need info 1993 Pulse 185 BR 175 merc.

[familyboat]

Hello Everyone,
I joined this site because I am a newbie, looking at a used 1993 checkmate bow rider with a 175 mercury xri black max.

This will be my first check mate, so I am looking for suggestions of what I need to look for. I saw the boat today, and it has everything original, just like it came from factory. All the documents with it, been stored inside a garage it's whole life. It looks terrific.

The motor is original as well, my question about the motor is this.
It fires right up, but it takes a while before water comes out of the "water jet". I was told it has to reach a certain temp. Is that right, or am I looking at having to replace a water pump? The water when it finally came out was scalding hot, is this right?

I also would like some people who are informative on this boat to give me a price on what you think it's really worth. It is in impeccable condition, very low hours. I need to know what to offer.

Thanks in advance, and if you have any other thing I should look for let me know. I saw it today, and will need to try and make an offer on Monday.

 

[JW]

It will take some time for the water to come out of the 'pee-hole' so that's normal. The head temperatures should be hot enough for you to be able to put your hands on for a few seconds without getting burnt, but the temp will be uncomfortable. What you should really do is take the boat out for an hour long ride with the owner to see how everything works. Run the boat through every aspect of boating, from idling around to top speeds. Make many left and right turns, and use reverse several times. Everything should work, everything should be smooth, everything should be normal. Take an experienced boater with you to be a second set of eyes. Walk on every inch of floor, make sure there's NO soft spots. Take a bright flashlight and look all over the bilge. Should be zero signs of wood rot or cracks or repairs. Look at the splashwell corners where the engine mounts. Should be zero or very light stress cracking. Once again, take an experieced person with you to look at it.

For values, all you can really go by is www.nadaguides.com Add up the boat with options, then the motor, then the trailer, and go up or down from there depending on condition and market.