New old boats?

[thager]

People know that when an ECM is replaced it starts at zero, right? I have a real hard time believing some of the claims I read. Åm I the only one questioning some of them?

[ForrestGump]

Actually, I don't question it at all. I work part time at a nautique and mastercraft dealership. Soooo many people do not use their boats. We've sold $120k wakeboard boats and they only put 20 hours on em in a year.

[thager]

@ ShaneH Not saying all of them. What you mention is reasonable. I have trouble with the 8-10 year old boats that have been locked away and sold by a little old lady from Pasadena whose son was in the war blah blah blah. Only 39 hours etc. Bull!! Also funny how Eastcoast/leftcoast boats make it to the mid-continent for sale etc. Never been used in saltwater? Not what I saw when looked at. Just saying buyer beware. Pretty easy and cheap to buff up a well cared for boat and throw in a new ecm, PP chip, etc then up the asking price for low hours. Sure wasn't the story when I contacted the actual owner for info. Ok, I'm done venting.

[gregy]

I bought a 99 response last year with 156 hrs. It hadn't been used in 4 years. I had to do a lot of work because of the lack of use. Pulled and cleaned gas tank, fuel pump was locked up- so replaced. Most of the hoses on the engine were rotten. I knew there would be problems from setting up so it was expected.

 

A person might be better off getting a used boat with more hours that has been cared for properly. Low hours can have its own set of issues.

 

There are a lot of boats out there so I'd say if something sounds fishy, walk away from the deal.

[thager]

@ gregy Totally agree! Boats are like airplanes. Better if used. I'm not looking for a new boat. I like mine. I was checking one out for a friend. Sounded fishy and was a waste of time.

[The_MS]

Anytime you see a pre-ZO boat with ZO installed, you know that the ECM was flashed and hours were back to 0000.

[thager]

True, or ECM changed out but nothing keeps the post ZO guys from doing that either. Also could be an engine change or a tach change involved.

[ALPJr]

We bought our 92 Prostar 190 in '05 with 1000 hrs. It still looks and pulls us fine From 15 to 35 at 1350 hrs

[thager]

@ALPjr 92 was a great boat! Nothing wrong with higher hour boats just don't sell them and claim lower hours by changing the hour meter or the ECM to get more $. That's what I'm saying. Like selling a car and turning the odometer back. Not ethical, and illegal for cars. Boats I don't know.