Advice on a 1987 Kingfisher bass boat

[woopigsooie24]

I'm looking at buying my first boat and am on a limited budget. I've found a nice looking 1987 Kingfisher and I've attached pics of it. I've yet to look at it as it's about 2 hours away.

It's transom is water damaged. The seats, carpet, and electronics are all good. It also has timed livewells, jackplate, gator mount, Mercury controls, and two captains seats.

What's a good price for this? He's asking $950 for it. How intense would repairing the transom be? I know I could do it, but am curious how much seafoam would be needed and if there would be any other major expenses besides the seafoam.

Btw it's 17' and is rated for max 175 hp.

 

[ezmobee]

Re: Advice on a 1987 Kingfisher bass boat

A rotted glass hull with no motor has little to no value.

Repairing it is possible. Check out the restoration section to see many similar projects. It is a major undertaking.

My advice to someone trying to get on the water cheaply is to look for an aluminum hull with an outboard.

 

[woopigsooie24]

Re: Advice on a 1987 Kingfisher bass boat

I think the transom is the only thing that is rotten/damaged. Is that a huge undertaking?

 

[ezmobee]

Re: Advice on a 1987 Kingfisher bass boat

Perhaps not. Do a search on here for Seacast. It's a pourable composite transom replacement material. Another one is Nidabond (cheaper). What members have done here is remove the cap off the transom, dig out the rotted transom with an electric chainsaw, pour in the new transom. The material is fairly pricey but will last forever. (I still wouldn't pay much for that boat as-is)

 

[woopigsooie24]

Re: Advice on a 1987 Kingfisher bass boat

Yeah I'm not gonna give him that much for it. I'd like to go look at it in a few days, what are the major things I need to look for?

 

[ezmobee]

Re: Advice on a 1987 Kingfisher bass boat

If no motor and a rotten transom don't stop you....I can't see what else will! But seriously, an older fiberglass boat that's been left out in the elements has a VERY large chance of being completely rotten. Just be prepared for what you're getting yourself into.

 

[woopigsooie24]

Re: Advice on a 1987 Kingfisher bass boat

I just want advice on what to look for and where. If the transom is the only thing rotten, then I'd be fine buying it if I could get it for about $500. If I could I don't see why I couldn't then find a decent motor for ~$1000.

Then I think I could be on the water for around $2300 or so. I don't see many late 80's 17' bass boats for that price.

 

[woopigsooie24]

Re: Advice on a 1987 Kingfisher bass boat

Bump. I'd like to hear your guys' input. Thanks!

 

[ddaigle]

Re: Advice on a 1987 Kingfisher bass boat

Im with EZ, rotten transom, probably rotten stringers, other rot you cant see. Waterlogged floatation. A rotten 23 year old boat is worth almost nothing and will probably be a major headache. I speak from experience. If you have a couple hundred hours of time on your hands go for it. I cant believe you cant find decent good running similar boats in the 2000 to 2500 range. Its a buyers market.

 

[Philster]

Re: Advice on a 1987 Kingfisher bass boat

I just want advice on what to look for and where. If the transom is the only thing rotten, then I'd be fine buying it if I could get it for about $500. If I could I don't see why I couldn't then find a decent motor for ~$1000.

Then I think I could be on the water for around $2300 or so. I don't see many late 80's 17' bass boats for that price.

Problem 1) Boat math never adds up like regular math.

Problem 2) Many of us would plunk down some money and bet that there is extensive rot throughout the boat.

Problem 3) You show signs of a classic behavior on these boards, which is that you will keep volleying back and forth until a poster or two somehow gives you even the slightest glimmer of hope, which you will cling to very tightly.

Problem 4) You need to be deadpan serious, critical and suspicious. You need someone who is emotionally removed from the process, because they will see the whole story for what it is. Point: When someone indicated the whole of the boat -- well, the stringers anyway -- could likely be rotted, you didn't ask about the hours or cost associated with that likelihood.

All bad signs pointing to someone who might make a bad purchase. Yes, it really COULD be a good boat after the transom repair, but you are not working it from the other angle: It could be a mess that you could avoid.

 

[woopigsooie24]

Re: Advice on a 1987 Kingfisher bass boat

Problem 1) Boat math never adds up like regular math.

Problem 2) Many of us would plunk down some money and bet that there is extensive rot throughout the boat.

Problem 3) You show signs of a classic behavior on these boards, which is that you will keep volleying back and forth until a poster or two somehow gives you even the slightest glimmer of hope, which you will cling to very tightly.

Problem 4) You need to be deadpan serious, critical and suspicious. You need someone who is emotionally removed from the process, because they will see the whole story for what it is. Point: When someone indicated the whole of the boat -- well, the stringers anyway -- could likely be rotted, you didn't ask about the hours or cost associated with that likelihood.

All bad signs pointing to someone who might make a bad purchase. Yes, it really COULD be a good boat after the transom repair, but you are not working it from the other angle: It could be a mess that you could avoid.

I'm not at all denying that there isn't extensive rot, I was just hoping there was a way to check for it if I went to look at it. That's what I was asking but I was only told that it most likely was rotted all the way through. Yeah I may be off on my numbers and I probably am, which is why I posted them so you guys could correct me. I didn't ask about the hours and labor of replacing the stringers etc. because I'm well aware of it and do not have the time to tackle something like that.

I wouldn't at all say I was volleying back and forth, it really was just a few questions between me and one other guy, which is fine but I was hoping for other peoples views as well. Nothing against you EZ, and I appreciate the other responses.

I believe I'll keep saving and wait for a "water ready" deal to come up. Thanks, -Tucker

 

[Jeep Man]

Re: Advice on a 1987 Kingfisher bass boat

Welcome to the forum. If you do not want to be disappointed, think really carefully and head the advise of the previous responders. Also, move over to the restoration section of the forum and read about a couple of other restorations concerning pretty bass boats. I have nothing against them, in fact, I wish I had one. If you want this boat, buy it, for the least amount of money possible. In all likelihood, it had a value of next to nothing. If you do buy it, be prepared to spend a great deal of time bringing it back to being the boat you want. There is probably an 80% chance that there is much more rot beyond the transom. Be prepared to disassemble the boat and rebuild it as other owners have done or are doing. Next is the motor. You won't get a reliable solid motor of an appropriate size for a grand. you will get one that is too small or one that is running OK but has seen better days. Having a motor that doesn't perform or is constantly letting you down will make you hate your purchase really fast. So that you are not disappointed, be prepared to spend the time and the money on this project.

 

[ezmobee]

Re: Advice on a 1987 Kingfisher bass boat

Hopefully we haven't scared you away. If you're still reading this, my advice again would be to look for an aluminum hull. Even if the deck and transom are rotted, they can be replaced in a weekend or two.