Are there any other boats you have had issues with and think our viewers should avoid?

After over fifty years in the boat business as a factory trained technician I think this video is full of great advice. Definitely good information.

I'm a marine mechanic of over 40 years. This is one of the best guides I've ever seen. Completely agree with everything he said. I have people looking for boats come to me, and they are mostly concerned about the engine. I tell them 'engine's are repairable/replaceable, hulls aren't'.... If you have a good hull, most other things are secondary. If you have a bad hull, toss it and start again....

I am a former Yacht Broker that sold all types of boats, always get a survey and a mechanical inspection before buying! I was just honest with my clients, and I was very good at matching boats to people's needs. I had several repeat clients and sold several boats more than once. The best part was going out with my clients on my days off to teach them how to operate their new toy.

Avoid boats with motors, or with decks or transoms. Avoid boats with keels and with a starboard and port side. These can become expensive over time and result in more friends than you thought you had, and lots of beer cans left in your cooler.

SO glad there is a channel on youtube giving good advice to boaters.

All great information to have! Very informative for someone new to boating!!

Totally agree with the OMC Cobra engine. I had one and it was a nightmare. Thank you for bringing that up.

Excellent video. Makes lots of sense! Thanks for posting this.

Nice Clip, I like the note about low hours! People are so blind to that fact that super low hours might NOT always be "turn key!!

I find your videos are honest and informative as I just purchased my first boat this past summer and look forward to your new releases. As I’m in the Thousand Islands, I may drop by your dealership some day.

Some very good advice, I bought an OMC stringer and had to pull wrenches and search for used parts constantly. Sold it for a profit, lol.

Good advice with this, I have been looking at acquiring a 1986 Bayliner Trophy 2159* and this has given me some things to look out for when I got see it. Thank you!

Should probably also avoid boats that sank and then caught on fire.

Having grown up in the Midwest, WI, IL, MN, and seasonal boating for over 50 years, we have found ski boats, Nautique, Master Craft, & Malibu have been the most reliable and safest for inland lake boating. Outboards on aluminum hulls for fishing, light recreational boating, or outboards on long term boat manufactures of fiberglass boats.

Great video, thank you. Reading the comments I am grateful you are spending time answering questions.

As a boat mechanic with 13 years of experience. Everything in this video is correct. I will add to the Volvo OSI package. They incredible when they first came out. Only issue you really will have with these drive and transom package is the bellows start to fail in half the life span of a normal bellows. And the transom will crack very easily. Parts are very much still available. And the internals of the volvo drive are exactly the same as the other drives.

I bought a 1995 Cruisers 25' with a GM 454 engine 3 years ago with 429 hours on it, it was stored in a warehouse in Wisconsin and it's been the best boat I've ever owned.

Excellent video, very honest and insightful

I bought a used boat from an airline pilot the maintenance had always been done promptly & properly . It was an older boat and been used regularly . Everything worked and the boat gave us years of problem free fun . Point being : It good to know who previously owned the boat and the type of boater .

Ahh the infamous low hour garage queen. Looks like it just rolled off the showroom floor too. And chances are high that it's had sour gas run through it more than not. I've helped a buddy of mine work the kinks out of one of those and it was not fun. I've made my fair share of mistakes too and finally bought something I could afford brand new to maintain my way from the beginning. She's been my darling for 6 years now and never sits more than a week between uses even in winter.

I bought a "boat that sat" for about 50% of retail. It had a small issue with it's fuel tank where older fuel had congealed. Had to pull and replace the tank but that was only about a $3K cost at the time. It had a lot of "chaulk" on the fiberglass that was easy enough to buff out. Sold it after 5 years for the same price I had bought it for. It only had 20 hours and was 4 years old when I bought it. It had 145 hours when I sold it

Bought a 22 year old Baja 272, been great so far. I did do a very thorough check on everything I could.

Today I learned something about buying used boats. Thank you Len.

Thanks for this video. Very well done and helpful. 👍

Wow! I never knew! Thanks for the advice and video!

Good stuff! Thanks for the info!

I bought a 1987 boat that needed everything done…new floor, new upholstery, new lights, new paint, engine overhaul, trailer completely redone…when all said and done I have a new boat done how I like it and was worth the time and money to fix….awesome project and now I love my boat…would do it again…as long as you can do your own work…OMC Cobra engine…can find parts and not difficult…worst case swap out the engine…still way cheaper than a new boat

I was a mechanic for a rental fleet, we had 40 boats with Volvo penta. A single boat could get up to 500 plus hours in one summer. We used to complain about replacing the starter or alternator on these VP. Every three to four years the company would replace them. Then our company was brought out. New boats came in with mercruisers. We ended up removing every boat after one hundred hours not only for engine change but outboard ended up having water in the oil and burnt oil. The VP could go 500 hours and still have good looking outdrive oil. Then started having drive coupler problems, their solution was a heavier duty drive coupler. I stated it was the engine rocking off it mount and missing aligning it. Also the water pump would start losing some vanes. By that time I ended up leaving to work on helicopters. I would never buy a mercruiser ever.

