considering used Response: 900 hours a 'lot' ?

[chris.ault]

Hello

I'm considering a 1999 Malibu Response LX with all the bells and whistles (perfect pass, heater, shower, bimini, surge brakes) and 325 HP but it has ~900 hours.

I've read that the inboards can go past 1500 hours, especially if well taken care of.

What sort of problems can be expected at this 'age' of the boat/engine? Assuming oil is changed religiously, and once I take possession I'll change HT leads, distributor cap and spark plugs, water pump just changed - what else is there that needs to be considered, or wary of?

Any thoughts on this would be appreciated.

Thanks,

-chris

(Ottawa Canada, eh?)

[ed obermeier]

Hello

I'm considering a 1999 Malibu Response LX with all the bells and whistles (perfect pass, heater, shower, bimini, surge brakes) and 325 HP but it has ~900 hours.

I've read that the inboards can go past 1500 hours, especially if well taken care of.

What sort of problems can be expected at this 'age' of the boat/engine? Assuming oil is changed religiously, and once I take possession I'll change HT leads, distributor cap and spark plugs, water pump just changed - what else is there that needs to be considered, or wary of?

Any thoughts on this would be appreciated.

Thanks,

-chris

(Ottawa Canada, eh?)

100 hours a year for a serious slalom course skier's boat isn't at all unusual Chris. IF it's been properly maintained, oil and trans fluid changed at correct intervals or better, hull cleaned and waxed appropriately etc 900 hours isn't too big a deal on a 10 year old boat. A good thorough looking over and asking all the right questions of the current owner should give you the necessary info. Taking it somewhere for a pre-purchase compression test of the engine wouldn't be a bad idea either.

I have a buddy with a '90 MC 190 with more hours on it than that that is in outstanding condition and runs like a top, never had a bit of motor or trans problems. He's the 3rd owner, I knew the first two owners as well, all were anal about maintainance and the boat shows it. It's not at all unheard of for properly maintained inboards to go more than 3000 hours without ever touching the engine. Proper and anal maintainance and not abusing the thing are the key. Hope this helps.

Ed