Am I right to put on my running shoes for this?

[smoothy003]

So after a momentary loss of my sanity, last summer I agreed to sell my old boat so my wife could get a Travel Trailer. Falls definitely in the happy wife happy life category decision making category.

Needless to say, used the Travel Trailer twice, and sold it. My wife realized she was happier being an Admiral rather than a Field General, so now back in the market for a boat.

My previous boat was a 1989 SeaSwirl Spyder 178 w/ a 5.8 OMC (yeah, I know), and I loved getting up and moving with the boat, however it was not very versitle in terms of the boating that I wanted to do, however for my first boat that I owned, it was not a bad break in the captain boat (meaning I didn't care if I broke it) having spent cash on it.

Now that I am back in the market (looking to stay around $5k to $8k), I keep running into this local ad, and to be honest, has med really interested, however in looking at the pictures, there is the big red flag on the hydrofoil. Seller says it could just be welded (not sure I believe that) and I would want to replace the part if possible.

The boat will be used for pulling my 3 young kids around in a tube, cruising with the Admiral and sneeking out for some fishing in the Columbia and Wilamette rivers and/or local lakes (live in the Portland, Oregon area).

That being said, as I continue to talk myself into calling this guy, not calling this guy, running away, etc, I am looking to bounce it off my most respected peers to get your thoughts...

*** 1992 19ft Spectrum Fishing Boat

 

[matt167]

Re: Am I right to put on my running shoes for this?

Pretty nice boat. Tinny so there is very little rot possible. Spectrum/ Blue Fin did use some wood stringers in their boats unless I'm mistaken I don't know if it's $6k good tho. It needs some work and the seller is not knowledgeable of the boat. The 3.0L Mercruiser is 140HP, not 115hp and the broken 'hydrofoil' is part of the cavitation plate, and I question how THAT got busted.

 

[NYBo]

Re: Am I right to put on my running shoes for this?

Nice boat but it seems to be a little overpriced, considering the problems noted. I also wonder if that diamond plate is original equipment or added to cover some sort damage.

 

[brnschoneck]

Re: Am I right to put on my running shoes for this?

agreeed

 

[EddiePetty]

Re: Am I right to put on my running shoes for this?

...... I also wonder if that diamond plate is original equipment or added to cover some sort damage.

That diamond plate worries me too! Wonder what was/is under it.....besides, that stuff is gonna be a blister source come this summer.

The cav plate damage probably can from the former kickers prop.

 

[airshot]

Re: Am I right to put on my running shoes for this?

I am from the great lakes region in Ohio and while that boat has some definate possibilities, I would have to agree with the other posters the price seems quite a bit high at least for my area. I would highly recommend a professional marine survey to get a complete inspection.
Sometimes mentioning this to the seller will stir things up a bit. Such as would you have any objections if I have a complete marine survey done on the boat? Watch how he handles that, if cool and calm then he is probably being up front with you, however if he goes off on the defensive perhaps trying to cover up something. Either way I would not touch it without the survey.

Airshot

 

[spdracr39]

Re: Am I right to put on my running shoes for this?

Seems like a decent boat for 4k but not 6k

 

[SigSaurP229]

Re: Am I right to put on my running shoes for this?

Hmmm I was gonna say it is a very nice $4,000 boat but someone beat me to it.

 

[64osby]

Re: Am I right to put on my running shoes for this?

I can't tell you why but some of the Tinny's here will say stay away from Spectrum. I've seen the comment more than once.

Maybe someone in the know will chime in.

My only other comment would be look for an open bow, seating capacity of eight. 2 adults plus 3 kids who will want to bring a friend or two in time.

 

[NYBo]

Re: Am I right to put on my running shoes for this?

Yes, the closed bow really limits the usable space for people.

 

[smoothy003]

Re: Am I right to put on my running shoes for this?

So had a chance to research the issues on this further. After a quick check with my local marinas and shops around, the welding of the broken cavitation plate would not be difficult, however the weld would not be the strongest, and would also probably break again in time given where the weld would be anticipated issues that were brought up: immersed in water, vibration from the prop, turbulence, etc.

Stearing cables not that big of a deal. The mention of the broken speedo is actually more concerning to me than anything else. In looking harder at the pictures, it appears that the speedo that is being run is a little newer (mounted on the transom near the transducer), and it is one of the newer ones with a spinning wheel vs. the old air pressure systems, but to me, it does not look like it is mounted properly as there is a little lip on the bottom of the transom near the weld and it appears that this is blocking proper flow of water into the wheel mechanism.

In terms of the price, I do agree it's high, however around my area, tinnies are hugely popular and in demand. Trust me, I would never pay full asking price for any boat.

The other thing that is a concern to me upon further reflection is the hours and condition of the engine. The owner indicates that there is 165 hours on an 11 year old boat (an average of only 15 hours per season), and the engine looks almost brand new and you could almost eat off of it. The out drive is also in amazing condition save for the damage on it. In further digging, it is very apparent to me that this boat has been re-powered, and the owner is attempting to recoup some of this cost in the price of the boat. The branding and stickers shown on the engine are not from 1992, rather appear to be from around 2002 or newer.