Great video! For some reason, this made me think of my two favorite boat names: "Runaground Sue" and "Unsinkable II"

Thank you, great info.

Great info! I personally love the omc outboards due to ease of maintenance and availability of complete parts motors for Pennies on the dollar. Definetely not for first time buyer though. To add to your video I would say if going for older boat try to find aluminum hull as they are much more robust long term. Also I would stay away from older bass boats as most have been run hard and put away wet. I would also stay away from early efi 2 strokes as they seem to be more problematic than older carb engines. I would do a compression test on all 2 strokes. Last of all smaller and newer boats will usually be cheaper to maintain

Glad u talked those motors there all nightmares to work on

Thank you so much I think that you just may have save me a $65K mistake. I put in an offer on a 34 foot 2007 vintage Express Cruiser. it looked to be very well cared for but I thought that I would check out some videos that may be helpful in the process especially things to have the surveyor and mechanic focus on. In asking the broker it turns out the boat has the notorious Volvo XDP out drives. I ran for the hills. You're a life saver.

I knew....I just knew in my heart my exact boat would be in this video 😅. OMC stringer Drive owner here. I love my boat. but please for your own sake. listen to this man.

Great video. Don't forget about that horrid Bayliner L drive!

I’ve got a 1997 quantum with a 120 mercury force on the back, and at first I was super paranoid and saved up to repower... heck it’s been the most reliable motor I’ve owned so far! Better than my evanrude and Suzuki

Great information. Thank you.

Exceptionally good guidance. Thank you! 🇱🇷

I have scrapped so many stringer drive boats over the years I couldn't count . That big rubber boot on the back always made me think it's something a kid would have thought of . I did enjoy scrapping them though , Engines almost always ran or were salvageable ,drives you could not give away . Disassembly was a breeze too. Hook the motor and lift ! Stringers were always just soft enough that bolts pulled right out !

Good basic advice…price point and ability to repair issues is the key …

was watching auction in Australia to repower my good working 75 Mariner 1986 with a more modern 75 Force thanks for the heads up

Thank you very much for the excellent information and presentation.

Very interesting thank you for sharing

Well done! I would add be careful of older sailboats with engines by Petter, Vire, Lehman, Westerbeke and such, as parts and service will be scarce

Great advice regarding structure, Allot of these boats are 20 years old and get people in trouble...

This video just kicked me right in the teeth. I'm 95% done restoring a Four Winns Fling.... OMC TURBOJET... I sure wish I had seen this video a year ago!!! Oh well, I guess I'll keep my fingers crossed for the next few years lol🤕 Very good video, great information

Nicely delivered, I have watched a few of your videos. Well done is being clear and direct.

Great content. Thank you

I agree on the force engine I have a 1997 90hp on my baymaster and it’s hard finding someone to work on it.

Dude is just flowing with energy

Wow my 21 year old jet boat with low hours needed a little maintenance, but my son did the work on my 350 Chevy inboard. Did I mention it is a custom boat made for the first owner. The boat is worth way more than I have into it. Your points are very good. I think I got lucky huh?

You have given a good info on boat buying. Donno what to say after watching your whole video. I just bought a 2000 model seadoo challenger2000. Its a 2stroke engine as you know. Its my first family boat as of now, after selling my Yamaha XL700 jetski couple of years back. What are your thoughts on my purchase? What are the things that I should be careful about the boat going on further. Looking forward to hear your advice

So that 2023 Eliminator Daytona with 8hrs on twin Merc 860's and #6 drives sitting on the showroom floor is probably something to avoid... Good thing I saw this. Who knows how much fun we could've had. LoL. Just playing with ya... It's great that you are bringing boating education to a large audience.

That was a very informative video, thanks for posting. The advice on what to watch out for or avoid all together was gold.

I bought the worst power plant, the old OMC stringer and it had rotten stringers, transom and egging mounts. But I rebuilt it and we're in it less than 5k. Been running it for 6 years, no further issues.

Very helpful thanks

I own a 2000 Bayliner Trophy 18' with a Mercury 125 2 stroke o/b, runs like a champ.

A boat that sits will also likely have rotted floors because the owner left it stored outside with no cover.

