Engine vs Interior?

[racheljay123]

Okay... so I'va gotten some good replies to my questions on the 14' glassmaster. But we are also considering another boat now and I would love it if someone can give some advice as to which would be the best project boat. The other boat we are looking at has a sound engine, its a 17' galaxy? (see pictures) but the interior is trashed. Would be an awesome boat once fixed up but now my problem is deciding which would be best to restore.

The glassmaster needs minimal interior work but a new lower unit for outboard 115hp merc. The trailer also needs some sanding. Price ($400- boat, engine & trailer)

The galaxy needs no engine work (its an OMC 1.6 Crossflow 100hp) and the trailer is in great shape, but it needs interior work badly. It looks like it will need new flooring, capeting, and seats as well as a super clean. The hull also needs some work in one spot but seller is throwing in some fiberglass mesh and resin. Probably needs some foam as well if the hull and floor needs work. Price ($400-boat, engine & trailer) Basically shes selling it for the trailer and engine.

So anyone have some feedback as to what would be the best for new boat owners? As well as more cost efficient...??

Heres the galaxy

Its engine

and interior
http://img.bonnint.net/slc/1258/125822/12582252.JPG?filter=ksl/gallery1

Heres the glassmaster

Its engine

and interior

Does anyone have some input for me?? haha Or am I just setting myself up for a big mess?!?

 

[KurtG]

Re: Engine vs Interior?

I don't know where you are at, but my advice is to keep looking. I wouldn't want to start so deep in a hole with either.

Project boats here are a dime a dozen.

 

[BassinVt1]

Re: Engine vs Interior?

I think either way you go you still have work to do. What about a picture of the interior on the galaxy? The hull looks nice with a real nice trailers and motor, but how much is a job for the interior?

Also on the other brown boat, I dont believe that 115 horse merc is rated for that size boat. Check your rating plate on it to see what that size boat is rated for in horse power.

But anyways, either way you have work to do, and you need to determine how much you want to do.

Im tackling my first real restoration on a boat. After really starting to tear into things, you will find other things that need to be fixed. It may seem over wellming, but I love to tinker and do things with my hands, i guess it makes me feel like I have accomplished something other than just having a job 45 hrs a week. I no I did this and I cant blame anyone else for a screwup.

If your just trying to get out on the water right away, its not for you. Restoration on boats can be a long process and pricey. Sometimes people will jump into it, then find they dont have the time and money to finish it. Check both out carefully.

th

 

[CheapboatKev]

Re: Engine vs Interior?

Bassinvt1,
They posted a link to the interior

http://img.bonnint.net/slc/1258/125822/12582252.JPG?filter=ksl/gallery1


Now my 2 cents..
That Galaxy is going to be a pretty big project. Usually (not always, but 90%) if the decking is that bad, then water damage below is certain as well.
Stringers may be shot, what about the transom? Either one of these repairs will be very time & $ consuming..
Throw in the OMC (Obsolete Motor Company!) Outboard that you will probably have a heck of a time finding parts for....It doesn't look like a great project.

Me, I am recomending something aluminum, say Starcraft! Easy to work with, no fiberglass issues, deck can be done in a weekend of sweat...

Welcome Aboard too!

 

[ezmobee]

Re: Engine vs Interior?

I'd avoid the OMC. Someone converted an I/O boat to an outboard by closing up the hole and hanging a SeaDrive on there. The motor itself is fine as it's just a standard OMC V4 however the tilt/trim, steering, bracket etc are going to be tough to find parts and service for if there's any issues.

 

[erikgreen]

Re: Engine vs Interior?

Personally I think the OMC unit is iffy, but the rest of the second boat looks ok from the pictures.

It's not an OMC I/O which would be a show stopper, it looks like it has a big old tilt/trim mechanism on that OMC outboard which if it works could be a really good thing... it's cheaper to buy a replacement outboard that doesn't have tilt and trim, and you could do that.

Plus it looks kinda cool.

The trailer looks to be in decent shape, check the tire treads. The hull looks ok, and it's not a straight cathedral hull, which will make it handle a bit better in rough chop.

I don't see any major problems with the hull in fact, looks like it might polish up nicely.

What's the interior structure like? The floor, stringers and transom could need replacement, which is a big job but lots of people have done it.

If you don't mind replacing the wood structure I'd say go for it at $400, like people have said the trailer is worth that. The work isn't difficult, it's just tedious and requires the right materials. Cost for that size boat would be from $300-$1000 depending on what you use.

If you want to check the wood first do that.

But overall from me, thumbs up.

Erik

 

[lowkee]

Re: Engine vs Interior?

I say buy the galaxy, part it out and buy a boat which doesn't need restoring. (coming from someone with a resto project of epic proportions)

 

[racheljay123]

Re: Engine vs Interior?

Yeah we decided against the galaxie. It needed so much work, the engine was in great shape but it was actually alot bigger in person. We dont have the space for a boat this big and we werent sure how to work on the hull without having a way to prop it up off the trailer. Anyways still looking at the glassmaster....


Depends on if we want to drive 3 hours to pick it up

 

[ezmobee]

Re: Engine vs Interior?

Where are you located? The market is pretty flooded with inexpensive boats right now so I would think you'd have a number of more options. Use http://crazedlist.org to search multiple Craigslist sites at one time.

 

[Rickairmedic]

Re: Engine vs Interior?

I agree with EZ the market is flooded with cheap even decent boats . Theres a mid 70's Mark twain up here that needs a prop and the carb rebuilt that otherwise looks great. I have become a major Starcraft fan due to how easy it is to restore one without dumping a huge pile of cash into it . I picked up a 1970 Starcraft Jupiter V 16' boat for $800.00 with a good Mercury 80HP outboard hanging off the back . The last owner started to restore it and ran out of money to play with . The current economy has put alot of ( projects ) into the market. There are several LOW priced Starcrafts down near Cheapboatkev's area . I was highly tempted to pick one up while I was down there this weekend but I already have 4 boats and am out of room for the moment LOL.


Rick