Where do you use this boat ? What is the purpose ?
This boat is a small curiser built in Italy, using a outboard 140 HP (usually 4 strokes). The power is OK but not too fast, oil consumption for 4 strokes is OK. You have to find out what year is the engine. Usually the importer will install a Suzuki engine. The older the engine year, the more checking you need. This is not a fishing boat. It is designed with a very deep V. If the sea is rough, it will shake. If you need a small boat for swimming in Sai Kung..that is OK..but the matter is pricing. If you want to sail the boat from Sai Kung ...to Lama etc... wind grade 4 you will see the trouble. Hope this if of help...
Thanks for your advise, actually I am a new hand and saw a 2nd hand salpa laver 20.5 year 2002 with 140 hp Suzuki engine (HKD160,000) on the other web site. I want to buy it and only sail in Tai Po area.
I am a current owner of Salpa 20.5. Honestly, it really depends on what you plan to do with it. I find it quite good as I only go around SaiKung area. I usually drive the boat for 30 mins max, and then stop and laze around for whole day. The advantages are: very well equipped (with cabinet and toilet), looks good / sleek design, and comfortable sitting / sleeping. However, if you intend to go far, there might be trouble cos it gets very rocky with big waves (bec of the deep V design). All in all, it is small and efficient if you are user like me. I would strong recommend it.
Sorry but am not sure where the check point is cos I just relied on my coach and friend to check before I bought it. And touch wood, nothing bad had happened since I bought so have not checked on that yet.
Hope the following would help.
Some people may carry out a compression test on the outboard before buying.
http://waterski.about.com/od/boats/a/buyused_boat.htm
If this is a suzuki engine, the agent is Protect Engineering. You can ask for a maintainence report...the agent can use a lap top to check
1) Actual engine hours
2) Previous engine problem, if there is any
Mr. Chow of Protect Engineering in Shaukiwan has provided to me professional services when I bought my exisiting boat..using a 225 Suzuki four strokes
Regarding the body, you have to check it by yourselves. Mooring in water or storing in dry dock makes a lot of difference.
I have a typo in my previous reply...The boat is not designed with a very deep V.