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Post by domandben on Mar 21, 2024 19:28:36 GMT -5
Hello SF,
I am thinking of making an offer on a 04 SF 236. I'm sold on Sailfish but the problem is the motor. It is the dreaded '04 F225 with 550 hrs on it. Thanks to SF member fishnfool I was told about the exhaust corrosion issue with this year, make and model. I've now spent countless hours reading forums about this specific issue. I'm pricing in getting the exhaust kit from Yamaha installed into my offer ($2500-$3500 for that fix) and I will get that done before the boat sees a drop of water. I'm also going to have a certified Yamaha mechanic drop the lowers and scope for any corrosion as part of the pre-purchase inspection. I will walk if there is significant corrosion. I also figured I'd ask them to inspect the thermostat housing for corrosion as well. what I absolutely need to avoid is any corrosion that has eaten through to the power head. That would be a disaster as I do not have the budget for the boat, repairs and a new powerhead or engine swap. Also plan on fishing up to 30 miles off the NJ coast and an engine that grenades, since it only has one, that far out is obviously the definition of a "bad day". My question is this: Are their any additional steps that I can take to do absolutely everything possible to avoid the disaster of a useless engine do to corrosion before closing the deal? Thanks in advance for any guidance you guys could provide. It's greatly appreciated!
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Post by suprasteve on Mar 21, 2024 20:41:30 GMT -5
There's absolutely no guarantees on a 20 year old motor, regardless of make or model. The corrosion in those roughly 04-06 Yamaha 6-cylinders is a well-known achilles heel, and a smart thing to check. Additional things you can look at include checking compression, verifying no water in the LU, checking condition of the internal anodes (i.e. were they actually being replaced), looking for fluid leaks from the lower, under the cowling, or at the tilt-trim cylinder. But,at the end of the day, it's still 20 years old.
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Post by domandben on Mar 22, 2024 5:47:56 GMT -5
Thanks Supra, I'm going to have all of that checked as well. I appreciate the guidance.
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Post by reelkul on Mar 22, 2024 10:31:10 GMT -5
It is absolutely impossible to detect if you have corrosion in the power head with a scope. The area on the power head that corrodes is covered by a gasket, and you would need a 90-degree view from the scope to see it. Only way to know for sure that the head is not corroded is to separate the head from the exhaust. If the head is corroded it may be salvaged by grinding and welding the corrosion, or you may need a new block. A friend of mine just had both 2005 F250s redone due to corrosion. They had 1900hrs on the motors. One was welded, the other one had the block replaced with a used good block. Both motors had the exhaust stack replaced. $5500 for the welded block, $7500 for the replacement block. All work was done by a shop in Cape Coral Florida.
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Post by footy3 on Mar 22, 2024 10:35:03 GMT -5
I think at 20 years you have to recognize you are running out of time and plan accordingly that you will likely need to repower in the foreseeable future. How many 27-28 year old engines are out there running 30 miles off with no problems? it might not be a corrosion problem at all, maybe something else, while 550 hours is not a huge number you're still talking about 20+ years of saltwater service. To be clear, I'm not trying to guide you out of it, but just be honest with yourself about your budget, likelihood of some issue and potential "worst case" costs if it goes pear shaped.
I think it's probably pretty far from you and not sure if you already selected a mechanic to go over the motor, but Tom Mackay at South Harbor Marine in Waretown is one of the most stand up guys I've ever met in the marine business and will likely give you a brutally honest opinion about the engine and chances of problems in the near and mid-term.
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Post by domandben on Mar 22, 2024 14:50:50 GMT -5
Thanks Footy3. It's good advice and I appreciate it. I'm in that trap of do I get something older and know its risky because of its age and can get my guts ripped out over constant repair bills but I can get out on the water this year or wait and when I have more disposable income get something newer and better but in the meantime time is passing and I'm missing out on memories with friends and family? Frigging college tution for the kids is killing me! 50K for a boat is a years college. But 25K for a boat thats always needing repairs is no bargain either.
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Post by domandben on Mar 22, 2024 14:53:11 GMT -5
Thanks swabbie knowing the options and costs is very helpful. I'm thinking if I want to move up in 3 yrs or so, the resale on this boat will be nada?
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Post by domandben on Mar 22, 2024 14:54:46 GMT -5
I saw a 2007 2360 with twin yams 115s (700 hrs) for 35K. It was gone before I even had a chance. Maybe I wait for another one like that and let this one pass?
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Post by finatic on Mar 22, 2024 15:59:44 GMT -5
When looking to purchase a boat the worst thing is to be in a rush. Look every day you'll find the right fit. Good luck
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jerryk
Captain
When not online I'm likely on Knot Online
Posts: 599
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Post by jerryk on Mar 22, 2024 16:37:05 GMT -5
Also, never use your entire budget just to buy the boat. Leave 5-10% for necessary repairs/maintenance or to add the gear you will need to use it like you want to. If you blow it all to buy the boat, any one thing will just cause you pressure and pain and worry, ruining the whole thing for you.
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Post by domandben on Mar 22, 2024 17:36:37 GMT -5
Thanks guys. Based on your sage advice, I am going to pass on that boat. There's problems with that year motor and the boat doesn't look well cared for. I think it will be a money pit. So glad I found this forum. I will be a Sailfish owner when the right deal comes along.
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jerryk
Captain
When not online I'm likely on Knot Online
Posts: 599
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Post by jerryk on Mar 22, 2024 19:07:38 GMT -5
Your wisdom to assess your position is commendable. Many people take on too much and are turned off for life after one bad experience, caused by poor planning on their part and not a bad deal or a dud boat. Boats take maintenance money and that's part of the deal that many people ignore, even brand new boats have issues and unfortunately many people don't do their research up front. You obviously do that step, and it WILL pay off someday soon with a great boat that meets your needs and budget. Good luck with your continued search!
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Post by domandben on Mar 23, 2024 12:47:51 GMT -5
Thanks jerry. I've learned a ton from guys like you. You have all helped me immeasurably avoid a ton of rookie mistakes. I'm going to be patient and wait for the right deal. In the meantime, I booked three charter trips in the next few months to learn boat handling and fishing skills in the area I plan to boat. Really looking forward to shark fishing in June! Never been before,
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Post by footy3 on Mar 24, 2024 7:24:10 GMT -5
I think you're making a wise choice. If your budget is going to free up a few years down the road maybe plan on a 2 step process to get where you want to be. Buy a newer smaller boat that maybe limits your ability to get out to the tuna grounds a bit, but allows you to re-introduce yourself to boating, boat handling, the waters your going to be in and have fun. If you get something 3-5 years old you probably won't get killed on depreciation or repairs, and when the time is right step up to the 27-28 footer you're dreaming of.
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Post by domandben on Mar 24, 2024 19:04:20 GMT -5
That is wise advice Footy. I think that is the way to go. Appreciate this everyone. I knew sailfish were quality boats. Now I know their owners are too!
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