DIY vs Mechanic Receipts, major engine work resale value
 

Curious on thoughts.

2002 Yamaha F225, runs great and no fault codes thrown but has midsection corrosion. Boats currently for sale and has been under contract twice with both buys backing out due to not knowing how the block is (don’t ask me why they agreed to numbers or put a deposit down then backed out after the fact on a well known concern), because you can’t see that from the scope you need to pull the block.

Question: Taking that into account, if I decide to do the exhaust kit, would it turn a potential buyer off if it was documented and DIY or would it make more sense to just pay someone to do it? I want to do it in case it doesn’t sell so I have a full knowledge of the engine and just was offered a place to do it with someone whose knowledgeable when it comes to engines and taking things apart and putting them back together and had any tool I’d need.
My concern is id spend a weekend doing it, get it all replaced assuming no issues, document it and a buyer (assuming I’d still want to sell after that sweat equity) would still come back and say it wasn’t checked by a certified yamaha tech so I want it at a discount.

I know a bunch of guys have done the work themselves so curious if you’ve sold and if you’ve run into that. Only reason I’m selling the CC is to move to a downEast so I have a cabin and can run traps in NH. Is it worth just bringing to a mechanic and paying then selling or is DIY fine as long as it’s documented?

On my previous boat I did both tuners. A bluetooth scope camera on Amazon is like $40 and tells a better story than any receipt will. I had no issues/qualms with the buyer of that boat and it has been working great for him for the past two years now.

"Do nothing, learn nothing", the process isn't that difficult. Just one step at a time and it will all come together. Don't forget Mr. Midas "have the right tools for the job" either

If I was a potential purchaser, it would not bother me so long as you have documentation to prove it. There are many shade trees as good or better as the employed mechanic, if you are truly capable and have history of doing your own inspections have at it, would not bother me at all. Take pictures as you go for better documentation and to put some at ease.

I save all my parts receipts. I would think that would be good enough.

Thanks for the quick responses, I keep all receipts from parts to gas to even if I buy I tool I don’t have and it’s for the boat it goes into the boat folder. So between that and documenting with pictures my opinion would be it’s alright but you never know when you’re selling something (I’ve learned the hard way recently) so want to make sure doing it one way or the other wouldn’t be an issue. Thanks for the info and advice

I sold a mid sized jet boat last spring with a 115 in which I had rebuilt the powerhead. The savings from DIY was passed on to the purchaser. There was no concerns with it after reviewing the receipts and a good rip on the river. Just do it right and no worries.

Do it yourself, save the receipts and take a bunch of pictures while it is apart. A good quality picture (with a time stamp) of the bottom of the block and the repair process is the best evidence there is.

2002 nearly 20 years old and EOL

personally, i would not throw $$$ at it

Speaking only for myself, I'd take a hard look at the DIY seller. Some DIY guys have Mechanical Engineering degrees from Caltech and are fare more talented than any shop mechanic you'd find.

I agree with The B. If they are a hack job DIY guy, buyers will be able to tell in other places of the boat with an easy look at botched wiring, connections, tubing, etc. If yours is nicely done, point it out and have the backup as noted. Think you'd be good to go.

With Covid, we all know there is a boating boom but that also means the Service Shops are backed up. They are in a rush to complete the work and doesn't always reflect the best quality. Right now, I'd prefer DIY over a shop.