Hello - I am looking to buy a 1985 houseboat with a 120 hp I/O Mericruiser. It is recommended that these motors be serviced every year or two, depending on use. This engine has not been serviced in two years. I had the boat inspected and the inspector found that one of the bellows (for water going out) is ripped and needs to be replaced. Of course this involves pulling the boat, $$$ etc - my question is that since this should have been identified through regular maintenance that this engine hasn't really had, is it reasonable of me to expect the current owner to pay for the boat to be pulled and repaired before I buy it? I guess I don't know if I can hold the owner accountable for this kind of scheduled maintenance... although now it is more than that because there is a torn part.



Thank you,

Chris

I guess it all depends on the purchase price. You always want to get the seller to repair whatever you can squeeze but sometimes you are better off lowering the purchase price by an amount greater than the repairs. No offense but your posting did not suggest that you are a hands on repair nut yourself so be very cautious. Most sellers who know they are getting out of the boat business will tend to let things go. Why put more money down the same rathole. Plus if someone will let something that important go, what else have they covered up? How did you do sea trials with the inspector? Don't tell me he never cranked it up and took it out!