1982 24ft Searay

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pprzerac

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Jun 9, 2020
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Hello, Just wondering on the groups thoughts on this boat. This will be the first boat I own, hence I am looking for something cheap that will last me only 3-4 seasons. Mostly just want to learn how to properly use and maintain without spending a lot on a new/newer boat and ruining it. Plan is to buy a new boat in 3-4 years once I have a solid knowledge base.
I will be running it on Lake Huron. Ideally I would like it to be able to tow a skier/tuber. Might do a few overnight weekend trips, 1-2 nights max.

Do you think this boat will serve this purpose, or is it too big for water skier/tuber? Owner says "Boat is water ready, has paper work, and usually burns $40-$80 of fuel on a typical day depending on use.

1982 24ft Searay, 5.0 V8 with tandem trailer for $4500 CAD

I'm OK with spending up to $1000 CAD on any maintenance/repairs that might occur over the 3-4 seasons

https://www.kijiji.ca/v-view-details.html?adId=1499112149

Thank You in Advance
 
JASinIL2006

JASinIL2006

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My first thought is that a 38 y.o. boat is likely to have some issues, and unless it was really taken care of over nearly 4 decades, it is highly likely to have some significant problems, so it would really help if you could take someone with you when you look at it, especially if that someone knows a lot about boats. Alternatively, you could get a marine survey, but that might be rather expensive given the price point you're looking at. Considering the price - less than $3400 USD - I am guessing the boat has substantial problems with rot. At a bare, bare minimum, be sure to test the boat on the water.

My second thought is that you are underestimating by a decent margin the cost of maintenance, etc. For example, replacing a damage prop would eat up 1/3 to 1/2 of your maintenance budget right away. Will you be doing your own annual maintenance (winterizing the boat, changing engine oil/gear lube, etc.? If not, you can expect to pay $400-500 CAD annually for that. What about storage? If you plan to keep your boat on the trailer, do the ramps in your area charge a fee to let you launch? If you polled iboats forum members who maintain that type of boat, I think you would find that $1000 CAD (or $775 USD) over 3-4 years is highly unrealistic.

Finally, given the age and price of the boat, you likely are looking at a gut-and-restore project boat. It might be a really clean, sound boat that has been garage-kept its entire 38 years, but that's pretty unlikely. I don't mean to be a wet blanket about this, but it sounds like you have a defined budget for this, it would be a shame for you to plunk down your money only to find out you really can't afford to keep the boat running or to boat safely.
 
tpenfield

tpenfield

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It is hard for us to tell the exact condition of the boat. Probably won't pull up a skier, but certainly a tube.

I think your idea of maintenance cost is a bit light. Can you bring someone with you who knows boats when you take a look at it?
 
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pprzerac

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Jun 9, 2020
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Hello, thank you for the reply's. Just to answer some of the questions and concerns.

1. I can't bring anyone that "knows" boats as I don't know anyone with a boat.
2. Storage, ramp fees, winterization etc... is not included in my "maintenance" budget. I will be getting a season pass for launching and have a barn to store the boat.
3. I'm pretty mechanically inclined so any simple fixes like oil, belts etc... I can do on my own.
4. I understand that an 30+ year boat will have issues (rot being a big concern). Just trying to find something that will last me another 3-4 seasons before being completely un-usable.

My budget is $5000 CAD to be water ready, with another $1000 set aside for any repairs/issues that might arise over the 3 seasons. I will not be doing any restoration of rotted wood etc, just need it to last the few seasons, after that the boat will be scrap to me. Like I mentioned earlier this would just be something to learn on. Hoping to get 3 seasons out of it.

What are thoughts on this boat? https://www.kijiji.ca/v-view-details.html?adId=1504911212
I like that it comes with the small kicker motor.Is the 5.7 Mercrusier Alpha any good? I heard/read to avoid OMC or Ford.

Thanks Again
 
jbcurt00

jbcurt00

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If a boat is only 'good' for 3 seasons before becoming unusuable, its likely already compromised to some degree. And until you drag it hime and tear into it, you wont know what kind of shape its actually in below decks. Some problems left untended can lead to serious consequences quickly.

Nothing about the proposed plan sounds like a good idea. Sounds more like a road to hating boat ownership, divorce and/or an expensive mistake.

A 24fter w overnight accommodations sounds like a large 1st boat.

