Ideal Boat for Restoration?

[Banks10]

Howdy, new guy here. Perhaps this question has been asked before, and I'm sure there is not one answer, I'm just hoping for some general direction here. I am interested in finding a project boat (for relatively cheap, and or free). Before I jump on something (i.e. craigslist etc.) I want to research and learn as much as I can. I've been lurking around this site for a little while trying to educate myself, but I know the real learning will come when I start a project.

Anyhow, what should I look for in a project boat?

Couple of things I should clarify:

1. I am looking for something very cheap (ideally free) that I can work on over time. Something my son and I could work on together.

2. The boat I am looking for should seat at least 4 and be able to pull a waterskier.

3. I have zero experience in boat restoration. I am however pretty handy and willing to do everything need to learn - I understand that this will be a huge commitment and this is why I am taking my time before jumping into something.

I know it will be a long haul, and I know there will be many mistakes along the way which is why I am not looking to restore a cuddy cabin for my first project, just something my son and I can be proud of and that we can enjoy.

So any suggestions? What should I be looking for? Is it possible to find a diamond in the rough like this and bring it back?

Any help is appreciated.

 

[danond]

Re: Ideal Boat for Restoration?

Boats under 22 feet don't take much effort to restore, mostly time and about $2000. The hull needs to be in good shape, the windshield needs to be present, and the engine and drive should run without issues (and not be an I/O OMC) An outboard would be preferred, they're simple to maintain and run.

Boat name brand doesn't mean anything once they're out of warranty, so get what you think looks cool. I would recommend a runabout/open bow boat. They're the most flexible. I would also stick with a v-hull design, not a tri-hull. Tri-hulls ride rough and are better for fishing than skiing.

You should be able to tow it with whatever vehicle you have. This being your first, stick with a boat that can ride on a single-axle trailer (most of those are under 19 feet). Roller or bunk trailer doesn't matter, you'll get used to either.

There's a ton of Bayliners from the late 80's where I live for around $1000 that have running engines and rotten floors. Those would seem to be a good place to start, and they're not ugly boats.

My recommendation - look for a boat with a good engine first. You won't find one of those for free, but if the hull is solid, engine is good, looks like what you want, is under 19 feet, is tow-able by your tow vehicle but has rotten sole/transom/stringers and/or shot interior, you're in resto-business.

 

[Steve Mahler]

Re: Ideal Boat for Restoration?

I have refurbished several abanoned boats, and find it to be a relatively cheap fun hobby with kids. Cheaper than classic cars or motorcycles, anyhow.

First off, a closed bow fiberglass boat from the 50s-70s is the easiest way to start. Often you can can find these nearly free for the hull only. The good thing about these runabouts is that the fiberglass of this era was very thick and rugged, so the boats are very durable. Transoms arent as much of an issue, and the stringers are simple to rebuild and replace. Here is how I look at these boats financially

Hull - view it as free, or no real dollar value
Clear complete windshield - worth $100
Usable steering - worth $100
Usable trailer - worth $200
In the rare case that the seating is usable,
Good back to back seats - worth $100 each
Pedestals - $35 each

Engines:

I like evinrude/johnson or chrysler only. No mercs, that is my preference. The motor will be the most expensive part of this deal unless you are lucky or a good mechanic. The best I have ever done was $200 for a great running Chrysler 35hp. plug and play. Usually I pay around $100-200 for a rough running 40-70hp and then put another couple hundred bucks to make it ready.

The ideal setup would be a 15ft MFG closed bow with a late seventies 50hp evinrude. In my mind, all done nice, this type of boat is worth around a grand, and you could put one together for that or less with patience and luck.

My current project was a $40 hull with good windshield and steering, a $150 trailer, and probably $300 into a 60's Evinrude 33hp when all done. To save money, I made all the seating out of stained hardwood - no soft comfy seats in this one

 

[danond]

Re: Ideal Boat for Restoration?

I agree. Can't go wrong with an old Evinrude/Johnson or Chrysler outboard.

 

[Banks10]

Re: Ideal Boat for Restoration?

Good stuff guys, I appreciate it.

I am lucky enough to have married into a family with two lake houses. Until recently neither of which had a boat. My brother in law recently purchased a brand new boat with all the frills and an expensive (by my means anyway) price-tag.

One thing I know is that if I do this and put in money for parts and many man hours into this project over time, I will appreciate my boat more than his $20,000+ boat. And I won't be making a monthly payment in January when it is snowing!

 

[Banks10]

Re: Ideal Boat for Restoration?

Also, what do you recommend to jack the boat up while restoring it?

 

[dbkerley]

Re: Ideal Boat for Restoration?

Start smallish and work up as others have said. My first rehab was my 81 Glastron HPV160. I have put over 3k into it and enjoyed every minute we have used it. I can fish and ski from it and it does both very well IMO.

