Buying my first Parker - need help!!!

[tlarsen]

Hi all

I'm new to the site and may hopefully soon be a Parker owner. I've ridden on a couple, enjoy the ride, and have tried to do some research as best as I can through the site.

I found a 1983 23 ft. center console for sale and I am taking a look at it next week. The seller told me that he used the boat twice last year. Before then, it sat for four years by the previous owner until the seller purchased it. (The motor - a 275 outboard - is a different issue that I'll deal with later!)

Can anyone tell me what are the big things I should look for when checking out this 30 year old boat? Any common problems that are typical amongst all Parkers? Anything particular about this generation of Parkers? Any subtle things that I should be aware of?

I hope the boat turns out to be worth taking the plunge!!! Thanks!!!

 

[HOTPURSUIT]

Aside from the motor as you mentioned the biggest item is water intrusion into the hull, floors etc. you need to have that checked out. If the hull is sound then you have something to work with. My second item would be the fuel tank, back then some builders were using fiberglass tanks not sure if parker did or not, but replacing that is a big item, look for possible leaks. Other than that on a 30 year old boat if something hasn't been replaced it will need to be shortly. So give it a good look over from wiring and fuse panels to fuel lines, take a look in the rigging tube to the motor. Look for dry rot hoses, fuel lines and sloppy repairs, just look further than the obvious like gauges, electronics and batteries from that you may be able to get a good idea of how much time and money it may take to get it into a reliable condition. Good luck Mike

 

[Burtona]

As Mike said, water intrusion into the transom, deck, etc . will be the major issues to look for in this vintage Parker. Look for spongy decks around hatches, deck fittings, t-top attachments, etc. look for spongy soft spots in the deck.
If your not comfortable spotting these kind of issues get a marine survey of just the hull if you are not concerned about the motor.
If the fiberglass hull is sound all the wood replacement can be dealt with to make it like new, but at a cost. Depending on what you find and the purchase price it may or not be a good deal.
Dave

 

[Brent]

I.hope you post some pics