1987 Pro-line 23' center console....Opinions??

[dazk14]

Hello,

New to the forum...

Looking at buying a 1987 Pro-line center console with a 1997 200 Mercury offshore motor.

I'm mechanically experienced, but I was wondering if there's any short fall to look closely at with the boat or motor?

Good boat, bad boat?? I've heard good things about Pro-line boats.

Any help would be greatly appreciated!!!

Thanks
Mike

[231CALIFORNIA]

On any boat with wood core in the transom and stringers inspect them for water intrusion. there are"thump"sound tests,drillsample tests and several more .
If boat was stored in water with any holes drilled in transom, below water line for items like brackets , tabs ,transducers etc they may be more prone than trailer store boat or rack stored boats. other than that boat is good fishing CC I believe.
Engine is normally the main concern, Fuel tank next, electrical third and hull integrity after that.
you musthave all good,but some are easier and cheaper to remedy.
Do you know ownership and useage history? might be helpfull in knowing what to inspect.
If boat is too cheap there may be a reason.

[dazk14]

Thanks 231!

Here's what I found that concerned me...

I opened the access hole in the rear floor and inspected the bilge. It had some water that was pretty slimy - not shocking. But then I reached down. in. and up and felt the bottom of the floor (the part you stand on) and I could rub off gross brown slimy gook. It easily cover any body part that rubbed against it (arm/wrist, etc.).

What do you make of it?

The floors seemed solid although the front hatch reinforcing wood was falling apart.

Also odd, with the 2 tank access plugs removed, the top of the aluminum tank had what seem like a lot of "silt" on it. I was puzzled how it could get grimy on top of the tank. The access ports were the ~6" round that pressed in - maybe they leak alot so water with dirt gets through.

The motor was mint, but I haven't made an offer due to the above.

Thoughts??

Thanks,
Mike

[brad1951]

I would look hard in areas such as inside the CC ect for any signs of a water line where the boat had been swamped or partialy sunk

[seabob4]

Gross, grimey slime...stringer rot?

• a7ewizard