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View Full Version : Determining if a boat has too many hours.



lets get wet
11-26-2004, 12:07 PM
when purchasing a used boat how do you determine if a boat has too many hours on it. Is 80 hours avg a year good or bad on a boat? Or does it not really matter?

ECeptor
11-26-2004, 12:29 PM
It depend on how those hours were spent. I'd rather buy a boat that was run easy for 800hrs by a responsible driver who kept it clean and stored out fo the elements than one with 100hrs that was driven wide open and was stored at a dock in the water.
Really depends damage to the engine/drive and the boat's interior and paint, not the actual hours.

lets get wet
11-26-2004, 12:48 PM
the seller SAYS he always stored the boat indoors, the boat apppears to be in a really good shape. I was just a liitle concerned because it is a 2002 essex, but it has 211 hours on it. But the interior and the hull is in great shape.

phebus
11-26-2004, 12:50 PM
What motor and drive?

lets get wet
11-26-2004, 12:52 PM
it has the 350 mag and bravo 1 drive

Trigger
11-26-2004, 01:05 PM
it has the 350 mag and bravo 1 drive
You have many hours on that package before any work is necessary. If you are talking any of the Merc HP motors then 211 hrs would be getting ready for springs, etc...

lets get wet
11-26-2004, 01:11 PM
You have many hours on that package before any work is necessary. If you are talking any of the Merc HP motors then 211 hrs would be getting ready for springs, etc...
When you say springs, etc are we referring to costly repairs or just minor repair cost. What I am trying to stay away from is purchasing a used boat, then having to dump more money into it in repairs.

phebus
11-26-2004, 01:12 PM
I would just make sure the seller had records showing the boat was serviced at the proper intervals, and that the price reflected the slightly more than average hours.

lets get wet
11-26-2004, 01:19 PM
By the way how do you guys feel about essex, do they build a nice boat or would it be a better bet to go with the ultra?

phebus
11-26-2004, 01:20 PM
Both are very nice boats.

Trigger
11-26-2004, 01:23 PM
When you say springs, etc are we referring to costly repairs or just minor repair cost. What I am trying to stay away from is purchasing a used boat, then having to dump more money into it in repairs.
No. I am referring to valve springs etc... in the HP motors (500, 575 sci's...) Not heavy dollars. But the 350 mag will run for many more hours before you even have to think about pulling anything apart. I would not be concerned about 211 hrs on that boat if it was maintained properly. The 502's 454's and 350's all are proven bullet proof and if properly maintained will run over 500 hrs before anything would be of a concern.

Rexone
11-26-2004, 01:37 PM
Just for a reference point on hours compared to a car or truck. (And I'm not suggesting that a boat incurrs the same wear per hour of the average car or truck, only a reference).
Take the average vehicle at 60 mph.
Thats 1000 hours for 60000 miles
2000 hours for 120000 miles
3000 hours for 180000 miles and so on.
Most of todays vehicles will easily go 150-200k before "major" service or teardown for major engine work.
So even if you consider boats at 2 or 3 times the wear ratio per hour of a car, 211 hours is still not much. Even at 3x wear ratio that would translate to about 630 car hours or 30-40K car miles. I've seen guys with relatively stock packages go 1-2k hours easily before major repair (assuming proper maintenence occurs)
I'd be much more concerned about the condition and maintenence level of the boat than the 211 hours if I was looking.

lets get wet
11-26-2004, 01:43 PM
Just for a reference point on hours compared to a car or truck. (And I'm not suggesting that a boat incurrs the same wear per hour of the average car or truck, only a reference).
Take the average vehicle at 60 mph.
Thats 1000 hours for 60000 miles
2000 hours for 120000 miles
3000 hours for 180000 miles and so on.
Most of todays vehicles will easily go 150-200k before "major" service or teardown for major engine work.
So even if you consider boats at 2 or 3 times the wear ratio per hour of a car, 211 hours is still not much. Even at 3x wear ratio that would translate to about 630 car hours or 30-40K car miles. I've seen guys with relatively stock packages go 1-2k hours easily before major repair (assuming proper maintenence occurs)
I'd be much more concerned about the condition and maintenence level of the boat than the 211 hours if I was looking.
Rexone I assume you work at rex marine if so how will that new db law affect this boat. and if it will affect this boat how much are the silencers?

