Boat/Pontoon guys, a few questions???

[Gone Sleddin]

looking at older used pontoons to have as a little fixer upper project and have something to go float around the lake and have a few beers in the summer.
the one i am looking at right now was donated to a place that fixes up older boats and sells them for charity. it has a fair amount of lime build up on the aluminum pontoons. is this difficult to get cleaned up? i was thinking taking it to a truck wash where they do the acid wash?
my biggest concern is the motor. it is a 90hp Johnson and the seller states:
The motor runs and shifts, has good compression and water system cools. The motor did not run smoothly at first but ran better after 15 minute tank test and water circulates a bit weak, may need a new impellor.
aslo, 4 cylinder: 110/115/90/115 PSI

does that all sound good? when it says the motor runs and "Shifts", what does shifts mean?

i am far from a boat expert so i am just looking for some input, the price listed seems pretty good but i dont want it to end up being a money pit after i get it.

T I A

Tim

 

[H20SKE]

First--the motor--lowest compression # on the motor should not be more then 10% lower than the highest cylinders compression. Not looking good.
Second--Impellers are easy to replace on those motors.

As far as running good after 15 minutes--sounds like old gas or a head gasket ready to shove out. My opinion.

Shifts in and out--good thing--but ALWAYS run the boat before you buy it--and I mean run it on the lake for about 30 minutes at least--If they do not waant you to run it on the water--then they have something to hide.

As far as the pontoons--can't give ya any advice.

As far as the motor--I would be a bit leary.

H20SKE...

 

[niner49]

Vani-Sol toilet bowl cleaner from Wal-Mart works great to clean the toons! put in a a spray bottle wet down the bunks and toons first apply the cleaner scub with a brush and rinse off!

I have had a few toons over the years.. what size is it(length) the 90 hp is a good fit depends on size and diameter of toons? these things are really easy and pretty cheap to fix up! I will send you a link to another forum for more info in a few minutes! I have the same forum name over there if you get to looking!