Long story short, too many red flags for this guy. Running shoes laced up and walking away. The search continues...

 

[ezmobee]

Re: Am I right to put on my running shoes for this?

Spectrums were pretty bottom of the barrel quality-wise. I do know the 80's ones were pretty poor (I'm thinking about ones that looked like this http://www.louisianasportsman.com/classifieds/pics/p1332862911010587.jpg) and there was a member here who reporting having had one and said it road really poorly. It's pretty much the one tin boat I'd avoid. I don't know how the quality was in the 90's.

Regardless, the price is too high and I'm sure you're right that he's trying to get some money back from his re-power.

 

[greenbush future]

Re: Am I right to put on my running shoes for this?

Hmmm I was gonna say it is a very nice $4,000 boat but someone beat me to it.

I have a 95 Spectrum "sport fish" with a merc 90hp on the back, and the layout is quite different. I have an open bow, with tons of fishing options and storage up front. They are not the best quality built boat IMO. But I replaced a Lund Tyee with mine so go figure. My boat was left out for a few seasons so the floor will need replacing, vinyl is shot on mine too. I gave $4k for my boat 4 years ago. It was used mainly on the great lakes for trolling salmon, so very low hours on the motor. Your boat is actually in really nice shape, I'd check that transom well, with all the add on's (holes) back there, I'd want to make sure the transom is solid. The diamond plate seems to be an add on, just a guess but I never saw one dressed like that one. I also had to add a new fuse block to mine, original one was rusty and shot. I have all the new materials to re-do my interior, just waiting for warmer weather. They are a nice bigger water boat, higher sides and such. I have the same kicker mount on my boat too. These boats are not as stable meaning it bounces around a bit more than the Lund did. I think new, my Spectrum was about $18-20K but I can't be certain.

 

[lncoop]

Re: Am I right to put on my running shoes for this?

I don't know smoothy, I kinda like it. I think it's a nice looking boat. I've seen that on several anti-ventilation plates. Looks like a giant sturgeon (or catfish or gar around here) took a bite out of it LOL. As for the diamond plating, if it's not OEM whoever put it in did a very nice job. Not disagreeing with others that I'd want to know about it. I know she's not perfect, but I think at four grand she deserves further consideration. JMO. Welcome aboard.

 

[TyeeMan]

Re: Am I right to put on my running shoes for this?

I agree with the others, lower quality boat, perhaps a bit high priced. A repower might not be all bad. Get the serial number off the block and got to the Merc dealer, they should be able to get you a year of the motor. I had a Lund Tyee with that same motor, not too bad for fishing, you can still get dow to the <2 mph area depending on prop, wind etc. Now I have a Tyee 1850 with 4.3 H.O and a Volvo Duoprop. Trolling, , , yeah, umm, , NO. She comes down to about 3.4 mph when it's calm. Not too good for inland lake walleye fishing.
Too bad you're not around Minnesota, there's a real jim dandy of a mid 90's Lund Tyee 1850. Same engine and drive and clean as a whip. You'd own that boat for the rest of your life. Probably pick it up for under 8K.

Good Luck.

 

[crabby captain john]

Re: Am I right to put on my running shoes for this?

Had a few aluminum boats used in freshwater. Only one was worthy of Lake Erie and that was a Lund Baron. Every other aluminum boat sat on top of the water-- just a little wind, current, or wave action and control became compromised.

 

[roscoe]

Re: Am I right to put on my running shoes for this?

Familiar with the Spectrums of that era.
Hull is welded, I didn't like how mine handled. No external chines to grab the water, so it slid around a lot in turns.

Mine was 17' outboard. It was also very stern heavy and porpoised like a kangaroo.

The interior of that boat has been completely redone.
original had no diamond plate, original carpet was that marine blue.

Broken anti ventilation plate may be a concern, especially if they backed the outdrive into something while the boat was on the trailer.

I have never seen or heard of a closed bow Spectrum, and there were several dealers near me.
The 19'ers have all been walk-thru open bow boats.

I would bet a C note that the entire dash and covered bow is custom.

Made by Brunswick, it was known as the Bayliner of aluminum boats. Hull sheeting was thin and weak on mine, showed ripples from hitting waves.

If it really trips your trigger and serves your purpose, get it checked out, and offer low.

Definitely doesn't look very family friendly.

 

[82rude]

Re: Am I right to put on my running shoes for this?

as for the cav plate thats a easy fix and who ever told you it would be a place of future concern is not correct by far.

 

[roscoe]

Re: Am I right to put on my running shoes for this?

as for the cav plate thats a easy fix and who ever told you it would be a place of future concern is not correct by far.

Tell that to the guy that got rearended in traffic, breaking the plate and bending the prop shaft. Hello.


The plate isn't the problem, its the other hidden damage that may be present.