Picking up a Vista 248!! Tomorrow :-)

henryt111 · **Posted:** Thu Jun 13, 2013 4:35 pm

Newbie here....

What should I look for ?

Hank

taz42169 · **Posted:** Thu Jun 13, 2013 4:45 pm

Welcome aboard captain!

What year, engine, drive, etc?

henryt111 · **Posted:** Thu Jun 13, 2013 5:24 pm

Thanks!

It's a 2000, the dual prop, 5.7 v8 VP.... needs little TLC, has some light corrosion, portholes and window surrounds...etc ..
motor is solid and was fully serviced this past march.. the cockpit has several dials that don't work, speedo, and depth sensor
the tilt sensor needs to replaced on the outboard... still going through it..

what else should I look for, i took it out with the previous owner, with motor access off, no leaks or infiltration... any suggestions ..

thanks!

ric · **Posted:** Thu Jun 13, 2013 5:32 pm

You didnt have an inspection?

Welcome!

Rick2752 · **Posted:** Thu Jun 13, 2013 5:52 pm

Depends on what our paying for it.....lots of little stuff. Run water in the fresh water tank, make sure pump works. Run it into the shower drain, make sure shower sump works. Speedo will likely need new cable all together, no splicing them. What gauges don't work and why. Be wary of a boat where someone doesn't fix all the little stuff. They start adding up quick. 100 bucks for every boat part...lol...I just bought my 2001 248 for 15k.....granted I think I got a really good deal, but I pulled the motor a week later to fix a transom leak. If you are not mechanically inclined I would pay for a survey. You got nothing to lose and everything to gain. It might save you from a ticking time bomb, or worst case on a boat this old, he will find issues that might give you negotiating power. Look under aft cushions see if water has been in compartments. See if bilge auto float works, you can activate with your hand. Look at oil in outdrive, and in trim tabs, any froth means water intrusion. Use nada boat values, gives you a good low starting number....lol. Corrosion could mean saltwater boat, nada knocks off 10 to 15 percent for salt. 2001 gets you cherry cabinets which in my opinion make a huge difference. Also look at 268s if I hadn't found the deal I did I would have bought the next size up. I like look better, not so short and stocky and they bring nearly the same money.

ric · **Posted:** Thu Jun 13, 2013 6:27 pm

I pay the $350ish inspection price on every boat I purchase. They remove the drive, etc, check the trailer. They give you a list of what's wrong and what it costs to repair.

Worth every penny.

henryt111 · **Posted:** Thu Jun 13, 2013 7:26 pm

Getting it for 10k ...

ric · **Posted:** Thu Jun 13, 2013 7:30 pm

Oh. well who cares then

henryt111 · **Posted:** Thu Jun 13, 2013 7:40 pm

Well I called to have someone at the marina survey it for me
I know that the previous owner removed the fresh water tank

henryt111 · **Posted:** Thu Jun 13, 2013 7:51 pm

Appreciate all the advice, I need it!

I will be the 3rd owner... I know the first owner was fresh water and the second had in salt for 2 weeks
And then fresh from there....

ric · **Posted:** Thu Jun 13, 2013 8:17 pm

10k, 1/3 of it's street value. Salvaged? Someone going through divorce?

henryt111 · **Posted:** Thu Jun 13, 2013 8:34 pm

Divorce .... also include a tandem trailer with surge brakes...

ric · **Posted:** Thu Jun 13, 2013 9:11 pm

henryt111 wrote:

Divorce .... also include a tandem trailer with surge brakes...

That's my dream boat. I hate you.

taz42169 · **Posted:** Fri Jun 14, 2013 5:58 am

You're picking it up for $10K, Rick 2752 for $15K....you guys both got deals although Rick did have to pull his engine. WOW, you can't go wrong. Your issues could be simple fuses, grounds or corroded connections. Your outdrive trim indicator probably just needs a new sending unit.

Speedo may have a clogged pickup so I'd check that first. Once you get her home, go over it with a fine tooth comb. I've been chasing gremlins for years but am intimitly familiar with my 248.

Next for me will be an upgraded water heater.

henryt111 · **Posted:** Fri Jun 14, 2013 7:37 am

Honestly, it was being in the right place at the right time situation, golfing with a buddy and having beers after, a friend of a friend was commiserating about child support and we started talking, before you knew it he was asking me to look at his boat one thing led to another, and a week later I am new Vista owner.

Everyone was telling me, "dude they are money pit's" don't do it .... I have to share a secret ....
I love projects, making something your own, having pride in accomplishing something, and having to show for it... so I am jumping in with both feet. Along the way I hope to share my adventures.

Trust me, I will be asking lots of questions!

Appreciate the info!

Hank -

www.iFourWinns.com

Picking up a Vista 248!! Tomorrow :-)

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