Marlin 300 issues

fisher1988

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hey all, i am in the market and shopping around right now for a 300 marlin. I am wondering if you guys could help me in giving me some things to look for. What common problems I should look into? What things should i really have the surveyor look into? What year did they switch to the seav2 hulls in the marlin? Is there a year where they removed the wood from transom and hull? I head there were transom problem years, so wondering what years those were?

i have a few in my area of RI/MA for sale right now. Some good options available. All for the most part in the 50-70k range. Mainly looking to 4 strokes or newer 2strokes, I plan on going to see all of them over the course of the next few weeks, so just looking for help on what i should be looking at first glance, to narrow down the options before i have surveyor look at them. Some good options from 03s with 400 hours to 92 with re-powered 4 strokes in 07.

I do have boating experience, currently have a Hydrasport seahorse 230CC, want to upgrade to bigger and need a cabin for the fiance. Most of my fishing is open ocean leaving PJ area.
 

Fishtales

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There is nothing the jumps out on the boats. Depending how old, the biggest risk is wood core getting wet. A good survey can help here.
- Wet transom, decks, hardtop or coring, bang plate condition, water intrusion at hull/liner joint in motor well. Look for any non-factory drill holes and equipment mounting this is where water usually can get in.
- Motor hours, fluid check, compression. Are maint records available for review? Check fishbox/livewell/tackle station lids for cracks chips.
- Verify all systems work. Have enclosure installed so you can inspect. Ensure head flushes and macerator works.
- Bilge should be clean, all thru hull valves work, pumps operate, condition of batteries.
- Cabin. Any headliner cracks, appliances and options work, condition of topside and interior cushions.
 

Fishtales

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For the above, you will have to drop the lower unit to perform and inspection with a scope.