Rexone
11-26-2004, 01:54 PM
I haven't tested any 350's, all big block stuff. But it will depend primarily on the exhaust config (thru transom tips or thru hub). If it's thru transom tips it will likely be too loud to pass the new test standards coming to CA Jan 1. If it's thru hub it may very likely be quiet enough.
The 4" tip replacement Powersilencers are $749 a set. Clamp-on models are coming soon also. You might also get away using our 161100 insert mufflers on a small block too without power loss which are much less $. A lot of it depends on the present starting sound level and exhaust system.
Just give a call if you need any help or assistance. :smile:

cola
11-26-2004, 02:38 PM
With only 211 hrs that boat if well cared for is still a young boat. I put 275 hrs on our Essex in 1 1/2 years & it still looks & runs like new. I have the HP500EFI & have seen these motors over 600 hrs and no trouble with springs. Merc. made a change in 2000 or so on the heads & don't have a spring problem. The 350 Mag is what was in our other Essex & have seen those over 2k hrs & don't use any more oil then when new. Change the oil & filter every 25 hrs & service the drive & water pump annually & that boat will be still here for your kids. Essex builds a good boat. ;)
Late, Mike

lets get wet
11-26-2004, 02:52 PM
well based on all the responses I have gotten from you guys the last question I have is 32K a good price for a 2002 21' essex with 211 hours?

lets get wet
11-26-2004, 03:12 PM
check out E502's (mike & lisa)its for sale and SUPER CLEAN and well take'n care of
do you have any photos of their boat posted.

Sane Asylum
11-26-2004, 03:31 PM
well based on all the responses I have gotten from you guys the last question I have is 32K a good price for a 2002 21' essex with 211 hours?
LGW......$32K seems high :eek: Be patient and shop. Would also encourage you to test as many boats as possible. I tested for six months before I bought.......IT was a huge eye opener......Ended up buying something that I'm extremely happy with........
Is this a dealer boat??? or individual...

CAHotRodBoy
11-26-2004, 03:32 PM
Take it to a marine mechanic to verify hours or have it surveyed before you buy. It will be worth the money spent to know what you are getting.

phebus
11-26-2004, 03:45 PM
LGW, depending on where you are going to use it, 22' is a small boat when it comes to rough water. If Havasu is your spot, I would look at at least 24'. It will save you money in the long run buying right the first time.

ECeptor
11-26-2004, 04:04 PM
well based on all the responses I have gotten from you guys the last question I have is 32K a good price for a 2002 21' essex with 211 hours?
Check www.nada.com for used boat prices. Adjust their prices according to what comes with the boat, condition, hours, etc.
Rexone is right about the hours a car engine racks up. However, I'd say the average car averages much closer to 30mph and almost none average as high as 60mph. So take the hours he stated and double them!

cola
11-26-2004, 08:11 PM
well based on all the responses I have gotten from you guys the last question I have is 32K a good price for a 2002 21' essex with 211 hours?
That is a good deal for the boat if it is nice. I sold our 1999 Sterlning for the same + - less then two years ago. E502's boat if still around is a very nice boat & with the 502 it runs very good. If you plan on a Havasu boat & want to use it on the weekend on the busy times a 21' is a little small. If you ski a lot you won't be out in the heavy traffic anyway & it will be ok.
Good luck, Mike

Squirtin Thunder
11-26-2004, 08:21 PM
Just for a reference point on hours compared to a car or truck. (And I'm not suggesting that a boat incurrs the same wear per hour of the average car or truck, only a reference).
Take the average vehicle at 60 mph.
Thats 1000 hours for 60000 miles
2000 hours for 120000 miles
3000 hours for 180000 miles and so on.
Most of todays vehicles will easily go 150-200k before "major" service or teardown for major engine work.
So even if you consider boats at 2 or 3 times the wear ratio per hour of a car, 211 hours is still not much. Even at 3x wear ratio that would translate to about 630 car hours or 30-40K car miles. I've seen guys with relatively stock packages go 1-2k hours easily before major repair (assuming proper maintenence occurs)
I'd be much more concerned about the condition and maintenence level of the boat than the 211 hours if I was looking.
So that means my Dads boat has somewhere around 250,000 miles on it !!! That actually sounds about right three engines !!!
Good analagy Mike !!!
Jim

cola
11-26-2004, 08:38 PM
you'll have to pm him,i'm sure theirs pics on here some where
I checked in his file & only a pic of the dash & the bow. I will look around I might have one.
http://www.lasvegas***boats.com/gallerypics/members_03/memberpic03_18.jpg

