Brobee Posted February 15, 2019 Report Share Posted February 15, 2019 I’m taking a test drive (ride?) in a ‘17 B52 23’. This will be my first wakeboard boat but not my first boat. I’ve read as much as I could find about these boats but there’s not a lot out there outside of the forums. So my question is, what should I look for on the test ride. We took a look at it at the dealership on the trailer but it was pouring rain and we were under a shed cover. I plan on giving it a better inspection this weekend. Are there any common problem areas I should look for? What should I ask? Thanks for any help you can give. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
turps73 Posted February 15, 2019 Report Share Posted February 15, 2019 hours? services completed? additional ballast beyond the hard tanks? what factory options does it have? what engine does it have? covers included? salt water? those are the basics Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
breakz77 Posted February 15, 2019 Report Share Posted February 15, 2019 If it's a 2017 there's also 2 warranties you should be able to transfer to extend out. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AZ_MB Posted February 15, 2019 Report Share Posted February 15, 2019 The most common issue I've heard reported is the MIL light and beep which I believe was determined to be cause by bad catalytic converters. Several here have reported having theirs replaced under warranty. Also be aware that there is a warranty transfer fee. Apparently this is common to all of the boat companies. Personally I think it's a ridiculous fee as I can't see how there is any reasonable cost involved in the process. It used to be $500. I'd negotiate that as part of the deal if I could. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
breakz77 Posted February 15, 2019 Report Share Posted February 15, 2019 The most common issue I've heard reported is the MIL light and beep which I believe was determined to be cause by bad catalytic converters. Several here have reported having theirs replaced under warranty. Also be aware that there is a warranty transfer fee. Apparently this is common to all of the boat companies. Personally I think it's a ridiculous fee as I can't see how there is any reasonable cost involved in the process. It used to be $500. I'd negotiate that as part of the deal if I could. Indmar requires an inspection for warranty transfer so that's why there's a cost involved on that part. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AZ_MB Posted February 15, 2019 Report Share Posted February 15, 2019 Indmar requires an inspection for warranty transfer so that's why there's a cost involved on that part. Fair enough, but isn't the dealer inspecting the boat prior to sale? Seems like something that is already being done. onequicktang and oldsmobiledriver 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AZ_MB Posted February 15, 2019 Report Share Posted February 15, 2019 Here is a thread on the Cat's http://www.mbboatowners.com/index.php/topic/6127-mil-light-and-beep/ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bloodiestcadaver Posted February 15, 2019 Report Share Posted February 15, 2019 Ive had my 2017 o2 and cats replaced. My pnp ballast bags warrantied 2 times on each side. I had no problems getting warrantied but maybe because my selling dealer was the original selling dealer? Check for any prop damage bubbling in gator step check the internal ballast levers. Mine had an issue where one was really stiff to operate check the upper rope/light unit. If the bimini is mounted too high it can cause the rope to rip off the light from the bracket. Your gonna love it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Brobee Posted February 15, 2019 Author Report Share Posted February 15, 2019 Thanks for all the replies. I’ve checked the basics, but these specific things help a lot. It seems like a very well taken care of boat and the dealership has done all the service so it has records. I’ll look it over close and ask about the cats. I appreciate everything you guys said. I actually wonder if the owner is on here as we still haven’t actually met. Is anyone here selling a metallic red and pearl white B52? Thanks again. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
adam4x4 Posted February 17, 2019 Report Share Posted February 17, 2019 Like this? Not white peak though. And not sellling yet! But the new 24 is coming. (2016 also that’s been slapped with a 440) oldsmobiledriver and JeffO 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tobias Hargrove Posted March 25, 2025 Report Share Posted March 25, 2025 On 2/14/2019 at 7:54 PM, Brobee said: I’m taking a test drive (ride?) in a ‘17 B52 23’. This will be my first wakeboard boat but not my first boat. I’ve read as much as I could find about these boats but there’s not a lot out there outside of the forums. So my question is, what should I look for on the test ride. We took a look at it at the dealership on the trailer but it was pouring rain and we were under a shed cover. I plan on giving it a better inspection this weekend. Are there any common problem areas I should look for? What should I ask? Thanks for any help you can give. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk That’s a great boat—congrats on checking it out! Since this will be your first wakeboard boat, definitely pay attention to how the ballast system operates and if there are any signs of leaks or malfunctioning pumps. Also, listen for unusual engine noises and check how smoothly the transmission shifts during acceleration and deceleration. Since you're doing a test ride, it's also a good idea to inspect the hull for any previous repairs and ensure the electrical systems are functioning properly. If you’re looking for a more in-depth assessment, you might want to check out a guide on what is marine survey and how it works—it can give you an idea of what professionals look for when evaluating a boat’s condition. Hope you have a great test ride! Let us know how it goes. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.