duplicate certificate with the actual correct vin. Yes, it took some phone calls and letters!!!

 

[Julian]

Probably be a good idea to check for

• recalls on the model year and be sure the recall work was completed.
• Spider cracks around the tower mounts and windshield
• add check operation of shower and tank for leaks
• For boats with speed control (like perfectpass)-check it is operational (takes over at throttle up and locks in) and that it holds speed during turns without disengaging
• For boats with touch screens, check screens for bad pixels and proper screen operation
• For boats with trolling motors, check for smooth deployment and locking, for proper speed control without vibration, and any other features like "hold location"

 

[rkluck]

I have never had a recall (that I am aware of). Are there any recalls on our boats?

 

[GiddYupJoe]

I have never had a recall (that I am aware of). Are there any recalls on our boats?

There were a couple recall bulletins that came out for our year @rkluck. Like the additional supports for the captains helm console... Is that what you are asking?

 

[Julian]

I have never had a recall (that I am aware of). Are there any recalls on our boats?

The Coastguard list of recalls:

http://www.uscgboating.org/content/recalls.php?company=Yamaha&model=&year=&button=Submit

 

[rkluck]

So I never knew there was a recall for additional supports on the console. Is that the same thing at the Cost guard site called "DYNAMIC INSTABILITY"?
I can't tell much from the description. But when I look on-line it seems to be more around the glue. I will admit I have never had any issues with the console. I wonder if maybe it was already done when I bought it. I have never had it come out we have at times had some rough water.

 

[Julian]

I edited the check list Mel put in post 3...then realized there were more documents further down....