Should I do it??

[Dave Barnett]

Hi all. I have an oportunity to get 2 older fiberglass project boats for free. The guy that has the boats has had #1 sitting on a trailer out in the weather with no cover for about 15 years. I am more than sure that the wood is all shot. The floors are shot I would imagine. Seats and stuff like that would require a complete replacement. The thing is the hull looks to be in great shape. It is on a trailer and I can see no signs of cracks (other than the finish) and there are no visable signs that the hull is weak. I realize a nightmare probably waits just under all the years neglect, but I am wondering if this would be a worthwhile endeavor. The Boat is an old 70's model. It is an I/O I believe and I it has the outboard lower unit ( prob shot) still on it. I believe the boat is about a 16 or 18 ft. I am going to look at it again (first time I wasn't looking with intrest) and Get some pics of it. There is no title to the boat so one question I have is how difficult is it to get a title on an old boat? Is it worth any hassle that may be involved?
The Guy that has this boat wants the trailer that it is on. Thats not really a prob because I have a boat trailer that will work just fine with it.
The second boat I have a chance to get is a 14 ft. runabout. It is a late 60's model and the boat seems to be sound. I have got in it and walked all around and found no weak spots. It too has been out in the weather for several years but has been upside down for most of them. It has been gutted of seats and any other stuff so there is no junk to remove. It has the steering console and the cables on it. The transom seems to be solid as can be. This boat like the first also has no title though. I appreciate any feedback and advice you may have. Thanks for reading, Dave

 

[smokeonthewater]

Re: Should I do it??

around here you can get a complete boat motor and trailer ready for the water with a clear title for under $1000 ..... a motor often costs more than the whole rig...

 

[slasmith1]

Re: Should I do it??

A free boat is the most expensive one you will ever own. these don't sound like an exception to that rule.

 

[ziggy]

Re: Should I do it??

depends on if ya wanna go boating or work on boats.

my free boat sits in my backyard waiting patiently for stringers, sole, transom, engine and drive.... the repairs are not free and will likely be labor intensive if i ever go after it.

i wanted to go boating so got a different boat that was operational..

 

[Bondo]

Re: Should I do it??

It is an I/O I believe and I it has the outboard lower unit ( prob shot) still on it.

Ayuh,... You don't want that 1,... Not that old...

 

[Home Cookin']

Re: Should I do it??

don't touch No. 1.
No. 2 maybe if you like messing with them, especially if you already have an OB, althoug in soem states titling it will be the most work.

 

[itsaboattime]

Re: Should I do it??

A free boat is the most expensive one you will ever own. these don't sound like an exception to that rule.

AMEN brother!!!!

 

[kenmyfam]

Re: Should I do it??

Take #2 and get another boat to use while you fix er up !!! or not as the case may be

 

[John_Michael]

Re: Should I do it??

Take them for free and list them on craigslist for $200 each?