2004 24V Limited

[strohlde]

Just bought a 2004 24V Limited off of ebay with all of 6 hours on the engine. Anything in particular I should look at/inspect before running this thing the first time? I'm not sure when those 6 were put on...if anyone ever actually owned this boat or if it was just a dealer demo (do they do that?). Anyhow...first Tige and we're excited. It'll be a big step up from our 20ft '85 Ski Supreme. Just want to make sure it's good to go. It's the vortec 5700 335hp engine if that matters.

Thanks!

[lightning59]

If you cannot verify any recent maintenance, I would change every fluid (engine oil, trans, v-drive gearbox, fuel/water separater, impeller. Sitting unused can be wreak havoc on anything mechanical. Check serpentine belt for cracking/permanent set. I would even attempt siphoning as much fuel as I could to prevent the ethanol problems. Check trailer tires for dry rot/cracking, especially if you are planning on towing any distance. That is what I would do. Anybody else want to chime in?

[dingleberry]

Regarding trailer tires - if they are original, I would suggest simply replacing them due to age (certainly before any long tow). Same with batteries. Also, probably a good idea to fire it up on fake-a-lake at your house before you launch the first time. That way, if any problems immediately crop up, you aren't trying to diagnose and fix it at the ramp/dock.

[lightning59]

thanks dingle, forgot the fake a lake on the trailer test run. Props!

[strohlde]

New discovery...apparently a repo and they thought it had 6 hours with 114 miles...but apparently it reads 0.6 hours. His partner took it out today and got it up to 0.8 hours. He doesn't know the history and is giving me the opportunity to back out at this point. Not sure if I proceed or not. Here is the link: eBay Auction. Probably need to log in to see it as it's completed. We got it for $26,200 which seems to be a good deal but without knowing exactly what's up with hours/miles I'm a bit apprehensive. Otherwise the thing appears to be in great shape. Suggestions? Walk away? Try my luck Ask him to pay for a checkout by a marine mechanic?

[chpthril]

The ECM can be scanned to obtain the true engine hrs.

[lightning59]

a marine mechanic of your choice, have them check the hull for repairs as well. make sure the mechanic has experience with v-drive equipped boats. was the boat stored inside or outside, covered or not? check every nook and cranny and operate every switch. a six year old boat with .6 hours makes me wonder.

[dingleberry]

New discovery...apparently a repo and they thought it had 6 hours with 114 miles...

Odometer reading on a boat?

[strohlde]

Odometer reading on a boat?

Looks like it's reading miles?

Found this... apparently the hour meter likes to reset itself. Goody

[dingleberry]

Looks like it's reading miles?

Ooops - I wasn't aware they used to have an odometer.

[kbunch]

I am going to throw out there, I also have a 2004 24v and there is no way i am going to get 114 miles in just over 1/2 hour..... just sayin'. Have someone inspect the vessel that knows what they are doing, and do not wire advance funds or at least be careful!

[raythompson]

Well, 114 miles and only 0.6 hours on the engine would mean that those 114 miles were done at more than wide open throttle. Something does not match up. Have the computer scanned to get the true reading.

[strohlde]

I guarantee the thing reset itself based on a few other posts I've found around here. He's arranging to have someone come out and scan the computer today at which point I'll know how many actual hours are on the thing. If it only has 114 miles I'd be more comfortable but I suppose I don't know if that's a total or a trip log? As it's eBay the boat is 1100 miles away from me making it kinda hard to check out myself. We'll see what he comes back with.

[chpthril]

I guarantee the thing reset itself based on a few other posts I've found around here. He's arranging to have someone come out and scan the computer today at which point I'll know how many actual hours are on the thing. If it only has 114 miles I'd be more comfortable but I suppose I don't know if that's a total or a trip log? As it's eBay the boat is 1100 miles away from me making it kinda hard to check out myself. We'll see what he comes back with.

Its in Lakeland FL, I'm sure there might be a Tige owner in that area that might be able to go look at it! Find a marine mechanic in that area, and have the seller take it and have it scanned and have the shop report back to you. If the boat checks out good and the true hours are retrived from the ECM and are reseonable, then you pay, if the boat is a POS and or the hours out not obtainable, then seller pays and you walk away.

[strohlde]

Lakeland FL just east of Tampa