Did we get taken on our 1977 Mark Twain / Mercruiser 888 bowrider?

[kin402]

We decided to make the leap and purchase our first boat -- knowing very little about it.

We picked up a 1977 17.5 ft Mark Twain Bowrider with the Mercruiser 888 (180hp?). The
interior is in fair condition for its age: some duct tape on a few seats, the captain's chair has been changed out with one that does not match, and the vinyl is pretty weathered.

We were led to believe that it had a small oil leak but was otherwise water-ready.
After taking it to 2 mechanics, we are now replacing a water pump, adding a new bellows kit (there was a hole in one of the bellows), and possibly getting into an upper gearcase issue.

The trailer also had to have new barrings on both wheels.

But maybe worst of all: there seems to be a cracked engine block? ... BUT both mechanics agreed that it doesn't appear to have impacted the running of the engine.
How is that even possible?

All that said, I thought I'd come to you -- the experts on all things boat -- for possibly some support, but probably, for some straight-talking. Did we get taken?

What would be the most that you would have paid for such a boat? or better yet -- knowing all we now know -- what is it worth?

We made the decision (possibly throwing good money after bad) to fix the water pump, bellows kit, and trailer.

Should we admit defeat, cut our ever-increasing losses, and move on?

 

[dbkerley]

Re: Did we get taken on our 1977 Mark Twain / Mercruiser 888 bowrider?

The first learning experience is always the most expensive.

If you like the boat and it really suit your needs you could spend a lot of money before coming close to spending new boat money. You also have bought a boat that has a good reputation for strength and durability.

Whether ot not you got taken will only be known after you spend some quality time on the water and in the garage making upgrades or repairs. I've enjoyed working on mine almost as much as using it.

I'll leave the value estimates to others that know more than i do. I'll lose my shirt when I sell mine and I thought I bought it real cheap.

 

[Coho Ghost]

Re: Did we get taken on our 1977 Mark Twain / Mercruiser 888 bowrider?

Kin402,

Welcome to the world of used boats!!!!!! Here is my take, based on my experience, with used boats.

After following iboats for about 10 months, reading many posts similar to yours, and getting lots of help on my own project, I have concluded that ANY make boat 10-15 years old or (much) older definitely has issues.

Unless you know the previous owner personally, and have intimate knowledge of how the boat was originally set up, maintained, operated, and especially stored/winterized, a used boat is a real crap-shoot.

The inexperienced/novice boater is usually the victim of a seller trying to unload a boat that is in much poorer condition than the seller represents.

Here's how mine purchase went: five miles from the sellers place, I stopped to check if everything was secure on the trailer- WOW those tires are shot so $150.00 later I'm back on the road for 150 mile tow home. Get home and really started checking things out. OMG this transom core is totally rotten. The PO had done a great job of concealing it. In addition I had to replace all the bearings in the hubs, the bunks, winch, safety chains and lights on the trailer. I was too taken with the boat to notice. The transom now has a NIDA compound poured core, and I am still in denial on the condition of the floor decking!

So you pay the $$ and take your chances. Unfortunately ALL KNOWLEDGE COMES FROM EXPERIENCE when dealing with used boats.


FWIW
Coho Ghost

 

[starcrafter65]

Re: Did we get taken on our 1977 Mark Twain / Mercruiser 888 bowrider?

I run with a cracked block just fine. I fixed it with JB weld and have had no issues. So - does your block leak from the water jacket yet run ok? Then just fix the leak - probably from a freeze.

 

[raymma]

Re: Did we get taken on our 1977 Mark Twain / Mercruiser 888 bowrider?

kin402, I too have purchased a 1977 mark twain (20' VSonic) with trailer. I found it in the middle of the desert for $700. I have since replaced all the upholstery, found a used engine on craigslist. Unfortunately, I am still dealing with all the ins and outs of a boat that was partially dismantled by the previous owner. The project has taken longer than expected, and quite honestly, now starting to worry if it is all worth it. Besides the initial cost I have spent an additional $1500. So, if anything, I hope this helps you feel better about your purchase. My boat still hasn't touched the water

 

[Outback Jack]

Re: Did we get taken on our 1977 Mark Twain / Mercruiser 888 bowrider?

kin I purchased a boat that needed some work but good boats up here in the same year were just to much 5-8 grand. I would check them out and see they had issues but when I checked mine out it never had these issues . The floor was solid but it needed paint . While I was getting ready to paint I noticed my boat was sweating in the garage, so I investigated. Everything under the floor was water logged . I could not tell when I bought it as the floor was solid and everything above the floor was solid. So I figured I had a solid boat that just needed paint. Run it a season never had any issues and this year it is on dry dock getting ready for many years of good boating. I will have more into it then I wanted , but not near as much as paying 5-8 grand for one that I know needs what I am doing now. I know what I will have when I get it all done is the only reason I can say it don't bother me.

Actually now I have been seeing alot of the old style boats that are on here and I am wanting another one just for the character it has. I know I am going to be doing another restore sometime I can see

Good Luck but like others have said most boats are going to have issues if they are of any age and have not been kept under shelter. It is the nature of the beast because of the manufacturers quality control they call it