Howdy all,

i found a boat - i think that is worth it. its a 1993 or so 18' Pro Craft bass boat with a 150 Mariner for 1,000$. I have to replace all the crapet and seats but thats it. I mean thats what i do down here in Myrtle Beach - Custom Interiors for cars planes boats etc. We also do electronics. ANYWAY. I told him i would buy it on the basis of it running.  Well over all it runs great the only problem my mechanic found is that the Oil Resorvoir is bad. BUT, he told me on all the Mariners he worked on that had that problem he said that if yo ujust mix the oil in with the gas the engines seem to run better and smoother they last longer and you never have to worry about the Oil pump going bad.  So i said good deal. But i just wanted to see what you all think. Its got a nice trailer as well and all the electronics seem to be working. I just have to get Fish Finders/Depth Finders on the front and back. Its also has a MinnKota troler on the front with the pedal + a 500$ Stainless Steel Quick silver prop.  I cant wait to start fishing again!

Well, if your mechanic know what he's doing and that's all that wrong with the motor, the motor alone is worth more than what you're paying for the whole outfit.   This is based on it being a fresh water motor, if a saltwater motor, I would make sure the boat and everything checks out good.  Saltwater motors have a rather short lifespan and 14 years is a long time on one.  Getting them repaired when something breaks gets very expensive because nothing wants to come apart.

As for premixing, I would stronly recommend that anyway with a motor that age.  Mercs didn't have the most reliable oil injection system back then to start with and with 14 years on them, they are a motor just waiting to blow if still being used.

Absolutely check the soundness of the transom on that thing. I wouldn't be surprised if it isn't rotted.

It looks and even smells like a fresh water boat lol. We're firing it up tonight to see what it runs like - if it even does. The transom is fine on it thats was the first thing i looked at. ALl and all it seems like a decent boat especially for the price. And i already like it more than my Boston Whaler i bought and sold like 2 weeks later. Theres alot of work that is going to have to be done but i like working on boats....not wooden one's though. ;D

If the transom is good, buy it.  If you don't buy it, tell me where it is and I'LL buy it!  

Actually, I just picked up an '88 BassCat for 2 grand, and it's only got a 70hp on it.  I'd say what you're looking at is one heck of a deal.  ESPECIALLY since you know carpet and such; it'll be that much easier on you.

Congrats!!!

-J