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kris.peterson

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I made an offer on a 2008 22Ft Angler and looking for any advice on what to look for how to check it out etc.
I'm wondering if it is good to check out the HIN or to just take it to a good boat mechanic and see what they say etc.
Any advice appreciated.
 
C-dorys are such simple boats that checking them out is fairly simple. first separate out what is the boat and what is added on. Motors, anchors, windlass, electronics and heat systems are all extra added on stuff. you have to judge the value of those items serrate to the boat. I have bought boats with old electronics knowing that they had no value and would be replaced. Motors should be tested by a mechanic if you cant do it your self. At minimum a compression test should be done. After purchase You should start off with a fresh oil and lube change along with a fresh water pump and fuel filters regardless of how new the motor is.

Now as for the boat itself. Only two things can really be wrong with a fiberglass hull. It has a hole in it or it has wood rot between the fiberglass. On a c-dory there is wood in the stern and the floor. others can tell you what type of wood in what areas but your main concern is if the wood is wet or not. A moisture meter is the tool to check this out. I have seen people use a small rubber hammer to hear wet wood in hulls but I am not sure that's a good way to go unless you really know what you are doing. If no holes or wet wood then there is little to worry about with the boat its self.

steering, fuel tanks and hoses and wiring are all easy to check out and also to fix or replace if need be. As long as the hull is good I would not walk away from a boat if the price is right.
 
If in doubt hire a surveyor. They will go over the boat and give you an evaluation of the structure, and deficiencies as well as place a value on the boat. You should be there when the survey is being done, as you will learn a lot about the boat.

Besides, your insurance company may want a survey to provide coverage and it will set an agreed upon value at the time.

Mechanical inspections are seperate from the vessel survey. You want a marine technician familiar with the brand of motor on the boat doing the inspection for it.
 
By 2008 the transom is a foam core. I am not sure about the hull, but probably still Balsa core. If in doubt do get a marine surveyor--if there is one near where you or the boat is...With more expensive boats often a surveyor is flown in to do the survey. For a C Dory size boat the fee will be about $15 to $18 a food.

Definately get a mechanic certified to work on that engine. Most likely a 2008 boat will be fine--but if you see signs of abuse--then be aware.

I have not had any of my outboards looked at by a mechanic--but if you are not familiar with motors do get it done! I just run the engine at sea trial, look at the exhaust, Look at the oil, look at the lower unit fluid. Run the boat at idle, cruising speed and WOT. Most outboards should top out at 5,500 to 6,000 RPM, and the C Dory 22 should be running at about 30 mph with a 90 hp--maybe a little faster.

The brand of engine, the HP, the hours on it will all help people to give you thoughts.
 
kris.peterson":3naku5zy said:
I made an offer on a 2008 22Ft Angler and looking for any advice on what to look for how to check it out etc.
I'm wondering if it is good to check out the HIN or to just take it to a good boat mechanic and see what they say etc.
Any advice appreciated.
Click to expand...

6 months ago I purchase my first C-Dory! Also a 2008 22' Angler with twin Honda 50's. I have found it to be very enjoyable to this point. I've had the carbs gone through and rebuilt and a couple of other miscellaneous items done. It just finished up getting a rear steering station hooked up today. I couldn't be happier with the boat! We have been out of Newport once a couple of weekends ago and came back with a limit of Lingcod and Rockfish! Nice first fishing outing!
Overall I couldn't be happier with the boat. You are free to go for a ride and drive my boat if you haven't had the chance and if you are down this way. Best of luck on your purchase!

Matt Failor
 
Thanks everyone... Got a survey done and with that planning to pick it up tomorrow. I appreciate the input.
Engine is a DL 100 Suzuki with a Suzuki 9.9 kicker
Survey looked good with a few minor things.
I will have many more questions I'm sure soon.
 
Welcome to the C-Brats! You are a neighbor, as I keep my boat down at Chambers Bay Marina. Hope to see you on the water very soon.

If you need a mechanic for the Suzukis, the best that I have found is Doug at Performance Marine in Everett. He saved me thousands on a repair because he knows how to navigate the warranty program, and he really knows the brand. You may or may not have a warranty on your engines, but some Suzukis have a 6 year warranty. He also came to the Everett Marina and fixed a broken tilt limiter switch in five minutes, instead of replacing the switch, which I had an estimate from another mechanic for cost of the switch and two hours labor. Closer to you, Charlie at Puget Marina (which is south of Lacey on the water near the Nisqually Delta) is a certified Suzuki mechanic. For regular service, if you choose to have someone do this for you, Kevin with Kevin's Mobile Marine Service in Steilacoom is also good. He will come to you, or you can drop off at his shop. I usually do the service myself, but I have a new to me Honda 40, and he did a complete check, changed the oil, filters, thermostat and greased for $235. I have had Kevin do maintenance and repair for me off and on for almost 10 years and I've been very satisfied with his work.

Enjoy your new boat!

Robbi
 
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