1977 GIBSON Houseboat

[memaw777]

Posted - 12 Sep 2005 : 22:21:50 <br />--------------------------------------------------------------------------------<br /> <br />I am looking at a 1977 36ft Gibson Houseboat. Just wondering about ideas as to what I should be looking for other than obvious wood rot. This is a fiberglass hull. THANK YOU

 

[NYJim]

Re: 1977 GIBSON Houseboat

Alot !!! I myself just bought a 1979 42 Gibson. Heres some suggestions. I am sure everyone here will ad their thoughts as well.

Gibson has a great reputation, but it is old so.....

1 How many hours on engines and generator. I would suggest under 800 in fresh water should be a fair number.
2 Manuals.... Are they there. I had a heck of a time looking for them, even from Gibson. Luck would have it, I found them onboard yesterday.
3 Check for softspots in all areas of the decks.
4 Tanks, their are water, waste and gas. What shape are they in (they are old)
5 Ask to see all work orders for everything thats been done.
6 Windows leak and cause rot on interior walls look closely for it.
7 open all hatches to see the stringers (very important) huge undertaking if they are rotted. My boat they are all fibrglassed to hull. Hopefully so are yours.
8 check to see if all bilge pumps are working, just lift floats up.
9 Check steering wheel for smoothness, that can be expensive to replace.

One last suggestion... Hire a surveyer it is worth it. And I sure hope your handy with tools!!!!

Best of luck
Jim

 

[Don S]

Re: 1977 GIBSON Houseboat

Jim, look at the dates before you reply to posts. This one is 5 years old and the poster has not been back since his last post in 2005.