Little leak in rear

tymorrissette · **Joined:** Tue May 31, 2011 10:03 am **Posts:** 225

See this whole thread...just been there did that.

viewtopic.php?f=3&t=14417

LouC · **Posted:** Mon Jul 11, 2016 4:02 pm

This is the problem with fixing old boats; you fix one thing and it's fine for a while but then some other issue erupts. You wind up putting in as much or more than the boat is worth. I've already done this in mine. But then you have to decide:
1 will you be happy keeping it after its fixed?
2 if you sell how much more will you have to spend on a newer boat where these repairs would not be likely?
Here at least the cost to get a decent boat where repairs are not likely is about 15-20k.

flyweed · **Posted:** Mon Jul 11, 2016 4:14 pm

Yeah, I hear ya Lou. Tymorrissette, I've seen your thread as well, and I simply don't have that kind of time to do my own boat..wish I did. LouC around here there are tons of little lakes across the entire upper midwest, and boats are easy to come by. You can pick up a very nice I/O in the $6-10K range. Most of them are trailer queens..meaning most don't even keep them on the water, so water issues are minor, and hulls look nice for a long time.

Anyway, We are trying to decide what to do. I am looking at a nice Ski Nautique at the moment..at least no more "outdrive" nightmares!

Dan

rpengr · **Posted:** Mon Jul 11, 2016 11:45 pm

I would ask your marina that is giving you these proposals to determine if you have wood rot, so you can make an educated decision. $1300 would seem worth it if you like your boat.

I spent ~$3000 repairing a 1987 floor and stringers in the past on a 19ft cuddy. I got a half dozen happy years out of it after that, which was worth it to me. I sold it 4 years ago rather than do an engine rebuild (due to rusted-through exhaust manifolds).

LouC · **Posted:** Tue Jul 12, 2016 8:06 am

I also did a similar job (stringers and deck) in 2006/07 total cost about 4500 still running it with the original engine and mostly original out drive.
Overall I thought it was worth it.

flyweed · **Posted:** Tue Jul 12, 2016 9:47 am

Yep, I took it to them to look over to confirm my findings..they did find some rot in the transom around the transom seal. So again, they said they could do just the transom seal for $1300, but could not guarantee that repair would last long.. To take out the rot, replace with new wood, and re-glass the area would be $2300

So there we have it. Just not sure which way I want to get yet.

LouC · **Posted:** Tue Jul 12, 2016 10:54 am

Does that include removing the drive, transom mount and engine to do the transom & the reinstall?
Around here that would be the cost of the transom repair only, unless you can do all that yourself.
The real question is does that boat still meet your needs?
And what shape are the deck & engine mount stringers in? In my boat it was the deck & some of the stringers that needed work.

rpengr · **Posted:** Tue Jul 12, 2016 12:12 pm

flyweed wrote:

Yep, I took it to them to look over to confirm my findings..they did find some rot in the transom around the transom seal. So again, they said they could do just the transom seal for $1300, but could not guarantee that repair would last long.. To take out the rot, replace with new wood, and re-glass the area would be $2300

So there we have it. Just not sure which way I want to get yet.

I was afraid it was $1300 + $2300. But $2300 total sound like a fair price. Obviously it is a lot of work.

I look at it this way... if it lets you get another 4 years (or more) out of the boat, then it's worth it. If you see yourself having to replace seats, interior, trailer, or other major items during that time period, then maybe not. IMHO

Ray

captkevin · **Posted:** Tue Jul 12, 2016 1:12 pm

That's is never an easy call as to what to do. Due to the age of the boat I'd would probably lean towards selling it as is. Take what you can get & put it towards a new boat.

flyweed · **Posted:** Tue Jul 12, 2016 7:52 pm

Thanks guys,

Yeah, the $2300 was for the removal of outdrive, transom mount, engine, and then total repair of rotted area with new wood, and reglassed, then everything re-installed.

We do like our little boat..but our second question is, is it big enough for our family now? Yes and No. For just cruising around, fishing, etc it's just fine. For wake boarding and slalom skiing, it's a dog. My top end, full throttle is about 35 MPH...and pulling a wakeboarder or tubes out of the water it just doesn't cut it anymore.

We have already decided to buy a 1998 Ski Nautique with a 351 Pro Boss engine in it.....and I'll put our Four Winns up for sale "as is"..but if she doesn't sell, I may pull the drive, and engine myself this winter, and do the wood work and glass myself, and then try and sell it in the spring for a bit more money.

We'll see

I'll keep you all posted.

Dan

captkevin · **Posted:** Tue Jul 12, 2016 9:42 pm

That seems like a good plan. keep us posted with lots of pictures of the new boat.

LouC · **Posted:** Wed Jul 13, 2016 6:11 am

Just make sure you check out the newer one (still going on 18 years old) for rot as well, they can rot the same way. If you are able to pull the engine & transom mount on the F/W it's a doable project.
This is why my next boat will be 3/5 yrs old max. And keep in mind freshwater is what rots transoms etc. salt does not..the bacteria that causes it does not live in salt water...

flyweed · **Posted:** Wed Jul 13, 2016 2:39 pm

Lou

I've done my homework on the "rotting" issues..as I do not want those "issues" again in my next boat. That's the beauty of the Correct Craft, Ski Nautique, after 1992. They realized that floors, and strings and others parts in their boats were prone to "rot" in their 1982-1992 boats. They switched to all fiberglass stringers, risers, etc. plus NO MORE "lower unit" to worry about. The engines are the very reliable 351 FORD 8 cylinder, again, a great engine, and easy to work on, and parts are readily available.

I'll post up some more here in a couple weeks.I have to go pick up my Four Winns from the shop, and then get the Ski Nautique checked out by the same shop. So it's going to be a busy couple of weeks.

See you all on the flip side.

Dan

flyweed · **Posted:** Fri Aug 05, 2016 4:49 pm

Hey guys

Well...I did it..I sold my Four Winns this week. Kinda bitter sweet seeing it head down the road. But glad to be rid of it. I have purchased a Ski Nautique. She's a great boat. Needs a little TLC of the gel coat, but I am going to tackle that this fall/winter. Great boat, and NO MORE out drive!!

Pic of the new Ride!

LouC · **Posted:** Fri Aug 05, 2016 5:54 pm

Boat looks great! If you felt that the old boat was too small for your needs, then fixing it would not really make sense. For me the H-200 was big enough, not too big to store at home, not too expensive to run, etc. So fixing it made sense at the time, and I've gotten 9 seasons worth of use after fixing the deck and stringers.
But if I got another boat it would have to be outboard powered, open boat with no canvas, cushy seats etc. Basic salt water machine.

www.iFourWinns.com

Little leak in rear

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