23 sceptre for sale. Should I buy it?

[gkj]

I am interested in buying a 23 Sceptre inboard which is for sale in my area. What weaknesses or potential trouble spots should I be looking for? Any help would be appreciated. I am a Sea Craft rookie, but am in the boat business.

[ScottM]

botes1,
Welcome to the site. One thing to look at specifically is the through-hull scuppers. If the boat you're considering is from the '70s, the scuppers drain straight through the bottom of the hull. This is a problem area, since the tube connecting deck to hull can become loose, corroded, etc. and allow water in the bilge.

Tell us more about the boat.

[gkj]

I gave the boat a good look today and made a deal with the seller. Will have it surveyed by a professional next week.
Comes w/ 2 axle trailer w/ surge brakes and an elec. winch.
350 Chev reportedly rebuilt w new risers and manifolds less than 50 hrs ago. Only downside so far is it's raw water cooled, but it has flush attachment to run fresh water through after use. By the way, it's a 1977 inboard. Exterior gelcoat looks good, bilges clean, decks seem fine, no trampolining or obvious soft spots. Has had three owners since new. What else can I tell you?

[John R]

What else can I tell you?

Where? Pictures? and ball park on the price [img]/images/graemlins/smile.gif[/img] .... Congrats - I bet an inboard cutty balances real well. Nice boat - good luck with her.

[gkj]

S. FL, $10k, pls save congrats until after survey and sea trial, but tnks for the encouragement.

[John R]

Sounds like a pretty good deal if the survey checks out. OK conditioned IB center consoles run very high teens to losw twenties and really nice IB center consoles (like Capt Skip's blue beauty) are in the high 20s and up

[MarkR]

This is one of the few Inboard Sceptres I have heard about on this site. I own a 1975 Inboard Sceptre and have been through it pretty closely. I'd be glad to answer any questions if I can.