Discussion Topic: Flippin' (tin) Starcrafts

[CheapboatKev]

Re: Discussion Topic: Flippin' (tin) Starcrafts

Or this better yet!

125.00 cant go wrong

http://fortmyers.craigslist.org/chl/boa/2647690833.html

 

[jasoutside]

Re: Discussion Topic: Flippin' (tin) Starcrafts

Yah, around there the $250 ones are usually beat to heck or painted camo many times over.

 

[64osby]

Re: Discussion Topic: Flippin' (tin) Starcrafts

14'ers seem to be in demand most of the time, I have been looking for a deal for quite a while. I have a 12"er but want one a little bigger. I see a lot of ads like this

http://kalamazoo.craigslist.org/boa/2611377087.html

At least around here I think the market would be better for the 16 to 18 open bow. You've already done two so you know the ins and outs. Just have to buy right as with anything.

 

[Pugetsound]

Re: Discussion Topic: Flippin' (tin) Starcrafts

I flippet my 16 SS that I totally restored every thing new except motor but it was a good one. I will never do it again but taxes due and spent to much on new boat project I had a consertiv amount dollar wise of about 1600 into the boat plus the purchase cost and the 800 mile trip to get it sold for 2300 and a 6 hp johnson that ran fine. No profit even here on the west coast unless you have a boat just before opening day lol Plus a zillion dollars in labor.

 

[Bwana Don]

Re: Discussion Topic: Flippin' (tin) Starcrafts

No doubt about that! I think with a solid, focused effort, a 14 footer could be rehabed in a weekend. The key would be the initial investment.

In my area, those 14' go for a premium. Everybody wants em. The 15/25 HP OB that goes with them are also usually $$.

Money would be made on the front end with the smaller boats.

+1 on the 14'. High demand. What did CBgale get for his 14' Falcon? What did Kenny get for his 61' Holiday 18'? What did they have into them? Both sold in Michigan. There's a good comparison for you.

I got my 12', er Zach got his 12' for $150. No oars or trailer and needed inner and outer transoms plus welding. Rattle can paint job with NO prep on it too. Not a bad deal but, if I sell it I'm not sure I'd get my money out of it. I over do stuff though, I'm not really thinking about profit, just doing it right. You would need to cut corners to make money. I spent too much time refinishing the mahogany seats, painting would have been easier. Minimal prep too.

 

[dozerII]

Re: Discussion Topic: Flippin' (tin) Starcrafts

Funny you should bring this up EZ, this is exactly what I bought the 79 SS for. As I have shown on this forum these old Starcrafts are worth a premium up herein Canada. But!! there is no way you can redo one for $1000.00 not up here anyway. I have spent hours on the net looking for the best deals on everything and I will be very lucky if I come out under $2200.00 worth of materials for the boat motor and trailer, and all the motor is getting is a clean up and impellor change. I am uncertain as to how it will work out when all is said and done. All I know is I really enjoy working on the old boats, and it keeps me out of trouble.
glen

 

[Krichbourg]

Re: Discussion Topic: Flippin' (tin) Starcrafts

I bought a bimini from a guy around here who makes his living buying and selling boats. I've had the same thought, especially when you see a really good deal on Craigs list or on the side of the road. The real key seems to be finding the right deal to start with. He didn't buy boats that required much. I think he said he did over 30 last year. Makes it harder for people like us to find the good deals. Have to act fast or it will get scooped up. Fun idea to think about but not for me at this point in my life. I think it can be done for a reasonable profit.

 

[Starman8]

Re: Discussion Topic: Flippin' (tin) Starcrafts

"if it was easy, everyone would do it"

The discussed business model has to be looked at from the "end-user"

Who are your customers?

They aren't the ones with extra discretionary income, they buy new expensive boats.

They aren't the ones with some discretionary income, they buy new or newer boats.

They aren't the ones who make a stretch and leverage a newer boat.

So, who is left?

The remaining are probably rehabbers, restorers, guys who don't mind cutting wood, metal, working with high pollutant epoxies, paints, chemicals, snappin rivet guns, bending aluminum, laying carpet, outboard junkies, halfass electricians, tool collectors, and the hardest, glass layers.

Now, who does that describe?

 

[ezmobee]

Re: Discussion Topic: Flippin' (tin) Starcrafts

I think there's a segment you're leaving out because we see them EVERY DAY in the main boating section. They are guys who have a couple thousand to spend, are looking for a water-ready boat, and are tired of all the rotted glass junk all over CL. There are actually buyers in between the "gonna make payments" buyers and the "think $1000 for a running boat/motor/trailer is a rip off" buyers.

However all of you seem to think I'm nuts to believe that there is a market for a spiffed up running Starcraft for $3995 so perhaps you're right.

 

[jasoutside]

Re: Discussion Topic: Flippin' (tin) Starcrafts

Yah, I agree that there is a share of boaters out there in the $3 to $5 K range. But, they are far outnumbered by the Mr. Money Bags crew and the "I'll trade you my 1978 Maytag dryer (harvest gold color) for that nice new Starcraft. It drys guud and only a little rusty." price points.

After the initial investment and the man hours into the rebuild, I'd feel sad about the small profit pocketed after finally finding that guy who is willing to go through on the sale.