cola
11-26-2004, 09:02 PM
http://www.lasvegas***boats.com/gallerypics/members_03/memberpic03_18.jpg

cola
11-26-2004, 09:09 PM
how did you do that?i got the pic but couldn't get it to post :idea:
right click the pic & copy the URL and then open the yellow box above with the mnt. in ithttp://www.***boat.com/forums/images/editor/insertimage.gif and right click and paste on the line in the box that opened and thats it.
Late, Mike

jbtrailerjim
11-26-2004, 10:14 PM
By the way how do you guys feel about essex, do they build a nice boat or would it be a better bet to go with the ultra?
My last boat was an Essex and my current boat is an Ultra. I was very pleased with my Essex and I'm very pleased with my Ultra. I don't think you can go wrong with either boat. The 350 Mag Bravo set up is about damn near bullett proof. IMO.. 211 hours is not that many hours. You should be able to get many more hours out of that set up, before you will have to start spending any serious dough on repairs.

Dr. Eagle
11-26-2004, 10:28 PM
the seller SAYS he always stored the boat indoors, the boat apppears to be in a really good shape. I was just a liitle concerned because it is a 2002 essex, but it has 211 hours on it. But the interior and the hull is in great shape.
With 211 hours on a 350 Mag/Bravo, I'd say it just got broken in...

Rexone
11-26-2004, 11:14 PM
Rexone is right about the hours a car engine racks up. However, I'd say the average car averages much closer to 30mph and almost none average as high as 60mph. So take the hours he stated and double them!
You're probably right. I used it as an example easy to relate to and use as a comparision only not necessarily what is, in terms of the average miles per hour of the average car. As you've done, the results can easily be multiplied or divided by whatever factor you think more closely compares to reality. It just creates a medium that is easier for most people to relate to than raw hours.

ECeptor
11-27-2004, 06:31 AM
You're probably right. I used it as an example easy to relate to and use as a comparision only not necessarily what is, in terms of the average miles per hour of the average car. As you've done, the results can easily be multiplied or divided by whatever factor you think more closely compares to reality. It just creates a medium that is easier for most people to relate to than raw hours.
I kinda chuckled when you posted that since I was doing those calculations on my truck no more than a month ago. 135,000 miles, average 30mph, 4,500hrs on the engine (350 Chevy).
So, that 211 hrs the 350 in that Essex has seems pretty darn low in comparison (even given the much tougher duty cycle).

99 232 baja
11-27-2004, 07:21 AM
I left my key on in the driveway and added 79 hours sitting still. That sucked! Now I have a 6 year old boat with close to 300 hr opposed to about 220hrs.It will be a little awkward explaining that.

Tahiti350
11-27-2004, 07:51 AM
I left my key on in the driveway and added 79 hours sitting still. That sucked! Now I have a 6 year old boat with close to 300 hr opposed to about 220hrs.It will be a little awkward explaining that.
Last time I left the key on the battery was dead in about 24 hours. 79 hours is pretty good (for the battery, not the hourmeter, that sucks).
GaryB> Tahiti350

99 232 baja
11-27-2004, 04:05 PM
Last time I left the key on the battery was dead in about 24 hours. 79 hours is pretty good (for the battery, not the hourmeter, that sucks).
GaryB> Tahiti350I had the battery switch set for both batteries and they were both fully charged. When I first looked at my hr meter I thought something isn't right ,then I reached for the key and it was turned on,it SUCKED. Especially since I only took it out three times for a total of 2-3 hrs.

cola
11-28-2004, 05:43 PM
E502's boat is not listed for sale yet. He was waiting till his new house is done I think. I will post the specs. he sent me. $ 40k
2000 Essex Sterling
502 MAG MPI
Bravo 1 w/ labbed Mirage Plus 25P Prop
Eddie Marine drive shower
Eddie Marine billet fire extinguisher holder and chrome extinguisher
Dual batteries
Hinged swim step
Stock Kenwood stereo
Gaffrig by Livorsi gauges with Oil Tempurature gauge included.
Extreme trailer with swinging tongue
109 hours on the boat. 70+ on most days with 2 passengers and 3/4 fuel in tanks.
The boat is currently in Lake Havasu so if someone is interested in seeing it we can make arrangements to test drive it there almost any weekend or for truly serious buyer we can bring it back to the L.A. area
Late, Mike