08gtrking

I wanted to know what to look for when buying a used gas boat ?

dicko

a clean boat,
- original zen or RCMK engine and not a cheep copy
- no slop in the rudder
- a good high torque servo for steering
- an engine that still holds compression
- no rust
- check the hull for repairs, small cracks in the gel coat may be OK, but check the glass on the inside to make sure that isn't cracked too.
- good quality radio gear
- no leaks from engine
- tight exhaust system that isn't flopping around
- no slop in the drive line and the flex cable has all the wires with none missing
- rubber isolators on engine mount in good condition
- radio box seals in good condition
- carb butterfly isn't sticking
- smooth bearings when you pull the engine over

Justaddwata

My Feedback: (3)

a few other considerations.

- video of it running - never hurts to ask the seller to shoot a short clip to prove all works as claimed.
- accurate description of whats included in the sale.
- good clear pictures of the boat - 9/10 times - bad pictures hide problems.
- A seller with a good reputation.
- a transaction where you can pay with credit card (like Paypal) in case of problems with delivery or boat.
- Insured/tracked package.

Ron Olson

My Feedback: (1)

Shots from all angles.
A good description of what it is, like something better than "gas boat for sale".
In the RCU Marketplace see if the seller is known in here, i.e., is the person active in the forums or just in here to unload stuff.
Hit local races as I know that there's some action in Hialeah at Amelia Earhart Park. Sometimes you can get great deals from a local and he could be there to help you out with your purchase and if RTR, you should be able to see it in action.
Don't be afraid to ask in here if you found something that you may like that's posted online. We've got a lot of trained eyes in here that may see something that you could have missed.

Nosedragger

I don't take radio gear into consideration, 90% of the time unless its the latest system (Futaba fasst) you will have to replace it.
Zenoah all the way, the rcmks have had too many problems.

08gtrking

thank u all for responding it`s going to be a local pick up and deal so i will get to see the boat in person and see if it runs i should have wrote that on the first post my falt

dicko

In that case definitely meet at a pond & see it running a full tank of fuel through it before you lay out any bills.