Labor of luv for my metal rigs

 

[CheapboatKev]

Re: Discussion Topic: Flippin' (tin) Starcrafts

You guys are missing a small point..
Of enjoying the project, having it on the water for a month or so then flipping it.

There are people that could care less that it is a Starcraft, they have "X" to spend and after looking at JUNK boats for a month, they find your gem and cough up the cash.

 

[jasoutside]

Re: Discussion Topic: Flippin' (tin) Starcrafts

You guys are missing a small point..
Of enjoying the project, having it on the water for a month or so then flipping it.

There are people that could care less that it is a Starcraft, they have "X" to spend and after looking at JUNK boats for a month, they find your gem and cough up the cash.

Ah!

But I think that is a little different my friend from the land of blue hair!

Enjoying the rig for a while (any length of time really) and turning it over for a profit (any amount really) may be a more reasonable route to take. If a fella were into continually rebuilding boats and taking in small margins on each one, nothing wrong with that. Heck, he could be running a nice one (ready for sale) and building the next one.

But, as a money maker? To supplement the income? Nah.

 

[ezmobee]

Re: Discussion Topic: Flippin' (tin) Starcrafts

Never would consider the value of my time. That's free, it's something to do. Would also be fun to fix one up and run it a few times. If I made $1000 on it, that would be pretty sweet.

 

[CheapboatKev]

Re: Discussion Topic: Flippin' (tin) Starcrafts

Never would consider the value of my time. That's free, it's something to do. Would also be fun to fix one up and run it a few times. If I made $1000 on it, that would be pretty sweet.

Exactamaximus

 

[bunker108]

Re: Discussion Topic: Flippin' (tin) Starcrafts

This is something I have thought about doing too. Well, either small old boats or small old camper. There will always be a market for small inexpensive boats and campers. I like the old campers, under 20ft in length without toilets(less plumbing to mess with). The game plan is the same as with an old tin boat. Fix leaks, paint, rehab interior, pack wheel bearings and a new set of tires and send it down the road. If you are handy, and have most of the needed tools I think these can be succesfully flipped. The trick will be in finding the "right" restoration candidate. I also think that the profit maring will be very small versus the time investment. I think the best strategy would be to obtain a business license to take advantage of the tax write offs.

I might start looking for a project camper or boat to flip myself. I like the chase and enjoy working on things...and I could always use another tax write off.

 

[Bwana Don]

Re: Discussion Topic: Flippin' (tin) Starcrafts

Never would consider the value of my time. That's free, it's something to do. Would also be fun to fix one up and run it a few times. If I made $1000 on it, that would be pretty sweet.

Fix it up run it for a year, make a couple of bucks, then get another one and repeat the cycle. I'd do the Offshore, then a Starchief, then a Mariner, I/O's and outboards. Ten years from now you'd be the all time Starcraft expert!

You got two EZ, which model is next.

If you're just doing it for fun and making even a few hundred (or more), plus use of the boat for a while, cool. I could see that, it might be fun. I think the Sea Scamp is going next year, next project is a 14' Mariner or Kingfisher. It is gratifying to finish a project and it keeps you out of the bars and at home with the kiddos. That's worth ohhh, million and a half a year. Think the wives will buy into this??????

 

[Starman8]

Re: Discussion Topic: Flippin' (tin) Starcrafts

There is one component, actually several components all might be missing, and it is a business model I recently thought of, but only a PM gets the details. The 2nd idea is far-fetched, but I still may pitch it.

If the 2nd idea got a bite, then I would start "recruiting", if you get my drift.

 

[rheagler]

Re: Discussion Topic: Flippin' (tin) Starcrafts

I think if you are just looking to make a few bucks while doing something you enjoy you could do well. If you want to make a real business of it, you have to treat it like a business. Looking at your projects you seem to have the skills required to do the work. If you have the cash to get started and a place to do the work, go for it.

 

[Huron Angler]

Re: Discussion Topic: Flippin' (tin) Starcrafts

I like the old campers, under 20ft in length without toilets(less plumbing to mess with). The game plan is the same as with an old tin boat. Fix leaks, paint, rehab interior, pack wheel bearings and a new set of tires and send it down the road. If you are handy, and have most of the needed tools I think these can be succesfully flipped. The trick will be in finding the "right" restoration candidate. I also think that the profit maring will be very small versus the time investment. I think the best strategy would be to obtain a business license to take advantage of the tax write offs.

I might start looking for a project camper or boat to flip myself. I like the chase and enjoy working on things...and I could always use another tax write off.

Are you leaning towards Airstream or Starcraft camperss?

I am with EZ on this one...I will probably sell the SS eventually after running it for a few seasons. My kids are getting bigger every day and I love the big lakes.

If I can get a couple years of use out of it and then sell it for more than I have into it that's a win.

The real bonus is that we will learn new tactics every restore, so theoretically the results will only get better each time. Having leftover materials certainly won't hurt the bottom line as well.

 

[Starman8]

Re: Discussion Topic: Flippin' (tin) Starcrafts

Huron has a PM

By the way, some spousal comedy would be injected, like when we sneak stuff home, or the guy who brought the glass home for the trailer waiting for his wife to return home for his whuuppin............lol