Looking at this boat, opinions?

13MWZ · **Joined:** Tue Jan 21, 2014 12:43 am **Posts:** 1

Hey yall, just registered and this is my first post. I hope yall don't mind but I'd like to ask the experts to take a look at a boat I'm looking at. Hoping to go check it out this weekend. This is just a craigslist add and not the best pictures, but I'm hoping yall can take a look and tell me what you think and if you see anything obvious that may be an issue.

According to the owner the engine wont turn over. I asked him about it and he isn't sure what's wrong. Being a mechanic I'm not too worried about it, for $500 I can still invest more $ if worse case the whole engine needs to be replaced.

I'm not expecting anything close to new, I completely understand that it will need a lot of time, work and money to get it safe and ready. That's what I'm looking for. My girlfriend and I are wanting a project boat to work on together. We're not in a hurry to get on the water, but it seems (to me so far anyways) that it's in pretty good shape for an 87, mostly just needing new vinyl and engine work. Assuming the floors, transom, stringers are in good shape (I'll be finding out soon enough) do yall think it would be a good fixer-upper? Once it's water worthy we would be using it on our local lakes and rivers.

http://dallas.craigslist.org/dal/boa/4295968379.html

ric · **Posted:** Tue Jan 21, 2014 1:10 am

You can buy a late 90s in good condition cheaper than it will be to replace the interior on that POS.

TX H210SS · **Joined:** Thu May 27, 2010 9:10 am **Posts:** 1488

I think you would be investing more in that boat then it would be worth....it has a wooden carpeted deck that had been sitting outside for a long time....I would be amazed if flooring and stringers are not rotten.

That and unknown drive condition and almost certain engine and exhaust failure would be a nightmare on the pocketbook, even for a self rebuild. If it was just a motor then OK cuz a rebuilt isn't too bad. I would pass on that one.....remember the cost of total restore on a 19 footer is the same as restore on a 22 foot ride.

Winter Sux · **Posted:** Tue Jan 21, 2014 7:54 am

That boat is a complete wreck. Even though you're a mechanic, that boat will swallow your wallet.

With some careful searching, you could find a decent boat with a blown engine for around that price and then put your skills to work. I'm a licenced mechanic too but you couldn't give that thing to me.

ric · **Posted:** Tue Jan 21, 2014 8:45 am

I picked up my 2000 H180 in mint condition (just needed a good scrubbing) for $1200 with trailer (sold it for $6500?). Keep looking there's deals. That boat posted will take about 8 grand of parts with you doing the labor to make it decent, then you're still stuck with a 1987 boat worth $1500.

With you doing the labor?
New stringers/floor/transom/etc? $1000-$1500
Rebuild engine/outdrive? No less than $2000. Better off finding a newer engine/drive combo from a late model boat. You can find a mercruiser with alpha for a few grand.
New interior/seats/vinyl/carpet/etc? At least $3500 given to a professional
New wiring harness/cables/steering/gauges? Throw another $1500 at it
Misc like rub rails, cup holders, grab handles, covers, switches, stickers, etc? $1500
Fix trailer? Tires, bearings, springs, brakes, etc? $1500

There ya go, and that's a low estimate. That's if you ever finish it and don't give it to a shop. You'll have a brand new 1987 boat for about 10 grand and you can resell it for about $3000.

There's plenty of low hour very nice condition 2000-2005 era bowriders that you can pickup for around 5-8k that are turn key.

RaveOn · **Posted:** Tue Jan 21, 2014 1:17 pm

Yup.....Run away from it.

www.iFourWinns.com

Looking at this boat, opinions?

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