First boat a fixer upper.

[jasono2l]

Buying a 16.5 ft Rinker (not sure about style or year), with a 135 Johnson Powershift II( also not sure of exact year but is between 73-75) motor, and the trailer from my brother in law. Hull looks to be in good shape other than gel coat oxidation. Still have the option to back out if any problems. What are some things in the hull I should be looking for that are serious problems? Buying this as a project boat so I can learn from the ground up, so if the hull is good, I don't mind paying to learn stuff about boat maintenance and since I don't plan to use it until next summer, I have plenty of time. Any tips would be very helpful. The boats last registration ends this year but he has never had it in the water.
Thanks,
Jason

 

[dcg9381]

Re: First boat a fixer upper.

The big first three:
1) Transom solid?
2) Floor solid?
3) Motor run?

When was the last time it ran?

I've learned over and over that it's usually cheaper to start with something that costs a bit more than buy something cheap and put money and time into it... Boats especially as the parts are expensive.

If it's been kept indoors out of the weather, and the motor was stored properly, could be a deal if cheap enough... Otherwise assume *everything* is bad until proven otherwise.

 

[oops!]

Re: First boat a fixer upper.

hey jason..

WELCOME TO I BOATS

your in the right place...i boats has great people that really know their stuff

one moderator calls this place boat university.

there is a book you might want to buy. called runabout renovation. by jim anderson. simple book but it takes you through buying the boat to all kinds of renovations including transom, floor, and stringers.....

the other thing to do is...hit the search button....just about anything ever done to a boat has been discussed here on these forums.....from safety gear. to welding aluminimum.

but i would start with the motor. make sure it works...thats the expencive part.

you have the right attitude as far as a project goes.

if the motor works......search transom rot......stringer rot....and rotten floor...wet foam........that will get you up to speed....

cheers
oops

 

[ezmobee]

Re: First boat a fixer upper.

I grew up running around in a 17 or 18 ft rinker with an 85. With that 135 that thing is gonna fly! I like the lines of the older boats. If that motor is good it will be well worth the effort to fix up the hull even if you have to do transom/stringers/deck.

 

[jasono2l]

Re: First boat a fixer upper.

thanks for the responses. I am pretty sure I need to replace the deck, but he is only charging me 600 for the boat, motor and trailer, so I figure it is worth it. I will post some pics so I can get condition opinions as soon as the snow melts. Thanks again.
Jason

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: First boat a fixer upper.

great tutorial http://70silverline.250free.com/Skankybeast.html