400 Hours too much??

(lakepirate) · (lakepirate) **Join Date: May 2007** 05-14-2007, 2:41 AM

I'm looking to purchase my first boat very soon. I recently found a gorgeous '03 Malibu VLX that I really like. I called the owner and I got the impression the boat has been meticulously maintained, however, it does have about 400 hours. Is that too much for a 2003 Malibu or for a boat in general that I'm looking to purchase? Also, how many hours have you guys seen boats get up to and still run strong?

(jhgsupra) · (jhgsupra) **Join Date: Mar 2006** 05-14-2007, 2:50 AM

No. 100 hrs/year isn't much at all. I've seen well over 800 and still running strong. Go for it if it's what you want and don't be concerned about the hours.

(ralph) · (ralph) **Join Date: Apr 2002** 05-14-2007, 2:56 AM

Ha! Hardly run in. I am coming up on 500hrs on my 03 and its still like new. In fact the motor seems to be getting better and better milage. If its been well serviced I would not hesitate.

(Message edited by ralph on May 14, 2007)

(rallyart) · (rallyart) **Join Date: Nov 2006** 05-14-2007, 7:32 AM

3500 hours on my old Mercruiser 470 I/O four cylinder. It is starting to burn some oil now.

(auto) · (auto) **Join Date: Aug 2002** 05-14-2007, 7:50 AM

Not an issue.

(mcwakerider) · (mcwakerider) **Join Date: Dec 2006** 05-14-2007, 7:59 AM

our boat is a 02 and has 600 hrs on it. Still running strong!!!

(deltawake) · (deltawake) **Join Date: Sep 2004** 05-14-2007, 8:16 AM

Why would anyone go to the expense and trouble of owning a boat if they're not going to use it at least a hundred hours a year? These threads about hours on a boat are almost comical. Look at the boat. Check the maintenance records. If it looks like it's in good shape, it probably is. If the maintenance has been done properly and on schedule, the motor will last about 3000 hours before it needs a rebuild. If a boat doesn't have at least 50 hours a year, don't buy it. It is probably susceptible to more problems than a boat that has been used and well maintained. If you're worried about a "high" hours boat, do a compression check and have a mechanic look at it. Good luck with your purchase, and don't worry about a well loved boat with a few hours.

(deltawake) · (deltawake) **Join Date: Sep 2004** 05-14-2007, 8:24 AM

Patrick- My intent is not to ridicule your question. We put 300+ hours a year on our boat. and mechanically it's never been an issue. 800+ hours on each of our boats. They were barely hitting their prime when we sold them. We're now on our third boat, and we will continue to rack up the hours. Hours are not the issue.
Maintenance is. Indoor storage will also markedly reduce the ravages of age on a boat.
Again- good luck with your purchase, and use the boat when you get it!

(jetskiprosx) · (jetskiprosx) **Join Date: Aug 2004** 05-14-2007, 8:49 AM

Just passed 580 hours this weekend and its never ran better!

(toesideturtle) · (toesideturtle) **Join Date: Oct 2002** 05-14-2007, 9:30 AM

Consider this:
My 2005 F250 diesel has 44,445.5 miles on it.
1525.5 hours
I drive a mixture of in town and freeway, warm it up every morning and change the oil every 3000 miles. Usage/maintenance is very similar to my VLX. That being said, 400 hours on a well maintained boat is nothing!

(scanboarder) · (scanboarder) **Join Date: Feb 2005** 05-14-2007, 10:09 AM

true. most boats are actually not run enough and that's what causes rusting, leaky gaskets, annoying electrical faults etc. I'd be more sceptical if it had like 100 hours on it.

(poser007) · (poser007) **Join Date: Nov 2004** 05-14-2007, 11:51 AM

Yeah 400 hours whats that like 40,000 miles its still just a baby man. Maintain that boat and it will last you 10 more years. My friend has an 1996 VLX the first year they came out. He has never had a problem with it and it still looks great to. Although thye never yse it can you believe it only has 325 hours on it lol

(ttuclint) · (ttuclint) **Join Date: Sep 2003** 05-14-2007, 1:27 PM

my 96 VLX only has 250 hours, 100 hours since we got it a year and a half ago.

(olskooltige) · (olskooltige) **Join Date: Mar 2007** 05-14-2007, 2:43 PM

You can't really compare a boat hours to an auto hour due to the RPM range differences between the 2. Your auto runs at 2500 or below almost always....your boat will be above that almost always.

That said, if it is burning oil, and it turns over, and runs good, check valve guide seals. Alot of boats are also full rollers/hydraulic.

(Message edited by Olskooltige on May 14, 2007)

(tonysdad) · (tonysdad) **Join Date: Jul 2005** 05-16-2007, 12:10 AM

My 2001 VLX had 500 hours when I bought it last May and I've put another 170 on it since then. Knock on wood, but she runs great. Like everyone else said, too little use is way worse than normal use (100 hours/yr). These boats are very easy to maintain as long as you keep up on it. Good Luck!

(lakepirate) · (lakepirate) **Join Date: May 2007** 05-16-2007, 2:53 AM

Thanks so much for the feedback everybody. I think I'm gonna pull the trigger and pick up the boat. I'll be sure to post it as soon as I take some photos (well, that is after I post them on Myspace, haha)

Can't wait to join the boat owning community, it's going to be a blast.