Pre-Purchase Engine Inspections

Thinking about buying a boat with used outboard, gas stern drive, or gas inboard engines? It’s not like years ago:

Engines cost real money these days!

Best to get them checked out before you buy!

With over 25 years of “Hands On” engine service and inspection experience, Bill can prevent alot of surprises! 

There are good engine technicians around, but few are experienced in pre- purchase inspections- The devil is in the details!

Bill works from long check lists developed from a body of experience that has been refined over more than two decades of inspections:

Compression (additional costs may apply)

Cylinder Wall Condition, if visible

Crank Case Oil Condition and Level

Oil Leaks

Oil Sample Analysis (price available upon request) Engine, transmission and generator: An easy way to gather more very useful information!

Engine Computer Run History and Fault Codes- (Many later model year engine computers store data about how the engine has been run: Amount of time at various rpms, overheat events, etc.) Less Guessing = More Facts!

Electrical System Condition and Operation

Fuel System Condition and Operation

Engine Mount Condition

Exhaust Manifold Condition

Rust and Corrosion

Hydraulic System Condition and Operation

Transmission/ Gear Case Oil Condition

Propeller Shaft Condition? Bent? Corrosion? Fish line on shaft? Seal condition?

Propeller Hub/ Cutlass Bearing Condition?

Ease of Starting?

Apparent Water Pressure?

Idle Quality?

Noise Level?

Performance During Water Test?

Warranty Coverage?

Rigging and Set Up?

Is/ Are the Engine(s) Set Up Properly on the Vessel?

Are they Propped Correctly?

Do They Perform Adequately? How much life is left in them?

A PRE-PURCHASE ENGINE INSPECTION IS A VITAL PART OF ANY INTERNAL COMBUSTION ENGINE POWERED VESSEL SURVEY!