Boat purchase advice
Submitted by fords_rule85 on Fri, 2010-04-09 21:41
Hey guys, im looking at buying a 4.75 2002 trailcraft freestyle with a 60hp 2stroke mercury outboard and was wondering if there was anything in particular i should be looking for, any input from current or past trailcraft owners would be much appreciated. Thanx
PilbaraBrad
Posts: 3628
Date Joined: 16/05/07
mate my first boat was a
mate
my first boat was a 4.75 traily runabout with a 2 st 75 merc on it
it was a pretty good little boat mate
i didnt really like the broach on it in a following sea, but apart from that
pretty good
Feral
Posts: 1508
Date Joined: 01/11/06
yeah only thing i can add is
yeah only thing i can add is to look for electrolisis under the floor .. had a mate get stung with that when the hull got a 2 foot crack on the keel seam.
they are a good hull into the chop but a little wet side on too.
kaney68
Posts: 401
Date Joined: 29/07/08
no issues here...
I've got a 5.10 Freestyle (2006 build) with a 90 Yam.
Apart from the odd bit of corrosion around fittings and along the carpet line on the side walls (think they might have cut into the paint when trimming the carpet) I've got no issues with mine.
Also maybe check the rivets on the fuel tank cover under the carpet.
I was having a popping feeling under foot when walking on the deck last year and discovered many of the rivets had corroded away... Problem with this was if not checked, the sealed hull was slowly becoming un-sealed !
A quick clean up, a tube of sealant and a couple packs of rivets and all is good as new !
All up....A good solid stable boat, bit hard on the ride...thats the only fault I can see.
cheers,
Paul
scottbec
Posts: 242
Date Joined: 18/01/07
my first boat is a 4.75 traily freestyle
yeah mate my first boat is a 4.75 traily freestyle with a 4 Stroke 60Hp Mercury.
I used to use my inlaws 5.8m quintrex freedom sport when we lived in Ex, and I think the traily does handle better.
As Brad said I have also noticed that in a bit of following sea it broaches a bit, but as always you have to be careful with that and take it easy.
I love it because it has high sides, lots of room around the deck (for a smaller boat) and is a good size to self launch and handle on your own. We use ours for wakeboarding and fishing and it has proven to be a great alrounder.
Good luck with the purchase.
Scott
adamsmith84
Posts: 402
Date Joined: 04/11/09
i think its a good choice
1. it is fitted with a 2 stroke outboard so its much simpler and easier to service/maintain and fix if something goes wrong because its asecond hand motor
2.trailcraft are very stong and well built boats which can take a beating so you will know the quality of the boat even though its second hand
synthos
Posts: 522
Date Joined: 23/06/07
chat to rod
Chat to rod at the boatshack in joondalup he may have some for you to look at and gives u great advice got my 1st n 2nd boat from him, its also good to get to see other models in the yard u never know :)
just dhu it
Posts: 1081
Date Joined: 14/05/09
trailer
As the others have said just check the hull for any rust or repairs to the hull that may have been done , ensure everything is original and no bolt ons that may effect the alli hull. 75 hp sounds like she has plenty of power.
I have had three traillys now and found them all pretty good and solid.
The other big thing is look at the trailer and its condition, as thats the only thing that will get the rig to and from the boat ramp and haul it all over the country side