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Barhopp -

The one I bought is how I expected it to be. Needs a little work to get it to my liking, but is mechanically sound. There is nothing worse then a hull with transom/stringer/deck problems and a questionable motor.

You gotta realize that when looking at 20-25 year old boats for 3k -5k that they are never going to be perfect in any respect. I dont even think its worth hiring a surveyor to inspect any boat in this price range, cause there are always going to be problems.

I say pick the boat by the motor first, then check the hull to make sure there arent any problems that cant be overcome.

First thing i did on any boat that I looked at was grab the lower unit of the engine and lift it up - If the transom moves I looked no further and left. I cant tell you how many times that I drove an hour to look at a boat, got out of the car for 30 seconds, checked the transom and left. Usually the ones that move have significant cracks in the corners of the engine well and or a large piece of aluminum on the transom in a makeshift attempt to stiffen it up. Stay away unless you want to replace the transom. For a 3-5k boat its not worth it to me.

If it passed the transom test, I then would go aboard and
Jump on the decks - do they flex like crazy, make cracking noises or squeeze water out of any cracks? Are the decks soft?
Check where the seats are mounted. Also look for any deformities or bulges in the deck.


If yes, I would leave. Note when I say "decks" i mean the deck of the boat, not the hatch covers, fuel tank cover etc. Those are much easier to repair if needed, and usually flex a little anyway. Cutting up a rotted deck is much more involved.

You are not going to have much access to the stringers, and neither would a surveyor. Observe what you can and look for rot, cracks, or detachment from the hull.

Then i would check the hull bottom for any damage or evidence of significant repair.

Ignore superficial things like seats, electronics, bimini tops etc. A boat with nice electronics and a shot transom is worthless to me. Solid boat and motor first, everything else is icing on the cake.

After those things are ok to me, the rest I can work with if I have to. Spider cracks, crazing, electrical mess, ugly rubrails, corroded metal, chips, gouges, screw holes etc mean nothing, its all part of the fun!!

BTW airborne jarhead's v-20 looks nice if you like an I/O!!