Any Info on this Boat?

[ste6168]

Hello. I have the chance to get this boat/motor/trialer free from a friend of the family. He holds the title to both the boat and trailer. My question to you all is do you know anything about this boat and would it be worth taking and putting some money into? The boat is titled as a 1972 15' Duckbuster Coorporated Runabout, although I measured it and it is 16.5' long. Also, not being to familiar with boat types and terms, it looks to me like a tri-haul open bow boat.

The boat needs the following: Seats, Fuel Lines, Battery, and a Prop. It appears to be in OK shape, I just dont know if it is worth sinking the money and time into to fix up. I currently have about $800 extra cash that I could put into it up front, whatever else cannot get done will have to wait. Do you think this boat is worth it, or should I keep looking and take out a small loan for a 1.5-3k boat?

Here are a few pics of the boat (taken with a cell phone, sorry):

Thanks for your time and any and all comments!

 

[ste6168]

Re: Any Info on this Boat?

Other thing I forgot to ask. The trailer and the motor (sans the prop needing replaced) appear to be in decent condition. Would it be worth taking just for the motor and trailer? How hard is it to get rid of a boat (scrap yard or other method)?

 

[DukesFin]

Re: Any Info on this Boat?

Without closer inspection, it looks like the floor is shot and if it is, you can expect the stringers to be compromised as well.

If this is the case, you may also want to make sure the transom will not need work either.

The little motor on it is not nearly big enough for the boat. It would make a decent trolling motor, but that's about it. Aside from it "looking" good, you can expect it to need some $$ help too.

If the floor is soft and the transom has any rot in it at all, I'd thank my friend for the offer, then politely decline.

$800 would not be enough "cushion" for me to take the boat.

Others will chime in though!

Good luck either way!

 

[Mark42]

Re: Any Info on this Boat?

The $800 will not go far on that boat.

But some important things to note:

- The motor is a 9.9hp and it will probably get that boat up to about 6 mph if you are lucky. Basic trolling speeds.

- Even though there was a tarp on it, judging from the condition of the deck, it is very possible that the deck, stringers and transom will need to be replaced. That will take about $600 if you do it yourself.

Other than those two issues, it would be a nice boat to fix up. Put a 40 to 70hp motor on and have some fun.

 

[Steve Mahler]

Re: Any Info on this Boat?

Assuming the motor has no major damage, it could be sold for 5-700 depending on your market; and any trailer that rolls will fetch 200. So will the family members be upset if you took this boat, strip and sell and put the money towards something better?

If not (likely not) then walk away and suggest they sell it. It is a worthless hull needing lots of work, and buying/building a boat piece by piece is much more expensive than buying a good one in working order. You can usually find a good simple bowrider ready to go for aroun 2,000- but really watch the floors and transoms for rot.

For comparison, I sold a 15'tri hull fully restored, turn key with trailer last summer for $800. They just arent worth that much anymore.

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: Any Info on this Boat?

take it, take the motor and anything else worth while. tow the boat to the land fill, and push it off the trailer. it will cost you far more than the the boat is worth in repaired condition. sell the trailer, and motor (or keep as a fishing motor) .

 

[strubby]

Re: Any Info on this Boat?

From the pictures, the condition of the deck is enough to scare me away. I would love to eventually get a project boat and rebuild it, but as it stands with me being new to boats, this would be out of my league. The motor isn't enough to have fun with the boat either, so it seams it just needs too much for someone on a budget. For $3k (the loan you mentioned), you could choose from several boats that don't need a thing I bet. Goodluck with your choice.