Going to look at a used 896...

[Jason _G]

Well I am gunna head out in a few minutes to go look at a used 96 896 with a 150 efi on it... If it has potential then I will take it for a test ride over the weekend and do an engine check...



The guy is asking 12440... I know I can talk him down some...



BTW When doing an engine check for compression what numbers should I be looking for? I know you generally want to have each cylinder with the same range of say 10%... But on a 96 150 merc efi what should the numbers look like?

 

[Rob LaMoy]

As long as they are all within 5% I would say to be safe. Don't know the actual poundage though. Also check voltage and amperage off the alternator, stator, rectifier, etc. Check the lower unit lube for water or filings. Spin the prop and look to be sure the shaft is straight. Plus dings in the prop or skeg could indicate some impact. Check the transom for flex. Get right underneath the boat on the trailer and really check out the hull for cracks or patch jobs. I am buying one from Buzz with a 200 efi on it. I know someone that had the 150 and it ran in the high 50's. The 200 goes around 63-64 mph with a load. Good luck, it's a great hull, dry, stable, and one of Nitro's fastest. Most 19+ footers with only a 150 on the back will not get anywhere near 60mph, but the 896 should.

 

[Ken Neeley]

Jason,

That is a great hull, but it's a little overpriced...with a 150, you should get it for around 10,500.00 unless it's MINT MINT MINT then maybe 11-11,500.00

 

[Rob LaMoy]

He is right. I am getting Buzz's with a 200 efi and in very good shape for $12k....right Buzz? Kidding, Around 13k or 14k, can't remember, but it's a '97. A '96 with a 150 should be under $12k.

 

[James D.]

Jason,



sounds like you might have come across one. Hope it works out for ya. Enjoyed chat yesterday.



james d.

 

[Jason _G]

Just got back.... Those guys were outta their minds! This boat was no where near immaculate... It had scraces up and down the hull.. With the longest being at least 4 feet. They would stick out right from the bunks. There was another gauge staright through to the fiberglass on the back corner of the boat.



I went upto the salemen and said..."You'll come down in price right?"... He began the great ol lying salesmen speech on how much the boat originally cost, how great a boat it is... blah blah blah...



Well I guess the search continues... Ken maybe you can pull a used 896 outta the slim jim boxes? LOL

 

[Jason _G]

And another thing... I have found some decent looking boats but they are all from private sellers... The loan ppl said it has to be from a dealer.

Hmmm I wonder if I could use a dealer as a middle man?

 

[James D.]

jason, look around in your area and find out who does the business on repo's. We have a few around here and they all have "dealers" licenses. These boats usually sit around for a year while they are "tied" up. They usually move pretty quick and at good prices. hope this helps.



james d.

 

[Staci Matheis]

Jason -



I don't understand why in the world your loan people would want you to go through a dealer only..... Was it a new employee who told you that? The banks that finance buyers of my used over-the-road trucks don't care where the customers buy - the loan approval is based on the customer's credit and it's the customers who are responsible for making the payments.



me?

 

[Jason _G]

I dont understand it either.... I may have to call them up and whoop some ass...



james thanks for the tip!

 

[TrepMan]

Jason - Is there a reason (i.e. insurance company dictated) that your going thru only 1 bank? For my boat and cars, i've shopped rates at my bank, credit union, local banks, the dealer AND the web. Then pre-qualified with the LOWEST rate supplier and off I went.

 

[Jason _G]

Yeah... It's the only place that I have gotten approved at... Being that I am still young my credit aint as great as everyone elses... I'm only 22... I guess thats the pitfal of being so young sometimes...

 

[Jason _G]

HAs anyone heard of TnSMarine in GA?



They have a used nitro 884... I am going to have them send me some more high quality pictures via email...



Here is a link to the boat


http://adcache.boattraderonline.com/6/8/7/2244087.htm

 

[Rob LaMoy]

Not in today's competitive finance market. Have you had a decent paying job for at least a couple of years? If so, you should qualify at a couple of institutions. Shop your loan before the boat would be my suggestion, that way you know what you can afford. You're going to know what the boat is worth when you get there, better to know you can swing during the same trip so nobody else snatches it while you're getting approved. Good luck. Give that dealership another month to sit on that boat, and then offer them $10k, or tell them, the only way they're getting that price is to have the glass refinished and some "extras" thrown in, like a 200HP!!!

 

[Jason _G]

I have Rob.. Most of the finance companies have all either declined me or only approved me for 11k. The reasons they give are the fact that I have only had good credit for just about 2 years now. I have been working steady since I was 17. Right now I am at the best job I have had... Been with them since last Sept..



If you have any suggestions on finance institutions that might be able to work with me on something lmk... My dream boat right now is th Avalanche... But I am going to have to just settle on a used one until my credit improves...

 

[Staci Matheis]

Economic times are VERY tough right now..... I know that last year we were eaten alive by forclosures on trucks - we had a "Buy-Back" agreement with the company that we sent our paperwork through. I can see why many general financial institutions would be tightening up on luxury items right now.



But they still ought to let you buy from an individual. You can get so much more for your money and that provides better security for them in the value of their collateral.

 

[Sam Elkins]

There's some good used boat buying tips on the Bass Boat Central web site at the link below.
http://www.bassboatcentral.com/buyingusedboat.htm

 

[TrepMan]

I know you probably did this already, but did you try Tracker/BPS for financing? We have all been in your shoes with little to no credit history, it does take time.