Buying a boat that has been sitting for a few years

[Expensive Date]

Thought this would be a good discussion with so many boats for sale and some that have been on dealers lots for a couple of years or more?What to look out for fuel issues, impellers,seals that get hard.It could become an issue I am not sure I would even want to start a boat with an impeller that had not turned in a few years.What else?

 

[inbetween]

Valves that don't seal, frozen piston rings, rust caused by moisture from condensation inside the engines, transmissions, and drives, fuel tank corrosion

 

[mustang]

Trailer Tires! A boat that has been sitting on a trailer for a long time in the same position can develop a flat spot on the tires along with dry rot from the sun. So many people seem to forget about the trailer until they try to drive down the street.

 

[Expensive Date]

Trailer Tires! A boat that has been sitting on a trailer for a long time in the same position can develop a flat spot on the tires along with dry rot from the sun. So many people seem to forget about the trailer until they try to drive down the street.

Good point also trailer bearings if they were put away with any corrosion the might not even spin.

 

[Frequency]

Outdrive bellows dry/hard. (hate when that happens)

 

[phragle]

fuel degradation...on a low hp motor, some stabil can go a long way, but on a high hp/boost motor requiring good octane.....

 

[phragle]

also if the trailer doesnt fit right, you could have some fiberglass indentation issues...I saw a boat the other day on stands for a couple years (improperly) and the hull had indented almost 2 inches :O

 

[fund razor]

All of those good answers above... plus:
Mold?
Condensation/water in drive and trim pumps.
Absolutely bellows.
All fluids.
Fuel tank will always be a biggie for me after my current project. Amazing how fast galvanic corrosion spreads from a little water trapped inside or outside of the tank.

I think that a buyer would need to go into it with the understanding that it will dam near need to be stripped and re-rigged (even if using everything that passes inspection over again.)

 

[Tom A.]

Everything already said plus a good boat surveyor as with any potential used boat purchase.