Good luck w your hunt, and be sure to read (several times) the buyer guide:
https://forums.iboats.com/forum/gen...-help-buying-a-boat-a-buyer-s-checklist​​​​​​
 
Scott Danforth

Scott Danforth

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first, I commend you on asking questions prior to purchasing

considering the boats age is 2.5x the design life, you can assume there will be significant issues. most recreational boats are designed to last about 15-20 years max (hull, driveline, interior soft surfaces, etc). are there boats that last longer, yes, a few have a longer service life, however it should not be expected

in the early 80's SeaRay used a lot of wood and balsa core. you will need to at a minimum take moisture readings. a "tap test" does not work unless the wood has long ago rotted away leaving a void.

secondly, any fiberglass boat under $10k this time of year should be suspect. most people try to unload boats in the spring when people have boat fever and put things like "water ready" in the ads.

you wont be skiing behind that boat with a 5.0. it will take a bit to get on plane as the boat is heavy and slightly under-powered

a bellows service and gimble bearing will set you back almost your entire maintenance budget, and you have the impeller to do as well.

boating is more expensive than racing
 
roffey

roffey

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As stated above condition is everything but I think for 5k you seem to be finding a few nice looking boats. In the boats your looking at you will be hard pressed to find a boat you can ski behind as most are cruiser boats. If you only want it for a few years and can tinker with it then why not. IMHO, it will teach you what to look for in the next boat. If you plan on going out on the great lakes make sure your VHF radio works and you have tow insurance (https://c-tow.ca/)
 
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pprzerac

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Jun 9, 2020
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Thank you again for all the feedback. I think I will need to look for a "smaller" boat since I want to be able to ski/tube. Thanks for the tip on the tow insurance, will definitely be purchasing. I can probably due without the cuddy cabin for now. FOr a $5000 investment, if it needs to be scrapped I won't loose sleep over-it. Again, the $5000 investment is to learn about boating, after that I will be looking to purchasing something more substantial.

Thank You
 
JASinIL2006

JASinIL2006

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I think you are smart for considering something smaller. The price vs. quality aspect of buying used boats is very regional; in some areas, there are so many boats for sale that, if patient, you might find a nice 20-22' boat in your price range. In our area, with fewer boaters, that would not happen.

If you are willing to do your own work on the boat, you can save big money.

Since you don't have anyone who knows boats, at least take someone along with you to serve as a second set of eyes. Wherever you can, check the transom (from inside the boat, especially), motor mounts, and stringers. You often can see some of the structural components from a ski locker or engine compartment. Bring a screwdriver or something and probe those areas. If you find soft spots, assume you're seeing only the tip of the iceberg, and run.

You also can take pics and post them here, and some of the eagle eyes can help spot problems.

You already are ahead of the 'first boat purchase' game by asking questions before you have a boat sitting in your driveway!
 
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pprzerac

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Jun 9, 2020
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Thank you for all the reply's, very much appreciate the help! The search continues...I found these two boats, I believe they are the same except 1 is a year newer (Which at this age doesn't really matter) however there is a huge price difference between the two. One they are asking $9500, which is outside my budget and the other they are asking $5000, but not much info.

https://www.kijiji.ca/v-view-details.html?adId=1505524757

https://www.kijiji.ca/v-view-details.html?adId=1505464064

Any insight into this boat/company Four Winns 205 Sundowner

Thanks
 
R

racerone

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Dec 28, 2013
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The $5000 boat might cost you another $10,000 to get water ready.------Looks like it has sat for a while.----Possibly because it was too expensive to repair at $100 / hr.
 
Carl1783

Carl1783

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Apr 6, 2018
Messages
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Four Winns is a solid manufacturer. But at that age of both, condition is key. The $9,500 one looks to be well cared for and lowish hours. The $5k one looks rough, looking at her in person is key. Looks to be stored outside. I'd be worried about rot too.
 
roffey

roffey

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looked at the boats ... the 5k boat looks over priced to me. its in sad condition and will need lots of TLC. The other boat while double the price looks in great shape, low hours and stored inside. It looks to have been taken care of. I think $9500 seems on the high side but condition is everything..
 
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pprzerac

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Jun 9, 2020
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Thanks, again for the reply's. $9500 is outside of what I want to spend on a boat that I will not be keeping for longer than 3 seasons. Any thoughts on this boat?

https://www.kijiji.ca/v-powerboat-motorboat/city-of-toronto/1992-cobia-spirit/1503497160

From the pictures, it looks like there is only sitting room for 3 people, which seems odd for a 19ft boat. Am I missing something? The required repairs listed seem reasonable to get done for under $1000, I can probably replace fuel lines/filters on my own. Any insight is appreciated.
 
roffey

roffey

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it does look to have seating for three. The cuddy takes up most of the room. I think a 3.0l motor will be very under powered. I bet you can pull a tube but not a skier... and the boat looks a little rough. The hatch might be a problem to replace. He reports the boat starts fast and goes fast.. I bet it does nether, lol
 
Carl1783

Carl1783

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Apr 6, 2018
Messages
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The Merc 3.0 is a solid unit. Not a powerhouse tho. Looks like it seats 3 above deck, with the offset cuddy. A cooler with a cushion on it gets you a 4th seat ;). Could be a decent boat for ya. A sea trial is needed for sure.
 
Carl1783

Carl1783

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