We have moved on to a slightly larger boat now with a decidedly calmer nature. (not a speed demon) and at some point I will be selling the Glastron and hope to get about 3k out of it. We still haven't fully come to grips with parting with it. The good ones become family members. I pulled the cover off and put muffs on it a few days ago. Poured a little gas in the lines and it fired right off after sitting for almost an entire year.

Expect to spend more than you planned. Expect to enjoy it more than you ever imagined. Expect to feel a loss when you pass it to someone else. I don't want to get rid of it and I can't watch it rot.

 

[deerslayer303]

Re: Ideal Boat for Restoration?

I agree with what everyone else has said, 70's boats are built like tanks, Tri hulls well I like em, very stable boats, the only thing I can recommend is whatever you choose make it an OUTBOARD boat. I too am in the process of a first time restore (unintentional) an I/O boat is a little harder to gain access to the transom to replace if need be. But these guys on this forum know their stuff and are willing to offer all the encouragement and advice you need.
So now get to boat shopping and let us know how you come out.

 

[Banks10]

Re: Ideal Boat for Restoration?

Thanks for all the encouragement from everyone. One thing I am guessing I will need to accomplish something like this is patience, which is something I have. I am in no rush at all and I am still in the educational phase of this. While I love shopping and looking at boats online and dreaming, I think I still need to read more and learn more before jumping at the first hull I think I like.
That said, if something does peak my interest enough, I might just bite.

Are there any good books for a complete (with zero prior experience) overhaul of boat like you all have mentioned?

 

[Bob_VT]

Re: Ideal Boat for Restoration?

Okay.... first this is probably a better place to learn as opposed to a book..... I married a woman with far to much book learning (who just slapped my head )

Aluminum boats will be cheaper to obtain and restore. They can handle your wants and needs. Usually easier to tow too.

Depending on where you intend to do your boating will have an impact too. i.e. Aluminum jon boats are not friendly in rough water...... tri hull fiberglass boats ride hard in rough water.

Depending on where you live also makes your choices. If you can look for an inland living boat..... salt water run boats have all sorts of unique problems.

I live in VT and when I am looking.... I check craigslist and tour around neer the lakes. There are many homeless boats to be had but, it is also impostant that you get one that you have paperwork on. NEVER restore a boat if you have any question on registration!

Look at the starcrafts being restored. I turned down a nice I/O Holiday model that would need an interior, seats, paint and the primary reason I said no was due to my current project load. Check your PM

 

[Rickairmedic]

Re: Ideal Boat for Restoration?

Banks first thing I would suggest would be to go to the user CP in the upper left of the screen and click on it then click on edit profile and enter your location . That will help us help you as we might get a better idea of where you are planning to go boating ( plus there might be members right around the corner from you willing to help out ). I picked up a 74 Larson 1700 Shark Bowrider early this summer that needed work cheap ( under $500.00 ) . I then founf this great place and all hell broke loose . I currently own 3 ( resto ) projects the Larson , A 1964 Crestliner Del Rio and an awesome 1960 Cutter I have less than $600.00 tied up in all 3 boats and plan to restore them on at a time . The Cutter will end up being a 2 seater for myself and SWMBO to take out The Larson and Crestliner are still up in the air as I am considering combining them into one boat . I still look at craigslist daily and theres a pile of boats under $1000.00 in my area that " need some TLC " . I am about out of room to store toys but still looking LOL . I also have a 1963 Ford F100 slated for restoration this next winter and an 89 Dodge truck that needs paint sometime this summer plus 2 daily drivers in the driveway but I keep looking at cheap boats thinking ok I still have room for one more .


Rick

 

[chrishayes]

Re: Ideal Boat for Restoration?

I just want to applaud you for doing this much pre-planning Most of us idiots on here went and bought a boat for a few hundred or thousand dollars thinking it was a decent learning boat. We notice a soft spot in the floor or a tell tale that isnt peeing. Then once we scrounge around for info on the internet we come across this terrible website that shows us how to info with freaking pictures of resto's that go so far beyond what we were thinking that we end up using epoxy, special fiberglass and building a boat that is 50 times more durable and custom than we ever imagined when we bought that 100 dollar boat! Damn this site!!!!!!!!!

Keep reading, you will get more info here than a book. The only thing I can warn you against is that you will find TOO much info here. It makes it hard to make up your mind. But it does give you direct comparison of methods and the ability to talk to the often very friendly restorer directly about their experiences. Good luck and just knowing that you are looking for a hulk to overhaul will give you a leg up when it comes time to purchase. Also, go with an outboard, you will spend an evening removing it not a week. Big difference.

 

[ezmobee]

Re: Ideal Boat for Restoration?

In my opinion, the best project boat is an aluminum hull set up for an outboard. Once you find one, the first thing you should do it get it titled and/or registered with your state. You don't want to start any work on it and then find out there's a legal hang up that's preventing you from using it. Replacing all the wood in an aluminum boat is not nearly the project it is to do the same job in a fiberglass boat.

 

[109jb]

Re: Ideal Boat for Restoration?

