Survey concerns for boat with low hours for vintage

[SummerSteve]

We have an offer in on a 2015 Ranger 31 - with unusually low hours (less than 200) Believable story for why the hours are low. The boat has been saltwater kept its lifetime. - I'm concerned that inboard (and maybe exterior) anodes haven't been replaced and other "hours" scheduled service has not been completed despite the years passing.

Visual inspection looks good, although in the water - so haven't seen the hull.

Anyone have suggestions for making the survey more thorough? Already planning fuel and oil analysis. Mostly worried about potential internal corrosion of Generator, Hot Water Tank, and any other hidden issues.

Thanks as always - Love this forum!

 

[Cutwater28GG]

age is probably the best indicator of use on things like hot water tank rather than hours. mine sits unused even though im at 600 hours.

i would definitely check prop, rudder and shaft for corrosion.

also all the belts, hoseclamps and general rubber tubing in the engine bay.

actually I reread your post. thats a 4 year old boat. thats 50 hours a year and very typical.

 

[NorthernFocus]

It's not at all unusual for a boat of that age to have so few hours. As a matter of fact it's probably more the rule than the exception. A competent surveyor should be able to identify corrosion issues with the electrical system, gounding, etc. If you're satisfied with the survey you could make an offer contingent on a mechanic's inspection. Then you could have a mechanic do a more thorough inspection of the engine, generator, etc.

 

[dfogal]

Send me a note at dfogal at gmail dot com. I will send you the survey I just did on a R29 2015 that has lived in salt water her whole life. The boat was fine - some indication that the cooling system on the engine has some corrosion but a new fresh water life will likely see another 5-10 years on the cooling system.

 

[snydzy]

I recalled reading this and thought it was relevant.... thought I’d share:
https://www.sbmar.com/featured-article/ ... el-engine/

 

[bill46]

Get a good surveyor. Haul and inspect. We bought a used 31, that had 20 hours in 2 years. Every problem was lack of use, only thing survey missed was ice maker motor was bad, he checked temp, ok but did not wait for cycle.