HI.
Glad this forum is here as I am moving from my 1985 260 SeaRay to a bigger boat and have an opportunity to get a 1988 315 Vista for around $15k. Before I pay the marine surveyor $1k for a thorough checkout ($14/ft, $100/engine, haul out/launch fees etc.) I wanted to get some opinions from the group on what to watch out for and pay special attention to.
The boat is part of an estate sale and spent most of its' life in OH before being moved south to Atlanta. It has twin OMCs, full canvas, recent tune up.
The issues that the marine surveyor has brought up just from a cursory glance and his own experience are:
1. OMC parts - while available they are triple price
2. Four Winns of that vintage are noisy, light and cheaply built - in his words "Volkswagons" of the boat industry.
3. Reupholstering the helm and swivel seat will be $750
4. A replacement for the lexar sliding companionway hatch is no longer made and since it's missing a big chunk it will let water into the cabin.
5. It's an ugly duckling thanks to much dust and oxidation.
I am not terribly concerned about all this since I'm looking for function over form but structural and mechanical issues do worry me and could quickly turn a good deal bad.
Regards, Ken
_________________ K. Ferguson, Atlanta
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