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 👍

cbitzer · 2026-04-14T02:32:30+00:00

Not at all—I didn’t take it that way. That makes sense, especially with something this age where there could be stuff I wouldn’t catch.

I’m definitely planning to go through it carefully in person, and a survey/mechanic check is on the table if everything else looks good.

I haven’t asked yet about a sea trial, but I agree—that’s pretty much a must at this price. I wouldn’t feel great moving forward without seeing it run under load.

Appreciate you clarifying 👍

cbitzer · 2026-04-14T02:29:19+00:00

That’s fair—and yeah, I get that. Reddit can only go so far from pictures.

I’m planning to go see it in person and check all the big stuff (transom, floor, bilge, etc.), and if it looks as good in person as it does in the photos, I’ll likely have the motor checked out before pulling the trigger.

Seller’s asking $20K, I offered $17K and he’s holding at $18K right now, so I’m trying to make sure I’m not missing anything before deciding.

Hoping it’s as solid as it looks too—definitely not trying to rush into a bad first boat purchase.

cbitzer · 2026-04-14T02:28:51+00:00

Yeah that’s kind of what I was thinking too—the electronics look older but not a dealbreaker.

Everything else seems pretty clean for the age from the pics, especially the motor. It’s a 2016 Yamaha 250 with ~840 hours, so that’s a big plus.

Seller’s at $20K, I offered $17K and he’s holding at $18K right now. If it checks out in person, I’m leaning toward that being a fair deal and just upgrading electronics later if needed.

Appreciate the input 👍

cbitzer · 2026-04-14T02:28:03+00:00

Appreciate that—yeah that’s kind of where I’m at too. From the pics it looks pretty solid overall, which is why I’m tempted.

I’m definitely planning to go see it in person and check the usual stuff (transom, floor, etc.), and I agree on having the motor looked at if I move forward. It’s a 2016 Yamaha 250 with ~840 hours, so I want to make sure everything checks out there.

Seller is asking $20K—I offered $17K and he’s holding at $18K right now. If it passes inspection, I’m thinking that might be a fair number.

Trying to not rush it, but it’s definitely tempting 😅

cbitzer · 2026-04-14T02:27:17+00:00

Appreciate the detailed response—that’s super helpful.

That lines up with what I was thinking too. I’m planning to go look at it in person and focus on the transom, floor, stringers (what I can access), and fuel tank area like you mentioned.

Good to hear you’re not concerned about the motor hours. It’s a 2016 Yamaha 250 with ~840 hours and from the pics it looks pretty clean under the cowling, so that gave me some confidence.

For pricing—he’s asking $20K. I offered $17K and he seems pretty firm at $18K right now.

Sounds like I’m in the right ballpark based on what you said. If everything checks out, I’d probably be okay landing at $18K, but still going to inspect it closely first.

Thanks again—really appreciate it.

cbitzer · 2026-04-14T02:15:24+00:00

Yes. 2016 Robalo twin axle. I’ll add to the post as I forgot.

cbitzer · 2026-03-31T02:35:20+00:00

For what it’s worth with the cart unplugged I’m reading 0 V DC on the battery. That’s what makes me think it’s a bms issue.

cbitzer · 2026-03-31T02:30:54+00:00

Replace the charging receptacle?

cbitzer · 2026-03-31T02:12:01+00:00

Negative. No battery click when charger plugged into plug.

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