new buyer: found the one, but slightly wary

[jibskib]

I've been lurking this forum for a while and soaking up a lot of great info as I get ready to make my entry into the Malibu world. I am looking to get into a used direct drive and I have a big crush on the Response LXi mid-2000s models. I've been doing my research and found a boat I'd like to look at. 2005 LXI that was owned by a water ski community. I have one concern: the boat has a new engine already. According to the current owner: "hull has 900 hours, Hammerhead 383 motor has 20 hours. The water pump bracket broke and bent the crank. Instead of just replacing the crank, they did a full rebuild"

It is priced at $23,900. I haven't seen it in person, but when I do - I'd like to know the right questions to ask and what to look for. If I can be confident that this will be a good boat to have for many years (recreational skiers), and the price is right - I'd like to get serious about becoming a part of the Malibu family.

Thanks,

Ben

[Bill_AirJunky]

Welcome to the Crew. Wish you luck in any boat you purchase.

But almost 200 hrs per season is a bit much for my comfort level. I'm usually the last person to say that. But those hrs will be reflected by the condition of everything mechanical & cosmetic, ie; interior, fiberglass, transmission, steering, rudder & prop packings, electronics, etc.

I don't know that boat that well, but with that many hours, the price better be dirt cheap.

[Chia]

If the price is good it will be worth looking at. I sold my boat at 600 hours and it was in great shape.

there is an information sheet on this board for what to look for and what to consider when buying used, maybe it will be of some use to you...or maybe it could use some updating. anyway here is the link: http://www.themalibucrew.com/forums/index.php?/page/articles.html?record=11

[rodman]

i would be more concerned about the water pump bracket bending the crank. Is he telling you that a bracket of the water pump bent the crank shaft. There is something wrong with that picture.

[Pistol Pete]

I wouldn't buy that boat. Waaay too many hrs.

[JayHoy]

X2, I am the the second owner of my 1993 bu and it has just over 600 hours.Shop around there are deals out there, it costs nothing to look.

[WakingMeHappy]

Did you ask why they are selling?

Too many boats on the market. Keep looking. Something even better will show up in time.

[jibskib]

appreciate the feedback. So, here is what I need to understand. Does 900 hrs on the hull mean anything if I can inspect closely and see that it is well cared for physically? In theory, would having just 20 hrs on the new motor be like getting a new boat if the hull/interior are in great shape (realizing of course, that this is only in an ideal world)?

[Chia]

i am not sure why the other opinions are so against a boat with 900 hours on the hull and 20 on the engine??

I don't see that as a negative if the boat is in good shape.

If that is a prevalent attitude you may be able to get it for even a better price.

[Green_Giant]

Seems like a lot of coin for a high hours boat.

Quick search shows thisfor $21k (admittedly the best deal I've ever seen on an RLxi) and it has only 400 hrs.

Better yet, 150 hrs for 24k, SWEET!

I've seen plenty in the '03-'05 range with around 400-600 hrs in the mid 20's.

So, in my mind, is saving 2-3 grand worth another 400-500 hrs worth of wear and tear on the entire boat (minus engine)? Not in my book. Just my opinion.

Good luck. The RLxi is the boat for you, it is SWEET and I will have mine forever!!

Edited June 11, 2010 by Green_Giant

[MalibuTime]

appreciate the feedback. So, here is what I need to understand. Does 900 hrs on the hull mean anything if I can inspect closely and see that it is well cared for physically? In theory, would having just 20 hrs on the new motor be like getting a new boat if the hull/interior are in great shape (realizing of course, that this is only in an ideal world)?

Yes, it means you have a bunch of Malibu owners giving you the advice you asked for which is don't buy it. It is a buyers market and there will be as nice or nicer boats with lower hours that haven't had a questionable motor replacement. Plus, if it was a co-op boat then no one really owned it, kind of like driving a rental car, if you know what I mean. If you don't I will tell you. Had my vehicle in the shop and rented a Dodge Charger, cool looking, but the thing couldn't smoke em to save your life, and wouldn't drive at redline unless you changed to manual shift and left it there. That was only part of the flogging I administered. Not to difficult of a stretch to imagine there was some flogging of this boat by at least someone in the "community" of owners. BTW, welcome to the crew, post up some pics of you next choices and what you end up getting.

Cervelo-I don't think it is the 900 hours per se, it is the circumstances surrounding the 900 hour boat and the age.

Edited June 11, 2010 by MalibuTime

[jibskib]

Many thanks for the sound advice -exactly what I needed to hear, I think. The photos show a beautiful boat, but you all are right - 900 hrs is a lot for that boat.

Green_Giant - great find on that Wisconsin boat - I will be getting in touch as we are in the MN/WI area. I have been reading on here that pricing is difficult. Here is another one I have my eye on, but I wonder if it is overvalued at $28500?

[MalibuTime]

Many thanks for the sound advice -exactly what I needed to hear, I think. The photos show a beautiful boat, but you all are right - 900 hrs is a lot for that boat.

Green_Giant - great find on that Wisconsin boat - I will be getting in touch as we are in the MN/WI area. I have been reading on here that pricing is difficult. Here is another one I have my eye on, but I wonder if it is overvalued at $28500?

I can't get past the bizzaro trailer. Since it is galvi I would ask if the boat has been in salt water. Price sounds high, swimstep indicates non-anal maintenence since it is not freshly oiled. For the price I would expect near perfect maintenance as well as near perfect condition.

Edit - I retract my price statement, it is at least in the ballpark for a 2005. Stand by my maintenance comment though, plus he has crap all over the inside of his boat when he taking pictures to sell it. hmmm

Here is a nice example: http://spokane.craigslist.org/boa/1753872327.html

and another: http://denver.craigslist.org/boa/1785692630.html

Edited June 11, 2010 by MalibuTime

[rodman]

I hate to describe it this way but I will. I live on the east coast where our car bodies turn to junk because of the winter seasons. The salt just rusts our car bodies to shear swiss cheese. Our bodies after a few years are junk but the motors are low mileage and great shape.

The west coast has great bodies with very high miles on the motors.

Where I am going with this is that the miles on the motor mean nothing to the hull (body) of the boat. They are two separate components. Use your eyes and look at the hull closely if it is clean and the interior is in great shape you know they at least took care of it, but they used the hell out of it also.

The fiberglass and gel coats that are used today do not crack and fall apart like the older boats used to. If you do not see anything it isn't there.

I do agree with everyone else there are so many boats out there for sale take your time. There is one thing to remember like I was saying above the east coast season is very short and you will find very low hours on this side of the country. You can have a boat transported from coast to coast for about 1500.00.

If you want the boat and you are still on the fence over the motor leave a 5000.00 cushion for a new motor in the fall.