Advice please before buying '89 MC

I would greatly appreciate any advice you wise dudes can give me on what to look out for on a two-owner 1989 Mastercraft Pro Comp that is described as in "immaculate condition".

The owner claims the boat has only done 200 hours - which seems way low. And I'm guessing that it can't be good for a engine to be run so little. What do you think?

The engine is described as a "360hp Ford Indmar" - does this sound correct?

I won't have a chance to get a compression test before buying but is there any basic stuff I can do myself?

Many thanks in advance for any advice that comes my way.

(Btw, I know a Nautique 2001 would throw a better wake, but I've always wanted a Mastercraft and good 2001s are very hard to come by over here in the UK.)

that's indeed very low, and if actual hours, not good for the motor unless it was stored very carefully.

that most likely has a Ford 351 Windsor block in it. Good boat, but look for soft floors in the center access panels. they were made of BALSA(!?!) on my 92.

test drive it, weigh it down. unless youre mostly skiing i probably would hold off. the wake may be a little disappointing.

The engine is not 360hp its 260hp.

PM me the details mate and I'll look over it. Most sellers in the UK don't know what they are selling so you need to be sure its the correct year. Indmar engines where available from 87 so make sure your not being mis sold.

The STANDARD engine from MID 86 when MC went from PCM to INDMAR was a FORD 351 240 HP. If it is a POWERSLOT people often claimed more HP. Same motor...more hole shot on a slot. (Motor turns 1.5 to 1 revolution of the prop) Has the boat been used in salt. A clear indication of salt use is horrible looking motor mounts and alot of rust on the exhaust manifolds. 200 hours seems very very low. that is less than 25 hours per year...possible indeed but low. You will be able to judge yourself when you see it. Are all stickers intact. Scratches etc etc etc. That boat is the US would sell for immaculate for as high as $8500-$9000 USD. Hope you can get it.

It would be more like 12.5hrs per year.

I in fact own a 90 MC in Immaculate condition with over 700 hours... 200 is pretty low but I could see it happening... More than likely there has been a new hour meter put in 200+ hours previous... These boats are very solid and reliable boats when maintained and taken care of... Great Slalom wakes, clean wakeboard wakes (albeit not that big unless you add a ton of weight)... Storage is very limited but the boat is great! I'd had mine for 7 years now and have loved it!

240hp is standard...

Thanks Guys for the comments and advice.

The owner says it's a big block 7.0L engine with 360hp.

I've decided to pass because I think it is too risky to buy such a low hours engine without an engineer's inspection and compression test which time/circumstances don't permit.

Also, too many people have told me that we won't be happy with the wake!!! Perhaps I'll have to search out that mint 2001 after all.

Thanks again for the input.

I have never heard of a ford 7.0l boat engine. I have heard of a 7.5 that is the 460ci motor. I dont think i would want a motor that big in the uk because of the high gas prices.

Sorry Patrick, slip of the finger, I meant to type 7.4L.

Btw, I've also been told by someone who knows about UK-built Mastercrafts that it is an '87 not '89.

brutto good decision to pass on the boat.

Its not a UK built one mate. Only a handful where made in the UK during 84-85.

Sorry Jay. You are quite right - US built - UK sold.