Baller lundberg Posted September 5, 2012 Baller Share Posted September 5, 2012 I'm looking at a 94 MC 205 with 550 hrs. Is there anything about this boat I should look out for? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
boarditup Posted September 5, 2012 Share Posted September 5, 2012 The hours are very low - look for oil leaks at main seal and oil pan gasket. If not already done, prepare for fuel system rubber goods replacement to deal with alcohol laden fuels. Check for water in tranny - it will be in the bottom if you suck the entire contents out. Finally, exhaust manifolds are wear items, don't be surprised if they need replacement soon. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members skihart Posted September 5, 2012 Members Share Posted September 5, 2012 Great boat! I loved my 93. Those are low hours. I would have a dealer go over it just to be sure but it's one of the best they ever made. 94 was the first year of fuel injection. Ask the same question over on Mastercraft team talk forum. You will find everything you could ever want to know about the 205. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members gregy Posted September 5, 2012 Members Share Posted September 5, 2012 All above plus check for freeze cracks in the block. I've seen them just below the heads and usually show up as little horizontal lines of rust. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members Ilivetoski Posted September 5, 2012 Members Share Posted September 5, 2012 TAKE IT OUT AND TEST IT!!! I cannot stress this enough with older boats with low hours. The WORST thing that you can do for a boat is to just let it sit. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller baja Posted September 6, 2012 Baller Share Posted September 6, 2012 +1 on TAKE IT OUT AND TEST IT... It's a great boat if all is in good shape. I have over 1200 hours on my 94 205 that I bought new. I still ski with it about once a month at my vacation lake house. I also have almost 500 hours on my 2007 Malibu RLXI that is at my Bako membership lake. So 550 hours on an 18 year old boat could mean that it's sat for the last 10 years... A boat will last if it gets some exercise and is run frequently. Sitting on the couch will make everything shrivel up, dry out, and leak when you need it. Not good for boats either. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller lundberg Posted September 7, 2012 Author Baller Share Posted September 7, 2012 Thanks for the input everyone. I'm going to see it on Sunday and if everything looks good I'll bring it home. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
east tx skier Posted September 7, 2012 Share Posted September 7, 2012 Give this a read. I found it helpful when I was boat shopping. tylerskiclub.com/usedboat.html Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller swc5150 Posted September 9, 2012 Baller Share Posted September 9, 2012 Post a pic if you bring it home! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller lundberg Posted September 12, 2012 Author Baller Share Posted September 12, 2012 I got the boat on Sunday and skied it this morning. This is my first boat and I had a lot on my mind as I took it to the launch and while I was skiing. It definitely works better when you put the drain plug in (hopefully the one and only time I make that mistake). The wake is great and the engine runs quiet and strong. The steering is a little stiff and the starter is a little weak, but I think it'll be a great boat. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Joeprunc Posted September 12, 2012 Share Posted September 12, 2012 Looks like a great boat. When is the steering stiff? All the time or just under power. If its all the time a new steering cable should fix that issue. Usually a starter doesn't get weak, they fail. If its having a hard time starting, its more than likely the power supply. It could be an old battery, what voltage are you running at idle, and what voltage under power? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
crashman Posted September 13, 2012 Share Posted September 13, 2012 good looking boat. In terms of leaving the drain plug out that's a matter of when not if. I have my 6 year old trained to ask me about a million times "daddy did you put the plug in?" Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller BraceMaker Posted September 13, 2012 Baller Share Posted September 13, 2012 Attach the plug to your boats keys when not in. Pretty hard to hit the water with out the keys. If nothing else you'll notice right away when you go to start the boat. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PBD Posted September 13, 2012 Share Posted September 13, 2012 Attach the plug to your boats keys when not in. Or unhook the kill switch and wrap the cord around the plug. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller 6balls Posted September 13, 2012 Baller Share Posted September 13, 2012 Congrats on your first boat! New steering cable is well worth it...I hate driving a boat in need of a cable...you won't believe the difference. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller baja Posted September 13, 2012 Baller Share Posted September 13, 2012 +1 on wrapping the kill switch cord around the plug PLUS then stick the T handle of the plug in the crevasse of the seat. When you sit down you'll be "gently reminded" to put the plug where it goes. That's one mistake you will only make once. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members bbirlew Posted September 13, 2012 Members Share Posted September 13, 2012 To those recommending a new steering cable, they are probably right... However, first disconnect it at the rudder end and try to turn the wheel. If it is still stiff, it is the cable. Otherwise, if that has freed up the cable, with the cable still disconnected, try moving the rudder back and forth. If it is stiff, some lube may be all that is needed. if it does need a new cable, when you pull out the old cable tie a rope on to the end and pull it through. That can then be used to pull the new cable through. It should save you some time fishing it through. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller escmanaze Posted September 13, 2012 Baller Share Posted September 13, 2012 So do we get to see videos of you skiing behind your new boat? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller swc5150 Posted September 13, 2012 Baller Share Posted September 13, 2012 You could try squirting some new grease into the zerk fittings at the rudder end of the cable. In all likelyhood, it's probably due for a new cable. Fortunately, your boat is an easy swap, if you're handy. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller lundberg Posted September 14, 2012 Author Baller Share Posted September 14, 2012 The weak start was due to bad battery contacts. As for the steering, it is OK out of the water but stiff under power. I took the floor off and located the places I need to grease. Any recommendations on what kind of grease to use? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
usaski1 Posted September 16, 2012 Share Posted September 16, 2012 stiff under power.. like jerky? or just firm? does it want to steer in one direction (right?) If so, could be your rudder is shaved. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gyoung Posted September 16, 2012 Share Posted September 16, 2012 I was told by a marine mechanic with 30 years exp not to use grease. He said to fill your grease cartridge in your grease gun with oil and pump that in. bit messy but works great. I have a 1994 prostar and the steering was very stiff, I can steer it with one finger now. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller lundberg Posted September 17, 2012 Author Baller Share Posted September 17, 2012 Took the MC205 out for it's second outing this morning. After greasing the rudder the steering is better, but could still be easier. We had flat water and it skis great! Too bad the season is almost over. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller swc5150 Posted September 17, 2012 Baller Share Posted September 17, 2012 @lundberg A new steering cable sounds like a winter project for your new ride. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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