22 yrs old fiberglass bassboat for sale-good or bad?

willthrill

Cadet
Joined
Oct 13, 2008
Messages
19
I'm thinking of buying a 1987 champion bass boat. what are the pros and cons of buying a fiberglass boat this old.
 

Lou C

Supreme Mariner
Joined
Nov 10, 2002
Messages
13,841
Re: 22 yrs old fiberglass bassboat for sale-good or bad?

Wood rot in the frame and cored areas (deck...stringers...transom)...go over to the restoration forum and look around...unless the boat has been stored inside most of its life it's a gamble....after having restored one old boat for my next one it's going to a late model...nearly new boat...
 

Chinewalker

Fleet Admiral
Joined
Aug 19, 2001
Messages
8,902
Re: 22 yrs old fiberglass bassboat for sale-good or bad?

If the boat has been WELL taken care of, it shouldn't be a problem at all. If it looks weathered on the topside, it is likely been exposed to the elements enough to weather what you can't see down below. Bass boats typically have lots of compartments, etc. that are convenient, but don't allow much ventilation. If moisture does get in, it doesn't easily get out. Look it over very carefully...
 

tashasdaddy

Honorary Moderator Emeritus
Joined
Nov 11, 2005
Messages
51,019
Re: 22 yrs old fiberglass bassboat for sale-good or bad?

Buying a boat

1st you need to decide what you want to use it for, fishing, cruising, or water sports.

2nd how many people adults, children you want on board of the average outing.

3rd outboard, inboard-outboard, or inboard power plant.

4th Budget, what you want to pay, and what you are willing to pay, when you find
Exactly what you want.

You can hire a marine surveyor, to inspect the boat, or you can do it yourself.

You are mainly looking for soft spots in the deck, transom, cracks, all signs of a rotten, under frame. You walk all over the deck, that a mallot, or hammer with wooden handle, using handle, tap all over the transom, a shape rap is good solid base, a thud, is questionable base.

The motor should be clean, no spots where the paint is discolored, or pealing from heat, having run hot. (This part for outboard motors Compression should be atleast 100psi, and within 10% of each other,)
Spark on all cylinders, good pee stream, check lower unit for water in oil.

The overall condition of the boat will tell you a lot, as to how it has been maintained.
boat motor combo, A 30 year old may be in better condition, than a 3 year old.
 

ken52

Petty Officer 1st Class
Joined
Jul 27, 2008
Messages
307
Re: 22 yrs old fiberglass bassboat for sale-good or bad?

I had same questions when I purchased my 87 boat. Check things out good like tashadaddy stated and pay accordingly for it. I had to replace most of the 12v system and the electronics but new that before hand and wanted an updated look too. I did all my work too so that is a consideration of cost if you have to hire for repairs. Been very happy with my purchase. Lot of older boats have more character IMO too. Good luck.
 

Capt'n Chris

Chief Petty Officer
Joined
May 21, 2009
Messages
461
Re: 22 yrs old fiberglass bassboat for sale-good or bad?

Should you be contemplating the purchase of any boat of any age, back the screws out of the transom-transducer bracket (should it have one). Raise the bow, and should you observe any leakage of water, thank them kindly and walk away, unless maybe you're interested in a project.

Captain Chris
 

MRS

Commander
Joined
Jul 10, 2005
Messages
2,580
Re: 22 yrs old fiberglass bassboat for sale-good or bad?

There is nothing wrong with a old boat just check it out make sure it is in good shape. I just got a new boat 1986 in great shape and gave the kids our old boat 1969 in great shape. No soft spot on the boats motors still running good. You got to check them out before you buy.....
 
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