what are old boats worth???

[sprouticus]

I am having engine problems, and buying a new powerhead is expensive, so today I looked at a boat/motor that was for sale in the paper. they only wanted $1500(canadian) for it so I wasn't expecting much, but was hoping the engine was good and the boat was trash.<br /><br />So my buddy and me get to the place and an old man brings us down to the boat house. As it turns out the boat that is for sale has been parked for the last 15 years. It came with the house when the old guy bought the property, and it hasn't been used since his daughter left home 15 years ago. He is into sailing and decided he should finally sell it. I really wasn't expecting much of this boat but when he opened the door to the boat house my jaw dropped. THIS BOAT WAS GEORGEOUS!! It was a 1962 (damn if I never thought to get the name of the boat) in mint condition. It had a 1962 75p johnson electromatic on it. THAT MOTOR WAS HUGE!! So we did a compression test and it was about 85 psi on all four, but it had no spark and I wasn't interested in 2 project motors. But damn, that boat was classy. Everything original and in mint condition. I doubt the boat had more than 100 hours use in the last 43 years. I wish I had taken my camera so I could show the pics. you hear stories of guys finding old cadilacs that were parked in the barn for the last 50 years, I guess this is like that. Bassically I fell in love with the boat, If I had more room, money, or time I would have bought it. So, is $1500 fair for this boat??? I told the guy to hang on to it, get someone to look at that old johnson, and put her back to use. That boat was too pretty to be locked up. so my question.....do old pretty boats like this go for alot of money like an old classic car would, cause if I had a garage, and more money, I would have given 30k for that boat easy.

 

[stan_deezy]

Re: what are old boats worth???

I guess the obvious answer is "it's worth what someone would pay for it".......and that's never a satisfactory answer.<br />I had a similar experience recently: went to see a boat that hadn't been used for nearly thirty years and it was mint. It helped that it was just what I was looking for and the price was incredible. I took the chance on the engine running up after a bit of work and bought it.The engine was a 1973 Evinrude 25 Sportster.<br />Got it home, did a few tweaks on the engine (see the FAQ on "Awakening an old outboard") and hey presto! she fired up first time and ran beautifully (I still can't stop grinning every time I think about that!)When I drained the lower unit oil it looked like it had just come out of the bottle <br />I spoke to my local outboard place and got some parts (fuel pump diaphragms and a water pump) and they just didn't believe me when I told them the price I'd paid (I think they thought I was telling porkies!). Went in to see them the other day and they said they had worked out that the price I should have paid for the boat was four to five times higher! <br />I guess the only thing I'd do is to check out parts availability for that engine, but then I'd bite his hand off and buy it: surely at that price the boat alone is worth the gamble?<br />You could always sell off both engines as spares or repair to help fund a newer engine?

 

[steelespike]

Re: what are old boats worth???

The boat alone is worth probably 3 to 5 thousand<br />depending on the size, actual condition and and brand.<br /> And is a steal at 1500 canadian.If the motor is a well cared for low hour motor it should be a gem.The improperly cared for electromatic shifter<br /> can give troubles and parts can be a problem.Most routine maintenance parts should be readily available.Outboard boats as a rule dont generate the money old inboards do but can do quite well.Check around the net for vintage boat classifieds there are many,you may be surprised.

 

[Braxton]

Re: what are old boats worth???

sounds like a classic

 

[swist]

Re: what are old boats worth???

Don't underestimate the effect of time and even salt air on a boat or engine which has sat immobile. Any cylinder lubrication has probably been lost years ago leaving bare metal exposed. Gaskets, seals, flexible hoses, etc do not take kindly to sitting around that long. And you may find yourself snapping off bolts and screws here and there as they have become frozen.<br /><br />Now all these things are surmountable, particularly at that price. I am not syaing that it is impossible that you have unearthered a diamond in the rough, but it is more likely IMHO that you may be getting what you pay for.

 

[baileys]

Re: what are old boats worth???

i bought a 1970s shetand 535 although im happy with it i would like to insure it but here in the uk no one will insure me for it they say its to old if anyone knows any different please let me know so beware and be careful

 

[stan_deezy]

Re: what are old boats worth???

heresjohnny; did you try porthcawl insurance?<br /><br />catch them on porthcawl-insurance.co.uk<br /><br />they quoted for a 73 boat for me and were quite reasonable.<br /><br />or try Giles insurance on thebroker.co.uk<br /><br />cheers

 

[Solittle]

Re: what are old boats worth???

Kinda hard to give you any input when you didn't tell us anything about the boat except that it is in mint condition. Length, manufacturer, wood, glass, style???????????

 

[sprouticus]

Re: what are old boats worth???

sorry............I wasn't should have looked for all tha stuff myself, but actually I was there to check out an engine. All I know is it's a 16 footer, and fibreglass, seats 4. And I want to buy it, but I have no more room left in my back yard to put it, plus I have to sink all available cash into the boat I have already, and I have no time to tinker with one engine, let alone 2. But I thank you for your input, I am trying to convince people i know to buy the boat.<br /><br />the engine but the way, had never been touched, still had factory paint over everything. The whole boat (engine included) looked exactly like it must have when it was purchased pver 40 years ago. Only problem was there was no spark.<br /><br />Oh well..thanx for your time