2000 Larson 186 LXi Project

[Sunken Ship]

Looking at a boat, but have not actually inspected it yet given the distance from me. What are the odd this floor is still good? Picture just doesn't look well. I have replaced a floor and know what replacement entails and really do not want to get into that again. With my limited experience I was hoping more experienced boaters could give me a more experienced opinion before making the drive. Thanks and happy boating.

 

[Woodonglass]

What do you know about it's storage history? By the Looks of the Upholstery she's been Outside and Uncovered for a period of time. This does NOT bode well for the deck. If you're NOT looking for another restoration job...I'd steer clear!!!

 

[spoilsofwar]

somewhere around zero percent.

And the stringers, and the transom...

And the motor, and drive, since whoever owned it took real good care it of.

 

[ondarvr]

If it's on a good trailer the value should be that of the trailer minus the disposal fee of the boat.

 

[jackrabbit66]

Hard to tell from one photo, call the guy and tell him your situation. Explain that you are very interested in the boat but want to know if the deck has any soft spots in it. be specific and ask him when the last time was he was actually on the boat. if he says he was just in it yesterday and he didn't notice any soft spots...ask him if when you walk on the deck does it feel like your standing on concrete or does it has just a little bit of give in it. if he says he hasn't stepped foot in the boat in years....hang up.

 

[JASinIL2006]

Seems like boats always look better in pictures than in person. That boat looks pretty rough...

 

[Sunken Ship]

Thanks for the feedback guys!
I don't see one word that is not good advice!

• pictures make it look better and the pics look rough
• charging seller for haul off fee
• zero percent floor is good
• outside uncovered for a long time; steer clear
• hang up on him

Seller states floor is "solid." REALLY REALLY good chance she is rotten. :facepalm: It seems I have it in for this project boat and continue to come back to it after scouring the market repeatedly. I don't currently have a project going, but the floor is a MAJOR ordeal for one guy. I do enjoy getting old stuff and fixing it as long as it makes sense. I do need a replacement boat for my family at the moment since I sold mine a few weeks ago.

I think my market timing is off at the moment. Seeing people asking way more than book all the time. In some cases asking price is twice book. Boats near my 5000 budget are rough also, just not this rough. A 2001 on Ebay where the guy is asking new retail - not kidding can send a link!

I would be doing most of the work myself- aside from making the seat covers. Is this realistic:

1000 Boat - I know this would be too much, but that might be what it takes to buy the boat
1750 Floor- Jesus!
1000 "Needs head gasket" - replace cracked block :facepalm:
750 Seat covers
500 Out drive
250 Misc.
$5000 Got a solid boat?

Following-up on a Sea Ray. Will see what happens with that one first.

 

[JASinIL2006]

Based on that photo, it's hard to imagine that the floor is still good. If the floor is bad, then odds are the structure below is bad, too. Probably the transom as well. That means your $1750 estimate for the floor is probably half of what you'll actually spend, and the amount of time you'll invest on the repair will also go up.

You are right that prices are probably at their highest right now. End of the season is a good time to buy, when people are trying to get rid of stuff so they don't have the expense and hassle of trying to store/winterize the boat.

I don't know what your location is, but something that is often suggested here is to expand the range of your search. Driving a couple of extra hours might bring a wider selection into play.

 

[ondarvr]

At least double the amount of work and cost to get rid of all the rotten wood, then don't expect to use it this season, maybe next summer.

The motor will need more work than that, a boat that has sat for years with a blown head gasket and cracked block may need a total replacement.

You are basically starting with a trailer (you haven't mention its condition yet), and rebuilding or replacing everything above it.

 

[Sunken Ship]

Well....:facepalm: I went and took a look at her. I checked the floor FIRST THING! The floor is hard everywhere, but from the looks of it is a divine miracle in the highest degree! I am giving Larson props for this! I don't want to declare it good because I have not yet pulled the carpet. I am removing the rear seat tomorrow and the fuel cell floor panel to inspect it.

I did drag her home after I talked them down to $550. Not been able to comment until now...little snafu with paperwork that is all lined out now. Our county clerks need professional training. Insisted the "odometer certification statement" section be completed. Not that easy when they don't live next door. I called the state issuing title who scoffed at my Clerk's ignorance. ugh....moving on.

Confession: My wife said no the very first picture I showed her of the boat and I know most of you guys have warned me, but dang I got it for a good deal...I think. :lol: Really looking forward to this project!

Oh: The trailer is the best thing of the entire package.

Off to abuse the Volvo Penta forums.

 

[Sunken Ship]

Here she is:

 

[spoilsofwar]

Well, the trailer does look good and the hull decent from what can be seen in that picture. I hope you're right about the internal structure and floor, and maybe you've got a nice little project on your hands. Good luck and keep us updated!

 

[redneck joe]

Whenyou start pulling things out check to make sure there wasnt just a new layer ofmply screwed over the old.

 

[Sunken Ship]

I pulled the rear bench and fire retardant panel to get to the fuel cell's (plastic) access panel today. That floor panel from the fuel cell is solid, but really wet. It is the original wood (one layer). Using tarps now to create a sock over the boat then airing it out with the leaf blow a couple times a day when water forms on the tarp inside at the top. Hope to get captains chairs and carpet off the wood to increase speed of drying floor this afternoon.

Found 3 oil pressure sending units in glove compartment and a cheap oil pressure gauge hooked to engine. There was some form of oil problem.

Boat last registered in '10.

Another problem:
-The fuel cell label states 30.gal. and it is completely full. What can I do to get rid of that stuff safely? There was a bottle of sta-bil in the back of the boat that has about 10% remaining in the bottle. They treated the fuel, but I need to safely dispose of it of course. Boat was last registered in 2010.

Double-post, but wanted to put it here also:
- removed water impeller housing so I could get to crank pulley better with my hands. Engine would not budge. Pulled all spark plugs when water came gushing out of 4 and oil came gushing out of 5, engine still wouldn't budge. Can anyone explain this internally- head gasket, cracked block? Oil pan is bone dry. Not much chance the block is any good after sitting with water in the cylinder after all these years. Now need to find an A-frame to get the motor out. I have an engine puller for a car. Maybe engine puller in back of my truck? Anyone tried this?

Getting a buffer today to start on oxidization.

 

[Sunken Ship]

Can anyone suggest a safe way to get the fuel out. I really don't want 30 gallons going off. I don't think I could get the boat fixed after that. Not sure about fuel pump status (electric) at this point.Will post pics later this evening when I get back to show exactly what I am dealing with regarding the fuel cell.

Thanks guys really looking forward to this project-will be cursing about 20 posts from now though. :lol:

 

[52FordF2]

Can you run it in your Lawn Mower?

 

[Sunken Ship]

Maybe, I will put a gallon or two in my work truck with each fill-up. The fuel sta-bil bottle says it will keep fuel fresh up to 24 months. Only problem is I don't know for sure how long it has been in there. I am sure it will burn.

 

[Sunken Ship]

Attached are photos of the floor panel covering the fuel cell. I am really surprised. Second photo states "specialty boat panel." Need to do some juggling here at home to get the boat in the garage. Not sure it will fit though...maybe diagonally.

 

[Bayou Dave]

What year and model is she?

 

[Sunken Ship]

It is a 2000 186 lxi.

1st cav still? Once donned the electric strawberry.