Need help with '98 PRE 2100 WT purchase
I am looking at buying a 1998 PRE 2100 WT. I've got 2 to choose from and wondered if someone can enlighten me as to the differnces. (If there are any.)
One boat is listed as a 2100 WT model and has a 307HP engine. With 150 hrs. Hours seem low to me and the guage has been moved but still works. (Moved to install a depth finder.) This guy has owned it for 1 year. There is a professionaly installed Monster tower on it. (no racks, bimini, etc.)
The other is listed as a 2100 (no WT) and has 310HP engine. (534hours) Was used as part of a guys ski show and he has maintance/owners records for the past 7 years. Has a BOSS tower the owner installed and it will not fold down properly for some reason. He says it is binding which makes me worry about installation procedure and flex/strain on the fiberglass down the road. But, it also has racks and a bimini.
Both engines say TIGE on them but... are they made by mercruiser or some other maker? Are they both good engines?
Can you tell me if they are carbs or EFI?
Also, reading about impeller changes is starting to make me nervous. Do they really go out that frequently and how can I tell in a test drive if it is starting to fade? The last boat we bought 10 years ago (and just recently sold) had a bad impeller and it was obvious the first time we drove it due to the low grinding/ vibration that was felt. We changed it out (jet boat so it was a pain) and the thing ran perfectly for the past 10 years. We sold it to my sister so it's still in the family in a way.
I guess I'm just nervous buying a new "used" boat and never having had an inboard. Is there anything I should be aware of going "bad" on this type of boat. Are these things really as good as they say?
How much do impellers for the TIGE cost? Any special tools I should have? Any suggestions on where to buy them? I am a retired mechanic so I should be able to fix most things.
Any suggestions as to what they are really worth money wise would be greatly appreciated. I do not want to "overpay" and I have looked at NADA but want a real world opinion on prices.
Sorry about all the questions but you all know the saying about the happiest days in a man's life are buying and selling a boat. I'm doing both this week.
One boat is listed as a 2100 WT model and has a 307HP engine. With 150 hrs. Hours seem low to me and the guage has been moved but still works. (Moved to install a depth finder.) This guy has owned it for 1 year. There is a professionaly installed Monster tower on it. (no racks, bimini, etc.)
The other is listed as a 2100 (no WT) and has 310HP engine. (534hours) Was used as part of a guys ski show and he has maintance/owners records for the past 7 years. Has a BOSS tower the owner installed and it will not fold down properly for some reason. He says it is binding which makes me worry about installation procedure and flex/strain on the fiberglass down the road. But, it also has racks and a bimini.
Both engines say TIGE on them but... are they made by mercruiser or some other maker? Are they both good engines?
Can you tell me if they are carbs or EFI?
Also, reading about impeller changes is starting to make me nervous. Do they really go out that frequently and how can I tell in a test drive if it is starting to fade? The last boat we bought 10 years ago (and just recently sold) had a bad impeller and it was obvious the first time we drove it due to the low grinding/ vibration that was felt. We changed it out (jet boat so it was a pain) and the thing ran perfectly for the past 10 years. We sold it to my sister so it's still in the family in a way.
I guess I'm just nervous buying a new "used" boat and never having had an inboard. Is there anything I should be aware of going "bad" on this type of boat. Are these things really as good as they say?
How much do impellers for the TIGE cost? Any special tools I should have? Any suggestions on where to buy them? I am a retired mechanic so I should be able to fix most things.
Any suggestions as to what they are really worth money wise would be greatly appreciated. I do not want to "overpay" and I have looked at NADA but want a real world opinion on prices.
Sorry about all the questions but you all know the saying about the happiest days in a man's life are buying and selling a boat. I'm doing both this week.