12' aluminum boat build

[beermunk]

at the end of this summer, my grandparents are moving away from their house on the lake and into a retirement community. they're giving me their 12' aluminum row boat, no trailer, no motor. <br /><br />i already own a 13.3' boston whaler with a 35hp motor on it, but i was thinking of making the 12' a winter project. pleanty of time in these wisonsin winters...<br /><br />i have access to a welding shop and was wondering if it would be worth it to make this boat into a flat bottom fishing boat and then sell it, or if i should just sell the boat and not stick time/money into it that i won't be back.<br /><br />also, along those lines, what would a 12' aluminum row boat be worth?

 

[phatmanmike]

Re: 12' aluminum boat build

around here... 50 bucks

 

[beermunk]

Re: 12' aluminum boat build

where is "here" and why so little? i thought for sure it'd be worth a few hundred... christ the alluminum itself would be worth more that that if scrapped...

 

[phatmanmike]

Re: 12' aluminum boat build

here is florida, i paid 50 for my 14 foot aluminum... ive used it weekly for the last 4 years

 

[beermunk]

Re: 12' aluminum boat build

NICE! i'm in wisconsin, geographically in the middle of the state.

 

[wayne h]

Re: 12' aluminum boat build

well i have not seen alot of deals in florida on good aluminum boats unless you are in the right place at the right time. alot of people want them for lakes and rivers around there. 50 buxs ?? its probobly worth more then that in scrap. i bet its worth a good 200 buxs if its in good shape.

 

[ztim]

Re: 12' aluminum boat build

Hello brother Wisconsinite. I wish I was there.<br />Why not just keep the boat and do something with over the winter or as you have time. Then , if you want to, sell it or keep it in the family. If you are good with your hands, it should be a great project.

 

[buckeye_sean]

Re: 12' aluminum boat build

Beermunk, a 12' aluminum is a great "throw it in the pickup bed" kind of boat. Get a cheap little tiller electric troller or a 3-5hp and it would be a killer setup for ponds or restricted lakes.

 

[richstick]

Re: 12' aluminum boat build

In Wisconsin, that boat is probably worth $150-200, I'd be willing to bet. I just bought a 14' Starcraft (great shape), with a 15hp Johnson (1983), and a trailer (not beautiful, but usable) for $500. That was an EXCEPTIONAL deal - the whole rig should sell for about $1000 - $1100 or so. <br /><br />And hey - what do you mean that there is plenty of time during Wisconsin winters? Don't you ice fish??? hehehe

 

[Winger Ed.]

Re: 12' aluminum boat build

Originally posted by beermunk:<br /> , what would a 12' aluminum row boat be worth?

If you're not in the boat building business, and can't market it properly:<br /><br />I suggest you build it, or just restore it for yourself.<br /><br />Otherwise, if its a profitable venture at all, your labor & expertise will probably come out to about 7 cents an hour when it sells. <br /><br />This is true for re-doing a rowboat, runnabout, or cabin crusier.<br /><br /><br />1. Keep it for yourself and enjoy its heirloom and practical value.<br /><br />2. Junk it. <br /><br />3. Or work your 'transom' off for free, fixing it up so someone else can enjoy it.<br /><br /><br />The way I see it- that's about all ya get to pick from on this project.<br /><br /><br />Ed.

 

[CTD]

Re: 12' aluminum boat build

Depends on the brand, around here a Gregor or Valco will go for 3-500 while the narrower ones go for 150-300. A 14 ft would be about 150-200 more. Check the NADA guide.

 

[beermunk]

Re: 12' aluminum boat build

thanks guys... i think i'll keep it, find a little motor for it and use it for getting into restricted areas...

 

[Skiuseme]

Re: 12' aluminum boat build

Where are you at Beermunk

 

[Bass Runner]

Re: 12' aluminum boat build

Aluminum boats are real popular around here in Okla and i got my 16' with a 6'10" beam deep V with a drive on bunk trailer for $300 go figure, check it out url on bottom.

 

[Winger Ed.]

Re: 12' aluminum boat build

Originally posted by beermunk:<br /> thanks guys... i think i'll keep it, find a little motor for it and use it for getting into restricted areas...

In the long run, I'd think you'll be happier keeping it. 20 years from now, you'd probably kick your own transom saying, "I sold Grand Pop's boat for peanuts".<br /><br /><br />Keep your ear to the ground and little engines will sort of come to you darn near for free.<br /><br />The rule of thumb for buying new engines is they cost about $100 per horsepower. Good used ones about $10 per horsepower.<br /><br />Old small ones- under 20 hp. that won't start are real cheap when you find them. And if they aren't seized up- you can normally do a major tune up and they'll fire right off and run for several more years.<br /><br />Something else is these new generation electric motors. Give them a look. They might be just the thing for how you want to use the boat.<br /><br />Ed.