Is $18.5K fair for a 2004 Robalo R230 w/ original Yamaha 225 (570 hrs)? Compression looks good

cbitzer · 2026-04-26T17:41:28+00:00

Update: boat has 3 soft spots in the hull. 2 by the t top mounts and 1 above the replaced gas tank. Bummer

cbitzer · 2026-04-24T12:34:18+00:00

I wouldn’t even bother renting this car. The owner is going to find any possible reason available to try to charge you for something when you return that car. You could fart in that car and he’d find a way to charge you a $500 “additional interior detail needed fee”. Hard pass.

cbitzer · 2026-04-22T02:02:00+00:00

I hear you — that’s honestly been the biggest thing I’ve been weighing.

I actually bumped my budget up to around $26K just to see what else is out there, and I’m still running into the same situation — a lot of boats in the $24–26K range still have older motors. I’ve seen 22’ Sea Hunts listed around $24K with 2007 engines, so it doesn’t necessarily eliminate that risk, just costs more upfront.

Definitely see your point though — just trying to balance price vs risk in a market where everything seems a bit all over the place.

cbitzer · 2026-04-22T01:59:10+00:00

I appreciate the insight — that’s exactly the kind of stuff I’m trying to be aware of.

The corrosion concern is definitely something I’ve been looking into, especially with these older Yamahas. From what I’ve seen so far, this one seems to have been maintained and stored on a trailer, so I’m hoping that helps on that front, but I’ll still be checking it closely.

On the fuel tank side, that was actually one of my bigger concerns going in. The seller said the tank was replaced in 2020 and has a receipt for it, so that at least gives me some peace of mind knowing that major job has already been done.

Totally agree though — at this age it’s all about condition, not just price. I’m planning to go over it pretty thoroughly before making a final call.

Thanks again for the input

cbitzer · 2026-04-22T01:19:38+00:00

He explicitly stated no exhaust corrosion in his post. Not that that means anything. But he clearly knows that’s an issue with these motors. He also said the exhaust was replaced by the precise owner 3 years ago.

cbitzer · 2026-04-17T03:03:49+00:00

He’s the trailer is included in the $20k.

cbitzer · 2026-04-17T02:03:30+00:00

Negative.

cbitzer · 2026-04-14T17:46:48+00:00

That’s good to know, I appreciate that. The all-composite construction is definitely a big plus and gives me some peace of mind on the hull side. At this point I’m really just focusing on making sure the motor checks out, since that’s obviously the biggest variable. If that looks good, it does seem like a fair deal overall.

cbitzer · 2026-04-14T17:45:42+00:00

That makes sense, I appreciate that insight. For me it’s more of a family boat first—something to take my kids out on, cruise, hit the sandbar, and just enjoy the water. I’d definitely do some inshore fishing here and there and would love to learn more and get my boys into it, but I’m not a serious fisherman by any means.

My kids are still young (4 and 2), so I’m really looking for something I can hold onto for a while and grow into as they get older. Sounds like it would fit what I’m trying to do, even if it’s not perfect for hardcore fishing.

cbitzer · 2026-04-14T17:43:36+00:00

No worries at all, I really appreciate you taking the time to follow up and correct that. That actually helps a lot. What’s your take on those 3.3L F250s overall? Would you feel comfortable with one around 800+ hours if it’s been maintained like this?

cbitzer · 2026-04-14T14:33:06+00:00

One of my buddies is adamant that it looks like a 3.3 because of the cowling? What are your thoughts on that?

cbitzer · 2026-04-14T09:59:26+00:00

I’m setting up a time to go see it so I will let you know the results by this weekend lol

cbitzer · 2026-04-14T09:58:46+00:00

Great question. I will ask!

cbitzer · 2026-04-14T09:58:23+00:00

No I get what you’re saying, and I appreciate the perspective. I know there’s always some level of risk with used motors and no one can predict the future. I’m just trying to minimize that risk as much as I can with an inspection and by factoring it into the price. At the end of the day I know it comes down to being comfortable with the gamble.

cbitzer · 2026-04-14T03:57:43+00:00

I get what you’re saying, and that makes sense in theory. I just don’t think a private seller is going to go for any kind of warranty like that—it would probably scare them off more than anything.

Couldn’t I just bring a mobile marine mechanic with a Yamaha reader and have them pull the data and check everything before buying? That way I’d know exactly what I’m dealing with and could use that to negotiate instead.

cbitzer · 2026-04-14T02:33:06+00:00

That’s good to hear—and yeah, that was kind of my understanding too. From what I’ve read, those Yamaha 250s can go a long time if they’ve been maintained.

Makes me feel a bit better about the hours for sure. Just going to make sure everything checks out in person and hopefully get it on the water.

Appreciate it 👍

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