I agree on the aluminum boat recommendation for the same reasons mentioned. Replacing a whole floor or floor and transom in an aluminum boat is not near the job that it is on a fiberglass boat. The aluminum boats are generally lighter for the same size boat which gives them good performance on low horsepower. This of course assumes that this will be your first boat and more will follow. If you want it to be the first and last boat you buy then make sure you know exactly what you wannt.

My father has owned boats for as long as I can remember. Always aluminum in the 14 to 20 foot range and all outboards except for one. I didn't get my own boat until after I got married and it was a 16 foot Starcraft Supersport aluminum bowrider with a 70 hp Johnson outboard. It wasn't the prettiest boat but it performed well for about 8 years and I just recently sold it. That style of boat fits your description of use very well. When I got it I replaced the floor and I did it in a week of evenings and on the weekend (about 30 man-hours total). My transom was solid and that is all I really had to do to it for the whole time we owned it. I always thought about doing a complete restoration on it but I never got around to it. Here is a link to a fantastic full blown resto on an 18 foot version of the Supersport. You don't have to go to this extent to have a good safe solid boat, but I think it is good to see what you can do with one of these old aluminum boats.

Now I have the fiberglass Sea Ray that is in my avatar. This boat would also fit with your description. I bought this boat for $1200 because I only wanted the motor (1997 115hp Mariner). The boat was abused but the hull solid. It had about 4" of mulch from tree leaves sitting in it, a homemade fishing deck that the guy screwed to the deck driving the screws right through the hull. Didn't look like it had been on the water or had a cover for at least 2 or 3 years. The trailer needed some serious work too and I was a little worried it wouldn't make the 100 mile trip home but it did. The motor waee the ONLY reason I bought it. Of course the floor, stringers, transom, interior were shot and I am currently in the process of replacing them. I am about 20 man-hours into the floor/stringer/transom and I don't even have it all down to where I can start putting stuff back in. I figure I have another 5-7 hours too get it ti where I can start putting stuff back in, and then another who knows how long to cut and fit stringers/deck/transom, glass them all in and then put the cap back on. Much bigger job than an aluminum boat. Results will be good and it is what I want, but I am glad I had that aluminum Starcraft first.

Hope this perspective helps. Good luck.

 

[Banks10]

Re: Ideal Boat for Restoration?

Thanks for all the direction fellas, it is appreciated. This should be a lot of fun and work.
I'm glad I found this site, it does seem to offer a lot more information than any book would. I'll keep reading old postings and brainstorming.

 

[Banks10]

Re: Ideal Boat for Restoration?

Profile updated. I'll be sure to post when I finally uncover the boat I am looking for. I'll surely be a regular around here... thanks to everyone for being so welcoming.

 

[fishon13]

Re: Ideal Boat for Restoration?

Finding a free to cheap boat is easier than you might think. I passed on a free abandoned starcraft I/O, I don't like them its outboard or nothing for me. I live in North Carolina where it is easy to register abandoned boats just alittle time consumming. As far as rebuilding boats I have done two A 15' fiberglass trihull with a side console 25 HP and a 14' alluminum. I had no problems parting with the alluminum boat but when I sold the fiberglass boat, I still miss it. Although far more work than the alluminum there was far more sense of accomplishment. It sounds like your not looking for the easy way out. To find a boat look at boats in your area when you drive around, grass growing around them, used for storing other old junk is a good indicator of a cheap or free boat then simply knock on doors you might luck out and take a boat off someones hands for free. Then check salvage sites, your not likely to find a good power souce but you might find a good cheap hull.

 

[ezmobee]

Re: Ideal Boat for Restoration?

Good luck. It really is a fun project.

Trash:

To Treasure:

 

[Banks10]

Re: Ideal Boat for Restoration?

Thanks, yeah I definitely see old boats in people backyard's all the time. From what I have read, it is absolutely imperative to get the title. How would I do this for a free boat if the previous owner does not have the title? Do I go to the town? I am assuming there will be a fee involved.

 

[109jb]

Re: Ideal Boat for Restoration?

Best bet is to call your state's licensing facility. In some stated that is the DNR, others it is the DMV. Ask them what it takes to register an abandoned boat. In many states, if you just get the previous owner to sign a "bill of sale" (even though it is free) stating that there is no title or registration available for the boat. This works well in my state if the boat was last registered in the same state. If the boat is from out of state it becomes a little more complicated. My Sea Ray I bought from out of state and got a bill of sale signed by the owner that stated that the title was lost. My state wouldn't honor just the bill of sale because it was from out of state. I was told that if it had been in state it would have been fine. Why did it matter? I don't know, but what I wound up doing was taking the bill of sale (that had the other state reg. number and the hull number on it) to the state where I bought the boat. The DNR there honored it and issued me a title. Then I sent that title in to my state and everything was hunky dory. Wasn't too much of a problem for me since the other state is where my brother and brother-in-law live. I just went to the DNR while I was up visiting.