[Mikecatt13]

I am looking into buying my first inboard, have some knowledge of outboards but will admit I know very little about inboards aND larger boats in general.

I found a 1998 tiara 2900 for $35k, 1000 hours on twin 454 mercruisers. It is a salt water boat. Blue book was somewhere between 45 and 55 depending on options and other similar models same age listed were 50-60

Owners are moving out of the country at the end of April and must sell is the story being told.
Should I have a mechanic look into it just to see or is that far too good to be true and run like hell?

What questions should I be asking, what should I be looking for to determine if this is something to look at or a "too good to be true"?

Any and all help is appreciated

[Ridin'High]

The 29 Tiara open is truly a nice boat and performs well with big block chevy's.  Those are sound motors and 1000 hours is not allot on them.  Like you said the asking price is almost half the market.  I would be more concerned if the hull, deck, and/or bottom were wet.  The best way to determine that is with a good marine surveyor.  One that knows when and how to use a moister meter and sounding hammer.  Some moister is ok but any where there are items mounted to the deck or hull by owners and some marinas usually spell trouble, if not bedded properly.  Also, I always believed there are good deals out but most times you get what you pay for, just my opinion.  Don't be scared just cautious.  Good Luck

[Maxwell]

On the surface, it seems a little too good to be true... However that being said, it may be worth a look. I would ask for any service records they have to get an idea of how the boat was maintained etc. You should get complete hull and engine survey as extensive mechanical or moisture damage etc in the hull can quickly add up. Whenever I purchase a used boat, I also budget extra to replace all maintenance mechanical items (impellers, filters, fluids, belts etc) that way, I at least know for sure where I am starting from.

max

[Mikecatt13]

Kinda sucks that the buyer pays for a survey. I may see if the seller will compromise with me such as if it passes I'll pay for it (and probably buy the boat) but if major issues are found such as moisture, motor problems, etc they pick up the cost. Seems reasonable enough for me, if they are hiding something they will say no, if they truly want to move it and are being honest they might agree or at least agree to share the cost.

It just seems like at that price it's about 50/50 at best that I'm throwing the survey cost down the drain. If it checks out great but the price is a little red flag...semmingly anyway

[DavidB]

The money for the survey will be the best money spent on the boat.  A good survey will let you know about major issues that will need to be fixed that will help you decide if you really want the boat.  It will also tell you the small things that are in all used boats.  I referred to my survey numerous times during the first 6 months to decide on projects.  Buying a boat is the beginning of many break out a thousand (boat) moments.