If you're planning on buying an older boat, it's best to just assume that there is damage to the floor and transom that will require repair. This isn't always a bad thing if you have the skills and time to make those repairs. But if you don't want that aggravation or to put that sort of effort into the boat, it's best to avoid older boats altogether. Many newer boats have completely eliminated wood in the construction process and have gone to either synthetic materials or all aluminum. This greatly reduces the chance for water damage, but it doesn't automatically mean everything is going to be good as delamination and corrosion is still possible.

Some old-guy advice. For those with a young family who want maximum safety... Get a sailboat (and take a course). There are over 20 times more accidents with powerboats than sail (not even counting jet ski's). Adjusted per capita, there being many more powerboats, that is still a 6-7 times higher chance of an accident. Nearly all Coast Guard or State alcohol arrests are with power boaters. Heavy drinking is usually not part of the sailing culture. One reason sailboats are so much safer is the hull form, they ride choppy waves much better, even when under power. But you can still get into trouble in a sailboat... that's why you need to take a course. For a family of 4, it's best to get a sailboat 20 foot or longer with a deep shaft outboard, preferably 4 cycle for best safety and reliability. Inboard Diesels are nice (more expensive), but rarely found on boats shorter than about 26 ft. If you like taking out guests (more than 4 people total), look for a minimum of 25 foot. Sailboats have one major issue: Depth of the keel. You need to either get one with a centerboard (also called Swing Keel or Daggerboard that lifts up into the boat), or insure that you can navigate and dock with a draft of 4', 5' or more water depth. The "Draft" is a common spec that should be given by the seller, or look up the model online. There are many sailboats that can be trailered, I used to take my 26' MacGregor down to Florida from Ohio and sail the Bimini's or Keys on vacations. That one had water ballast, so it was not very heavy on a trailer (about 2,500 lbs., hauled it with a 6 cylinder car). Boats with lead ballast are considerably heavier and usually need a truck to pull the trailer. Being on the water is always great, and sailing can be thrilling. It will give the kids memories they will keep forever. I used to spend about $20 on fuel for the entire season on Lake Erie, the engine only being used in busy channels and docking (don't try to sail in busy rivers or channels, having the right-of-way doesn't matter when the other guy is ignorant or drunk). And always make the kids wear the vests. They will get over it. :)

My dad had a 93 crownline 182 BR with the 4.3 and alpha 1. He kept it so crazy nice and maintained. Sold it few years back with 400 sometbing hours on it. New owners still using it and love it. So there is older deals to be had when ya find the boats who had owners who really cared.

Also keep in mind maintenance can go up with prestige just like cars. That 15 yr old Malibu or mastercraft for 40k was a 6 figure boat brand new. Parts for it are gonna be pricier

Great video thanks

I buy OMC Cobras on purpose but I know them and how to get the shift issues adjusted and adjust the ESA and how to swap them out for an Alpha 1 or rebuild them. I also save thousands on the boat over comparable Merc drives, usually enough to swap the leg if needed (doing it myself). A great option if you are willing to learn and wrench on the boat yourself. Parts aren't that hard to find and they can be great and reliable drives if cared for properly. OMC stringers should be free or they should pay you to tow it away. The only option is a complete re-engine or convert to outboard. Don't buy an underpowered boat. To much power may cost a bit more in fuel but underpowered will drive you mad and make life difficult. I had a 23' cruiser with a 4.3 190hp merc and it was a dog, slow and difficult to plane with 3 adults on board. The same boat with the slightly larger 5.0 and 260hp was a joy and easy to drive due to the extra low end torque. Much quitter too from the lower gear ratio in the leg.

Thanks good info

I bought a Glastron Bowrider 2004 with a penta volvo engine 4 cylinder, and 223 hours, so far so good boat looks and drives good.

I own a 1978 sea ray srv 200 with an omc stringer 800. That last segment hits hard. I’ve rebuilt this outdrive 3 times in the 7 years I’ve had this boat 😬😬

Was just looking into a 2000 Yamaha jet boat and was willing to replace one of the motors knowing it was a project boat but after watching this video I will just look for a newer model and stay away from any two strokes !

Great overall advise, you should add Mariner outboards the list (the grey colored ones with orange stripping) .. almost as bad as Force / US Marine / Chrysler ..

Great info, even for those of us that are old boaters. Havagudun Len.

My neighbour gave me an 18 1/2 ft hardtop fiberglass boat on trailer because I was newly retired and wanting something to do.With the help of "how to fiberglass" KZfaq vids I put in new transom, stringers and floor.I installed 2 gently used motors and new trailer axel and wheels.I still need to paint but am able to fish as is. That boat had sat as yard art for 12 yrs. Sanding fiberglass not fun but do-able.

Thanks for these tips already a sub!

The best boat I ever enjoyed was my closest friend's boat. I bought the beer & paid for all the gas, even helped him launch & take it out at the start & end of summer.

