Buying a used boat; sea trial vs test by marine mechanic

**BDE** · 08-23-2018, 09:41 AM

I'm in the final stage of buying a used 2015 Lowe with a 4 stroke Mercury. Boat is in like-new condition and supposedly very low hours. We'll be going on a sea trial and do some fishing on it for a few hours .

The issue is, he doesn't want to tow the rig to a shop to get it tested by a mechanic. His reason is it's priced right and he doesn't want to bother. I cannot find any mobile marine mechanic in the area. So, my question is, can an extended sea trial suffice in terms of getting a comfort level with the boat/motor? Or do I absolutely need a mechanic to run a compression and leak down test?

I don't know much about boat at all, although I've been watching youtube on things to look for.

**EWS** · 08-23-2018, 11:57 AM

That would make me very suspicious. I'd pass just because of it.

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**Cray** · 08-23-2018, 12:07 PM

I agree with EWS, also if you don't know much about boats and motors what is a sea trial going to show you other than yes it floats, yes the motor runs. To me a lot would depend on how low it is priced and how much are you in love with the boat. Everything might be perfect or you could be making a 5,000.00 to 8,00.00 mistake. Not worth the risk to me.

**Redge** · 08-23-2018, 12:09 PM

Originally Posted by EWS

That would make me very suspicious. I'd pass just because of it.

Sent from my iPhone using Crappie.com Fishing mobile app

X2!

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**"G"** · 08-23-2018, 12:12 PM

I would not do it without the test.

**BDE** · 08-23-2018, 01:00 PM

Got it, thanks.

**DEADEYE** · 08-23-2018, 02:08 PM

Buy a compression tester at the parts store and do it your self.

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