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Went to look at an R5 today and saw the following issues. The rep said it was just peeling bottom paint but I’m wondering if it’s something worse. Also is that bare fiberglass? First ever boat purse trying to be careful. Thanks

Even if it was peeling bottom paint, I would NEVER buy a boat with bottom paint.

Paint usually means salt water.

It does look like peeling bottom paint. I boat in the salt free Great Lakes, and MANY MANY boats have bottom paint. Just depends on what kind of boating you do. Keeping it in the water at a marina and bottom paint looks and works best.

That being said, bottom paint does need to be redone periodically. If you don't plan on keeping your boat in the water, don't get a boat with bottom paint. If you do plan on keeping it in the water, then just know you'll have to have that bottom paint redone right away, and in the future.

Get a marine survey or at minimum a mechanic's inspection. Peace of mind well spent.

Looks like peeling bottom paint with barrier coat beneath. If you were planning to keep this boat in the water yourself, your looking at a bottom paint job -- otherwise I would pass and find one without bottom paint.

Says you are in Phoenix, even if you plan to take it to salt water, I'd buy one that hasn't seen it. That boat has 100% spent a lot of time in the salt...

Any savings now will likely be gone once the repairs start..

Unless it is a screaming deal, the bottom paint, and outdrive condition would be a hard pass from me. Find one from the midwest that has never been near salt water, or stored in the water. I got mine from Illinois and had it brought back to Arizona.

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So glad you found us jdflyer.

I’d be a hard pass on that boat as well….unless you want a project. The outdrive and bottom of the hull show enough neglect that this usually means other areas of the boat have been neglected. Keep us posted.

And welcome aboard mate.

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Thanks everyone. Appreciate the input. Pass it is

Jdflyer wrote: Sat Nov 18, 2023 6:25 pm Thanks everyone. Appreciate the input. Pass it is

Out of curiosity, where did he keep it moored? One of the Colorado river lakes? I know many people use bottom paint when moored there.

In Maryland. Checked the GPS and it didn’t show any tracks into the ocean and was told before I looked at it that it was far enough up River that it was considered fresh water.

Looks like you already passed on this boat, but couple things to consider.

First, I wouldn't go so far as to say this boat was neglected. Needs a new coat of bottom paint. It looks like the vast majority of boats I see that are kept in the water, and usually at a marina.

Second, I don't see any zincs/anodes on the outdrive or trim tabs (although difficult to tell from the pics) so that can lead some corrosion on the outdrive. Definitely more common with a boat that is left plugged in at the dock, but if being stored at a marina, the boats next door could be plugged in and have enough current to degrade any metal left in contact with the water.

Definitely pay for a survey on any boat you're seriously interested in.