Years ago we had a Larson small 🚤 boat with a Force outboard that blew the stern drive while trying to get me out of the water on a tube. For the rest of the vacation we said, “you Force it and she will blow!”😝

OMC Stringer and Cobra drives are a nightmare. I worked part time on the Cobras and Force outboards. I owned a Stringer drive (given for free) for a very short time, never again.

I've seen much negative on bayliner cuddy cabins on the web as well but I broke down and bought a 37 year old (1987) ciera 2150 for $800 ANYWAY, WITHOUT A SURVEY OR A MECHANICAL INSPECTION! I wish I would have seen this video first but hell, I'm already out there onerniting, fishing, got a bedroom in the rear, dinette/sleeper in the front, bathroom and a kitchenette all in 21 feet..............just took that chance.

I just rebuilt a used boat like that. Looks and runs brand new.

good advice the video for folk that do not know of mechanical things all that is well and fine until that great boat you bought gets older and you need to do or have things done so to me understanding things is a must be it a house or boat study what you bought learn it were you know something about how it works

Great video with good information. A tip though, double check in the mirror after you shave to make sure there are no spots left :)

looking to purchase a 1994 Four Winns Horizon 190 hp, 5.0 OMC engine, your video mentions staying away from OMC engines but a friend who owns a marina told me there is plenty of aftermarket parts for OMC, not sure what to do?

Owned many of boats in Canada, I absolutely swear by Bayliner/maxim used boats. 👊 Parts are always available, Basic controls, their like the Chevy of the sea. As far as pleasure crafts go. Rock solid! What i would absolutely avoid buying used, is anything sea doo. Yes they are cheap, but absolutely designed cheap. Completely disposable. Guaranteed, I have towed more seado boats off the water then any other boats combined.. huge tip, pay attention to the trailer, never maximize the weight in a single axle trailer. If you can, try to avoid them all together .. get a dual axle.

1978 Glastron CVX-16 “James Bond Live & Let Die Boat” trailering it home was wondering why my vehicle was pushing and pulling down the highway. It was all the water in the hull sloshing! Cracked kiel, cracked block and soft floor everywhere and would jump out of gear under power. Have had this boat now 5 + years and I’ve learned a lot, esp. there are many fore lorn abused boats out there.

This reminds me of the old saying: one of the happiest days of my life was when I got my boat, the other happiest day was when I sold my boat.

Glad the Mercruiser 470 series was not mentioned. most marine techs will tell you to avoid them. Yes, they have a few quirky items which should be monitored. Once understood they are a gem of a large 3.7 liter 4 cylinder I/O powerplant.

People with small children should think hard about a bass type boat. I learned the hard way. Great videos 👍

When you ask people to like and subscribe you should refer to the notification bell as the "ship's bell" lol

I bought a 1993 Skeeter recently. The guy had put in new ply and carpet over the floor hiding lots of rot. I dug out all of the rotted wood, which was the consistency of potting soil. Replaced it with treated ground contact wood and used 2 layers of fiber reinforced cement board for the floor surface. The transom was solid, thank goodness. He swore the boat had never sunk, but the wood was water-soaked.

thnx learned a lot here

When I bought a used boat a few years ago I looked at 14 boats before I found one that I wanted to buy.

I call BS on the OMC cobra drives. Lots of parts availability, and easy to work on.

Volvo Penta XS is the same as OMC Cobra. Volvo bought the rights from OMC and parts are available for the cobras

What a great video!!! Thanks alot for the great info!

Excellent Thank You

If a boat has low hours the other danger is that the boat doesn't properly fit it's purpose. Depending on the make of boat an example might be structurally fine but have no where to cast a rod or keep your drinks cool respectively.

All good suggestions but in addition there is another one that I use personally and that is if it spent it's life in the ocean. Granted, with larger boats this is unavoidable, but with the smaller boats that I buy (under 25') I absolutely shy away from boats that have lived in salt water and look for lake boats. In my opinion salt water easily doubles the age of a boat. It's an extremely corrosive environment that effects everything from engines and hardware to anything electrical.

Just purchased a celebrity 199 any suggestions on what I should check? We are new to boating

Volvo duoprop; had one on a 20' Chapparal with Carb 5.7 250 Hp. Ran the heck out it. I sold boats and demoed a 24' side by side with Mercruiser. I told the customer, if you drive a VP, you won't buy a Mercruiser B3. Customer agreed.

In the Fall of ‘22, the price of fuel has sure dampened the demand for boats now!

I'm new to boating..I live on the oregon coast, so we have rivers for salmon, bays for crabs, ocean for multiple fish and crab..I need to know if a 19ft not would work and what aluminum boats are best. Center console outboard preferred..