which used boat is a better deal?

[perrypond]

hello, I am looking to buy a used "runabout" type boat to work on and use lightly (putt around on a lake close to home). I have been looking at two, but am confused on which one to get. They are both $500 each.
The 1st one is a 15ft 1962 Fiberglass Corson good cond, shorelander trailer good cond and 1992 Johnson 48 special outboard. The boat is solid, needs minor work, the motor was swamped, has a chip in lower unit, leaking grease.
2nd boat is a 15ft 1960ish Duratech aluminum boat, trailer is fair cond, 1980ish 40hp Mercury motor with no spark. This boat is in real good condition for year.
Any feedback on these would help....
Thankyou!

 

[ziggy]

Re: which used boat is a better deal?

well, seems that the corson, that has a engine that was swamped. probably had the boat swamped too. look at the floor, stringers and transom reeeeeal good. ya might not even get the light use if the wood is history.....most cheap boats that i looked at recently were more like full restorations. some of the expensive boats were too. or were on their way to becomeing real projects at the very least. you do know what b.o.a.t. stands for, right?

i guess i'm sayin look good at the boat first. if it's history. it don't matter what ya got for power as there is nothing to hook it to.




break out another thousad..... and best i can tell it's a true statement.

 

[kbetts]

Re: which used boat is a better deal?

I had the same idea in mind when I aquired a 1979 176 Imperial runabout with a 140 merc and alpha outdrive. Keep inmind that this boat was given to me for free. The boat had been in the family for years, but was not used for 8 years. I figured to put a few hundred in it and I would be on the water....wrong. Had to pull the motor, to repair a broken starter bolt and got the head rebuilt while it was on the stand, replace the trim senders on the outdrive, replace the steering cable, install a carb kit, rebuild the outdrive (gimbal bearing, engine coupler, u-joints, seals, new water pump), replace the bellows, replace the distributer and ignition, replace the seats and install a top. About three grand later, I am on the water. Which ever boat you decide, it's going to suck the money right out of your pockets. Getting that old boat running again was worth the money I spent because I learned a great deal. Sure the boat isn't worth three grand, but was worth every penny because of what I had learned in the process. Just keep in mind you will find more problems once you get into it, just don't be discuraged and do it right the first time. Good luck and have fun.

 

[Silvertip]

Re: which used boat is a better deal?

The swamped motor is probably junk unless it was cleared of water and started within hours of being swamped. If that's the case, you are looking at double, triple, or quadrupling your investment just to get something to push the boat. The aluminum boat would be my choice but again, no spark on the engine could be due to lots of things. Missing expensive parts comes to mind. Be prepared to buy a different engine in both situations however. You won't rebuild an engine (properly) for less than high three/low four figures.

 

[perrypond]

Re: which used boat is a better deal?

hello, I am looking to buy a used "runabout" type boat to work on and use lightly (putt around on a lake close to home). I have been looking at two, but am confused on which one to get. They are both $500 each.
The 1st one is a 15ft 1962 Fiberglass Corson good cond, shorelander trailer good cond and 1992 Johnson 48 special outboard. The boat is solid, needs minor work, the motor was swamped, has a chip in lower unit, leaking grease.
2nd boat is a 15ft 1960ish Duratech aluminum boat, trailer is fair cond, 1980ish 40hp Mercury motor with no spark. This boat is in real good condition for year.
Any feedback on these would help....
Thankyou!

 

[perrypond]

Re: which used boat is a better deal?

thanks for some feedbacks... I realize buying an older boat/motor requires attention and $$$, that is why I am leaning more towards the Duracraft. I really don't care if the motor is cooked, I think the boat alone is worth $500. + trailer to boot! Being solid, aluminum, and great shape, I could shop for a good used motor all winter.
The Corson actually wasn't "swamped" under water, it hit a ground - rocks, and broke the lower unit casing. Looks like that would be costly...????
Anyways, thanxs again for feedbacks...

PS Anyone knows about Duracraft boats... let me know!

 

[bassboy1]

Re: which used boat is a better deal?

THE ALUMINUM BOAT IS THE BEST DEAL!! Try to restore both and you will see why. Plus aluminum is more durable, easier to repair and will not be harmed by sunlight.

 

[bassboy1]

Re: which used boat is a better deal?

Lighter too. Less hp required. Smaller tow vehicle etc.

 

[rickdb1boat]

Re: which used boat is a better deal?

Here's what I found in a quick Google search:

In 1946, two brothers started DURACRAFT, and between 1946 and the early 1980'S, these brothers developed DURACRAFT to the point where it was the best aluminum boat made for the southern part of the United States.

This development included the design and perfection of various presses, jigs, and fixtures that gave DURACRAFT boats the unique characteristics that set them apart from others. Characteristics such as the uniform deep corrugations on all units, the reverse flared bow on the SV's, the low off-set spray sent on most DURACRAFTS.

The brothers died in the early 80's. The company has been sold several times and is currently owned by Steven Deese who is founder and Chairman of the board for Bentley Industries. Bentley Industries is the manufacturer of Bentley Pontoon Boats.

Bentley Industries works exclusively with Mercury Motors, to provide the lowest price possible. We know that with Bentley's dedication to dealer services, customer satisfaction and high quality products that we will continue to grow to be one of the most successful boat manufacturers in the boating industry.

 

[Terry Olson]

Re: which used boat is a better deal?

Bassboy's right - old fiberglass boats are almost always an expensive project looking for a victim. You know what you're getting with the aluminum boat.

 

[tiller7104]

Re: which used boat is a better deal?

I will throw my 2 cents in.....I am a Aluminum fan, I always have been, BUT with that being said I am a welded aluminum boat fan Rivits drive me bannanas. Fiberglass boats if only used for putzing around the lake can be some maint especially if it is older like the one you are looking at. It is harder to hide flaws or bad spots in an aluminum boat. Hey it is only my opinion!

 

[roscoe]

Re: which used boat is a better deal?

aluminum

 

[bassboy1]

Re: which used boat is a better deal?

I will throw my 2 cents in.....I am a Aluminum fan, I always have been, BUT with that being said I am a welded aluminum boat fan Rivits drive me bannanas. Fiberglass boats if only used for putzing around the lake can be some maint especially if it is older like the one you are looking at. It is harder to hide flaws or bad spots in an aluminum boat. Hey it is only my opinion!

No rivits? You must not own a Lund.
Hey, Isn't that boat in your avatar riveted?