hey guys, i'm very new to boats and want to start a restoration project

[gunnarxmustang]

I have an opportunity to get a free 19ft aluminum powerboat and would like to know what I would be getting myself into.

It has no outboard motor (dead) and has a leak-free hull.

What would I be looking at as far as restoring it?

I have a job that allows me to have a good amount of time to work on it.

BTW, everything I know about boats is from online research.

Thanks

 

[5150abf]

Re: hey guys, i'm very new to boats and want to start a restoration project

Being aluminum is a good thing.

Should be a fairly easy project depending on how far you want to go with it.

Being alum. all your sub struture should be good unlike fibreglass that rots and need to be rebuiilt, all you should run into is replacing some wood.

I stripped my boat to the bare hull and rebuilt it 2 years ago and it turned out to be really enjoyable and now everything is exactly like I want it because I did it.

I don't know what your skill set is but you need to be fairly mechanical to do it and understand how things work.

This boat came with a motor that doesn't work or it didn't come with a motor at all?

Alot of time a dead motor is a pretty easy fix.

Get up some pics and let us know what you want to do and maybe a ball park budget, it can get a little expensive.

 

[legoman67]

Re: hey guys, i'm very new to boats and want to start a restoration project

Aluminim hulls, up here atleast have alot of value. Its a pretty good deal getting the hull for free.

is the current owner just claiming that its leak free? or have you tested it?

Even if it does leak its not that hard(not hearly as hard as a fibreglass equivalent)

 

[gunnarxmustang]

Re: hey guys, i'm very new to boats and want to start a restoration project

It didn't come with any motor at all but is set up for an outboard with the mount included.

Also, the owner states the boat is leak-free but he has no reason to lie since he's giving it to me for free

 

[Bondo]

Re: hey guys, i'm very new to boats and want to start a restoration project

and would like to know what I would be getting myself into.

Ayuh,... Hopefully, a Life long love of the water,+ Being on it.......

Welcome Aboard,...

Throw up some Pictures,... We'll help ya through it.....

 

[jcsercsa]

Re: hey guys, i'm very new to boats and want to start a restoration project

Yep Welcome !! lets see some pic's of her !!! John

 

[jonesg]

Re: hey guys, i'm very new to boats and want to start a restoration project

A 19 foot alum is one of a very few projects that will bring a return on the money spent on it.

 

[Mark42]

Re: hey guys, i'm very new to boats and want to start a restoration project

Oh yeah, I say go for it! Aluminum boats are lighter than their fiberglass counterparts, so you get the same performance from a smaller motor. That means lower fuel expense. Plus the lower weight means less stress and strain on your tow vehicle.

 

[ezmobee]

Re: hey guys, i'm very new to boats and want to start a restoration project

There is not a better hull on the planet to get for free than a 19' aluminum that's set up for an outboard

Good luck with your project and let us see some pics.