Possible purchase of a 1997 Basscat Jaguar Hull - Information Needed

[vtbasspro]

I'm looking at a '97 Jaguar that looks like it was well cared-for most of its life, but I also had another manufacturers boat that was a 2000 and ended up having significant structural problems, so I'm a little gun shy of a boat with wood.

I know Bass Cat builds an excellent boat. Is anyone seeing any structural issues with due to age/water intrusion? I am planning to check the floor for soft spots and the transom, of course I have no way to check stringers. Are there any known trouble spots? Anyone who can help educate me on other areas to check, I would appreciate your comments. I am primarily focused on the structural integrity of the hull, less on the potential dash issues or other things I have already researched with these hulls.

[brnzbaklvr]

I had a 97 jag about 7 years ago...It was a great boat and I ran it on LSC and Erie.I had absolutely zero issues with that boat and kind of wish I would have just repowered that hull...My boat was in very good shape for its age....Obviously every used boat will be different...

[cajunrgfm]

I would call the factory with the serial number,as a good place to start

I'm looking at a '97 Jaguar that looks like it was well cared-for most of its life, but I also had another manufacturers boat that was a 2000 and ended up having significant structural problems, so I'm a little gun shy of a boat with wood.

I know Bass Cat builds an excellent boat. Is anyone seeing any structural issues with due to age/water intrusion? I am planning to check the floor for soft spots and the transom, of course I have no way to check stringers. Are there any known trouble spots? Anyone who can help educate me on other areas to check, I would appreciate your comments. I am primarily focused on the structural integrity of the hull, less on the potential dash issues or other things I have already researched with these hulls.

[Bass Cat Boats]

There are so many things that happen to a boat or engine we have no way of tracking.

[Cajunhunter67]

I had a 98 Jag. Look for worn springs, equalizing beam and shackles on the trailer. Bolts back out or missing on trailer bunks.
At that age, I wouldn't expect the brakes to work. Mine didn't, and wasn't a big deal for me.
Do an electrical test. Livewell pumps function. Nav lights work. Bilge pumps function.
In the left rear of the bilge area on the ransom is a terminal block with wires. Check for excess corrosion.
Check for wear in the steering actuator-engine connection (Optimax only)

I had no rot anywhere in the boat. Was an awesome rig.
Everything I listed worked on my boat. I did have wear and a leak in the steering actuator at the engine.
I replaced the bunks and carpet.
If your looking at an older boat, BCB is the way to go. Quality was excellent, even on the boats that had wood.