I'm new to boating and looking for a quality used Adventure 208. I'm noticing that they all have stress cracks on the floor and on the side. Is this a major issue? I imagine this could lead to water inside the hull eventually. What else should I look out for?
Tips on buying a used 208
- Thread starter Beverly_GW
- Start date
Parthery
GreatGrady Captain
How old?
I owned a 208...it never had stress cracks....helped a friend buy a 208 a few months back....it didn't have stress cracks...
Keep looking....there are plenty out there...get at least a 175 or preferably a 200....
I owned a 208...it never had stress cracks....helped a friend buy a 208 a few months back....it didn't have stress cracks...
Keep looking....there are plenty out there...get at least a 175 or preferably a 200....
I noticed the spider webbing cracks on a 94 and 98. Overall they were not in good condition. Maybe I'm just more detailed than most but I expected "excellent condition" to be no visible signs of wear. Do the gas tanks need replacing after a certain number of years? Are parts easy to find? Like weather stripping, cubby windows, etc?
Parthery
GreatGrady Captain
GW hasn't changed the 208 since about '98 (other than the dash, switch panels, and upholstery/stripes)....so things like windows, weatherstripping, etc... should be readily available.
The tank in the 208 is polyethylene and not aluminum....and is not accessible without cutting into the floor. Fuel hoses are somewhat accessible but it's a project.
If you find one from 1998-2001 that has been repowered with a 4 stroke, check the weight distribution to be sure the scuppers are not underwater. GW moved some weight forward starting in 2002 to balance the additional weight of the F200 and/or F225.
The tank in the 208 is polyethylene and not aluminum....and is not accessible without cutting into the floor. Fuel hoses are somewhat accessible but it's a project.
If you find one from 1998-2001 that has been repowered with a 4 stroke, check the weight distribution to be sure the scuppers are not underwater. GW moved some weight forward starting in 2002 to balance the additional weight of the F200 and/or F225.
You may see stress cracks on the areas where the windscreen molding meets the helm and you may see some in other areas where there might be some extras stress due to 'flexing' of the molded deck cap such as corners of the cabin doorway, bimini attachments, possible seat posts etc. Spider cracks on the sides of the hull to me usually indicate impact damage and should raise a red flag since there could be internal damage too.
One main concern for 208s is a wet transom and unless the skin is obviously delaminated, it is difficult at best to identify the issue without a moisture meter and a person knowledgeable in its use. Some moisture intrusion is to be expected. Same goes for locker hatches and anchor locker lid.
The fuel tank ( only one on that boat) is poly and normally should last a long time. Open the deck plates over the tank and look for excessive corrosion. There shouldn't be any.
Look into the bilge for water or corrosion. Again, there shouldn't be a lot since the deck is self bailing and the bilge is normally pretty dry. Check the thru hulls. If plastic, they may need replacement.
See where the deck scuppers are relative to the water line. At rest, they should be above the water. Look while off the boat
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If the scuppers are under water and the boat has a 2 stroke, the hull and foam may be water logged.
My advice has always been that if the previous owner took care of the hull, he or she probably took care of the motor too. A moldy, dirty interior, seats, bolsters, etc would make me wonder about the care and maintenance. Of course, if the owner keeps a log of maintenance, that is a good sign.
Finally, assuming the hull and motor are up to snuff, do not take for granted the cost of replacing things like cushions, cabin enclosures, helm cover, bolsters etc. If in good shape, they can add thousands to the value.
Options like livewell, raw water washdown and fresh water tank and faucet also add some value.
Good luck.
One main concern for 208s is a wet transom and unless the skin is obviously delaminated, it is difficult at best to identify the issue without a moisture meter and a person knowledgeable in its use. Some moisture intrusion is to be expected. Same goes for locker hatches and anchor locker lid.
The fuel tank ( only one on that boat) is poly and normally should last a long time. Open the deck plates over the tank and look for excessive corrosion. There shouldn't be any.
Look into the bilge for water or corrosion. Again, there shouldn't be a lot since the deck is self bailing and the bilge is normally pretty dry. Check the thru hulls. If plastic, they may need replacement.
See where the deck scuppers are relative to the water line. At rest, they should be above the water. Look while off the boat
.If the scuppers are under water and the boat has a 2 stroke, the hull and foam may be water logged.
My advice has always been that if the previous owner took care of the hull, he or she probably took care of the motor too. A moldy, dirty interior, seats, bolsters, etc would make me wonder about the care and maintenance. Of course, if the owner keeps a log of maintenance, that is a good sign.
Finally, assuming the hull and motor are up to snuff, do not take for granted the cost of replacing things like cushions, cabin enclosures, helm cover, bolsters etc. If in good shape, they can add thousands to the value.
Options like livewell, raw water washdown and fresh water tank and faucet also add some value.
Good luck.
All depends on the price ability to do the work yourself /time as I purchased a 98 a few years ago that needed work nothing extensive but almost everything except the engine needed upgrading but now just about everything is new .The engine is the key to purchasing any used boat I'm three years with my 98 Yamaha but a used $10,000 boat could quickly turn into a $27,000 boat .Older engines are a expensive gamble . Good luck !
Thank you all for your thoughtful advice. Definitely keeping it all in mind as i continue my hunt for a 208. Is sept the best month to score the best deal?
The best time to buy/see depends to an extent on where the boat is used and kept. If the area where the boat is being sold is seasonal like the northeast AND the seller stores the boat at a marina, then the seller will want to do a deal before he or she has to sign on the dotted line for winter storage. If the seller uses a marina for the season but keeps the boat off season on his or her own property, then they will want to see before it is time to sign up for the summer season. Most winter storage seasons in my area start late October to mid November. September is still prime season for fishermen.Beverly_GW said: