1978 Imperial Bowrider 17' --- My first boat

[boatguy94]

Re: 1978 Imperial Bowrider 17' --- My first boat

Since today was a nice day, a little rainy, I decided to go out and look at the boat. This really brought up all of those thinking on how to do stuff moments. Right now after reading up quite a bit on different things a few things concern me. First, I still don't have a boat title and getting one still doesn't seem to be that easy since the boat was passed on through a couple oweners before me. Second, It really needs a lot of work. Third, I'm scared of the OMC setup I know, I know not something to be scared of, but i kinda want to find a mercruiser or an outboard. It really doesn't seem to be worth what this boat needs to get it up and going.

So here's what I've thought of so far right now. I can part out this boat and sell what I can off of it. Then with that money go and find another one with a title of course (I won't make that mistake again). Or Plan B would be to get the title somehow and get this boat up and in running condition. Right now I'm kinda swaying to plan A find a different boat and part out the old one. If you have any advice or ideas let me know. Feedback is always appreciated. Ps I hope this all makes sense I'm getting a bit tired, but I needed to get this off my brain.

 

[ezmobee]

Re: 1978 Imperial Bowrider 17' --- My first boat

A boat with rot issues and an OMC? No question, part it out.

 

[redfury]

Re: 1978 Imperial Bowrider 17' --- My first boat

It's going to be a matter of personal will. Do you have the will to start and finish the boat after the initial weight of the project finally settles on you. If you are going to do it, do it right the first time ( IMHO ), otherwise, what was the point?

Sometimes the glamour of getting a boat is more powerful than the reality of having a boat.

Think it through, decide if the boat actually will fit your needs and wants the way you'd like. How many times have you purchased a car, only to find another one you wish you had more?

In the end, it comes down to what you really want.

 

[boatguy94]

Re: 1978 Imperial Bowrider 17' --- My first boat

Thanks Ezombee and Red Fury for replying. It helps to get others opinion. As much as I really wanted to do this resto I just don't think that the boat is in that great of condition and will take quite a bit of work to get up to par. I will be parting it out. If anyone needs any OMC parts for their boat or anything private message me.

The search for a new boat has begun! I've actually already found a few that don't look to bad.

 

[ezmobee]

Re: 1978 Imperial Bowrider 17' --- My first boat

It's never too late to join the Starcraft club

 

[boatguy94]

Re: 1978 Imperial Bowrider 17' --- My first boat

I've actually have been really thinking about that. If I find one that seems right I will be joining . Right now I haven't seen too many pop up around my area except for the occasional jon boat Starcraft though.

 

[BobsGlasstream]

Re: 1978 Imperial Bowrider 17' --- My first boat

Hey boatguy94,
Sorry to say but this really doesn't sound good.
It is really up to you what you do.
I wouldn't do any work on the boat until you solve the title issue.
It really has too many strikes against it in my opinion.
OMC, rot, questionable engine and no title.
I would vote with the rest of the group, part it out.
Bob

 

[boatguy94]

Re: 1978 Imperial Bowrider 17' --- My first boat

Yup I'm going to part it out. Thanks for all the replys! Its always nice having anothers opinion.

The search has begun, I've found two fiberglass boats for less than $1,500. One is for $1,200 and the guy said it hasn't ran since 1999 and was winterized then, I still need to look at it but he said the inteiror was pretty bad. The other is $1,500 and might be a lot better than the cheaper one. Not quite sure yet. Oh and I've been looking for Starcrafts, nothing yet though I'd probally want to buy one with the open bow. Did any aluminum hulls come with that?

 

[ezmobee]

Re: 1978 Imperial Bowrider 17' --- My first boat

Oh and I've been looking for Starcrafts, nothing yet though I'd probally want to buy one with the open bow. Did any aluminum hulls come with that?

Yes. The SS 's. Also look for Sylvans, Smokercrafts, SeaNymphs, Blue Fins, Grummans.

 

[boatguy94]

Re: 1978 Imperial Bowrider 17' --- My first boat

Not really much on this boat, but I thought that I'd post pictures of the take apart. First thing to come off was the OMC outdrive. Boy is that thing easy to take off the longest part was removing the 16 screws around the rubber boot. Heres a few pics for the ball gear assesment, I have no idea what to look for so if someone could let me know if it's in good shape that would be great.