Buying 06 Centurion Avalanche

[prunjr 0]

Made an offer on an 06 Avy and it was accepted. My question and I guess rather funny concern is it only has 32 hours on it. Is there anything I should be concerned about with a boat that has been sitting in storage a lot? I am new to the wakeboard boats and would appreciate some suggestions on what to look for or ask the owner during my test drive before handing over the check. He is original owner and kept in a climate where it never gets below freezing.

[Bigcatpt 408]

The low hours would only concern me if the boat had not been used for an extended time period. If it was used a few times each season its not a big deal. If it sat for too long the seals may dry out and develop leaks.

 

I would have a boat mechanic check it out for sure. They should also be able to tell you if the hour meter is correct. Be sure and test drive it.

 

If everything checks out do a full service on it and you should be good to go! Good luck

[Carter13 69]

X2.

Although even if it got used each year for the last four years the owner only put eight hours on it every year.

I would have the boat checked out by a mechanic to make sure it is sound.

One thing I have not heard here or on other web sites is you really should run the HIN # on any used boat that you are looking to buy.

This is very similar to running a car fax to see whether the boat has been turned into an insurance company for damage.

I did this on our AVY and it came back clean.

[prunjr 0]

Thanks for the replies and info. I do have the agreement with him that we will test drive the boat before he gets the money and I will definately have a mechanic check it out. For my own piece of mind what seals and where are they? Also, if they are bad is it an expensive fix?

 

As for the HIN #, where can I run this?

 

One more question, he told me that it has a 1000lb center ballast and no rear. Was this an available option? I'm sure this would help for wakeboarding but will it be any benefit for surfing? I plan on adding the custom rear sacks for surfing but I need to decide if I should keep the center.

 

Thanks for the help.

[Bigcatpt 408]

For my own piece of mind what seals and where are they? Also, if they are bad is it an expensive fix?

 

As for the HIN #, where can I run this?

 

One more question, he told me that it has a 1000lb center ballast and no rear. Was this an available option? I'm sure this would help for wakeboarding but will it be any benefit for surfing? I plan on adding the custom rear sacks for surfing but I need to decide if I should keep the center.

 

Thanks for the help.

 

I am no mechanic but the seals I am referring to keep things like oil and tranny fluid from leaking. Your mechanic will know what to look for.

 

Not sure how to run the HIN#

 

I have never heard of a 1000# center ballast. Most of the center ballast are around 250 - 300 pounds. To my knowledge there is nowhere in the center of the boat that could come close to holding 1000 #

 

If you want to get your ballast done right then order some custom Avy sacs for the rears. Lots of people have done installs with good "how to's". Here is mine that includes the dimensions of the sacs I ordered...... http://centurionavalancheballastinstall.blogspot.com/

[Carter13 69]

Check Boattrader for the company that runs the HIN#. I believe that is where my wife found the link last year when we bought our AVY.

I believe it was $10 to run one HIN. They also have a deal for around $40 you can run as many HIN's as you want in a 30 day period.

It is actually really nice because you type in the HIN and the info on the boat comes right up.

If you cannot find the link let me know and I will see if I have it in my file at home.

[Joe B 17]

I bought an 06' Avy that was in the showroom climate controlled for 2 years. Test drives were fine. I started a thread called "so you bought a leftover" that you can search on. Short version: at least top off all fluids, but I'd change all fluids and change impeller. My impeller started to shred at 60 hours when I had everything done. It was called a 100-hr service and cost about $450--well worth it.

 

I'm not sure about HIN, but a certified Merc Mechanic can put the engine on a computer and see the Real Hours.

 

I had some weird alarms and perfect pass hunting, ended up my one battery couldn't handle the needs of the boat. Make sure your batteries are charged.

 

I've had the floor up and removed my center tank that was 250lbs, there is no space for more than 300lbs of ballast of any water type. Somebody else made that same 1000lb claim to fame but it was an older and different boat.

[prunjr 0]

Thanks for all the info! Hopefully things go well on Thursday with the test drive and mechanic check.

 

I found the link for checking your boats history by using the HIN# http://www.boathistoryreport.com. This boat came back clean.

 

Great write-up on the custom Avy sack install, will definately go this route.

[Avy c4 surfer 0]

congrats on moving to avy central!

just post some pictures so we can see what youre surfin with!

[prunjr 0]

Thanks for all the help and everything came out perfect. Here are some pics

[Spud 7]

Congrats on the awesome boat !!

[Troy 234]

Congrats!

[bobback 3]

How did the test drive go?

 

Only 32 hours...wow!

[prunjr 0]

It was actually 36 hours. The test drive was awesome and everything was as you would expect with the low hours. If it wasn't for the teak platform missing a little oil on it, I would have thought I was in a brand new boat. And the stereo was phenomenal. This was actually the first time in a Centurion for me. I've been in a Nautique and Moomba and after all the research and patience for the last 7 months, I know I made the right choice and deal. Time to work on the ballast before summer gets here.

[LakeSurfer 10]

^^^^^^ Congrats and welcome to Centurion Family!!! Post some pics.

[prunjr 0]

Sorry only had my iphone with me during the test drive and will be picking the boat up tomorrow. Pictures above and here is one shot at 9mph with stock ballast. Can't wait to see this thing grow!!!

[Bigcatpt 408]

Sorry only had my iphone with me during the test drive and will be picking the boat up tomorrow. Pictures above and here is one shot at 9mph with stock ballast. Can't wait to see this thing grow!!!

 

With a little work you'll be surfing on a wave like this!!!

[Spud 7]

pooh Dang !!!

[Joe B 17]

BigCapt: What size wakeplate are you runnin??? The fixed wakeplate or do you have the Auto wakeplate????

 

I have an extended 14" fixed custom with switchblade and a very big wave but doesn't have the lip to pop off the top for surf style boards. I'm wondering if I should switch back to my standard 9" plate?

 

THX. Hijack off. Sweet pickup.

[Bigcatpt 408]

BigCapt: What size wakeplate are you runnin??? The fixed wakeplate or do you have the Auto wakeplate????

 

I just have the stock fixed wake plate. We never surf the dark side so I don't think I need it.