thinking of buying a 1998 mac 26x advise please?

[Tomfoolery]

What the previous poster said. Something's fishy here. No sail inspection. No chance to examine the rig in it's working configuration. No engine survey (who found the mechanic who didn't show - you, or the seller?). Big gash, poorly repaired. Trailer that needs new brakes, and probably lights all around too, since it is a boat trailer.

My spidey senses are tingling on this one. Cash? No frickin' way. Does the seller actually have clear title to it? Are you sure the seller actually even owns that boat? If you're going to pursue this, perhaps you should check ownership based on the registration numbers and hull ID number (HIN). That should be public record, if Canada's laws are similar. I don't know if liens are also public record, but since they're on the title, I suppose they would be.

[mastreb]

Something is broken that he doesn't want to show you until he has your money. That's the only real explanation for his behavior.

Sorry you've wasted so much time and frustration on this, but at least you haven't wasted your money.

[bscott]

Maybe you can negotiate a better deal on a $16,000 boat with a working trailer--like $14,000. Any serious seller will demo the boat--how else can you check out an outboard if its not in the water? I bought my boat used and upon inspecting the sails, deducted the cost of a new KH2000 jib and jib sheets from the deal price, $150 for new tires, etc. The good news is what ever boat you look at probably was lake sailed---however, make sure you check out the integrity of the deck as water penetration and freezing temps can destroy a balsa core deck--if its spongy, do not buy. Also, check the interior for black mold.

As a maintenance safety issue, I would replace the water pump impeller on any used OB and have at least one new battery installed before getting the boat wet. There are alot of nickle and dime items present on any boat-even new ones.

Bob

[kevinnem]

THanks for the replyies everyone.

We all seem to be on the same page. I question if there is in fact something wrong with it. I have also considered this guy has a personallity disorder or something.

I found it so odd, that he drove over an hour to "show me how to set up the boat" and test drive it (after much resceduleing ect ...) and then gets there and says "yea, I don't want to raise the mast, we will just use the engine.....

I am a little disappointed that I am not goign to have it for the long weekend - but its too much money to be making assumptions.

This guy was 1.5 hours away form making the deal - and he blew it.

(or maybe I was 1.5 hours away from making a huge mistake, and he save me??????)

[Crikey]

Forget the long weekend - there'll be lots of others! I would never buy a boat from a guy like this, and would never purchase a used engine without a thorough expert inspection. It's amazing what octane boost can do for a worn out piece of junk!

Move on.

[Catigale]

Concur with advice to move on. It smells like fish and friends after three days.... They stink.

[aya16]

I have also considered this guy has a personallity disorder or something.

yeah That seems to be normal from the guys that have X's, and blue hulled M's
Mike

[dlandersson]

And....?

I have also considered this guy has a personallity disorder or something.