I have finally found the boat I am most likely going to purchase, a 2005 Malibu Wakesetter VLX. I am going to meet the seller tomorrow morning in Discovery Bay and would like some simple advice on inspecting the motor, i.e. ways to detect salt water use, noises I should listen for, etc. Thanks in advance for the help. <BR> <BR>Also, as a side note, I can't figure out how to quote on this particular message board. How do I do it?

Look for rust anywhere on the motor - a decently maintained freshwater-only 05 should have VERY little external rust. Look for blue or black smoke under different loads. Don't mistake steam for smoke - smoke lingers - steam is white and disappears. Look at the fluids - black or smell burned? Tranny fluid s/b red, engine &amp; Vdrive (if it's a Walter) should look somewhat like honey. Vdrive fluid will stink like sulphur (90W). No fluids s/b milky. <BR> <BR>Run a compression test if you know how, or have someone do it for you. Spin the prop by hand with the boat out of the water and see if it binds. <BR> <BR>More noise in reverse is normal. Quiet, fast clicking noises from the top of the motor are ok - fuel injectors firing. Louder, slower knocking is very bad - bearings, valvetrain, etc. Not very likely on such a new boat, though. <BR> <BR>Can't think of anything else right now...

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