Originally Posted by
Kevman
OK FB, I hope reality is setting in. You have Geordy telling you it will be about $1,300 to fix the motor and everything. You have me telling you it will be at least $1,200. Just between the two of us alone, I think we've owned 20-30 boats and motors, maybe more. So I think we're qualified to estimate the extent and expected costs of your problems. If you want to double-check, do what kaneo suggests and pay for a complete check-up. But that will just be another $100-200 down the drain if you don't end up keeping this boat.
Let me say this as plainly as I can.
If your motor speeds up when you squeeze the fuel bulb, that means YOU ARE NOT GETTING ENOUGH GAS.
Running the motor when it is not getting enough gas WILL MOST CERTAINLY DAMAGE IT.
Pumping the fuel bulb more as you suggested WILL NOT FIX THE PROBLEM.
That's good that you haven't run the boat since you went to Piru. Don't run it at all until after the mechanic has fixed it 100%.
Honestly, your best bet is to try to return this boat to the lot and get your money back. If the owner really is a friend of your grandpa's he should never have stuck you with this rig. Maybe he truly didn't know about all the motor problems. Maybe if you tell him he'll be cool and do the right thing and take it back. Or maybe he has a mechanic and he'll fix it for free or at a big discount. You never know until you ask.
It sounds like Geordy's friend has a better boat for you. Do yourself a favor and ask for a "sea trial" before you buy a boat next time. That means put the boat in the water and drive around at different speeds just like you would do if you owned the boat. Running a boat motor on muffs or in a trash can isn't the same as pushing the boat along in the water. Under load many seemingly good motors, reveal that they have problems just as yours did.
A boat seller that refuses a sea trial either has something to hide or is just too lazy. Obviously it makes no sense to ask for a sea trial on a $500 boat or a boat with a very small motor. But for a higher dollar boat with a bigger engine it only makes sense. Would you buy a used car without test driving it on the street? I think not.
I really do wish you the best. I hope you listen to all the excellent advice that has been given to you. We've all been in your position at one point, not knowing much about boats. Just ask questions first (not after you already have the boat), then carefully follow the advice. We won't steer you wrong.
Good Luck,
Kev