first time project coming

[bustoutanotherthousand]

I have been reading this forum for about a month. I have never owned my own boat, but I lived on one for awhile and love being on the water. Should wait until I get the pics. but not getting it until Thurs. Tires on trailer are not usable. Replacing those and trailer hitch installed on Thurs. It has been outside for a good while but he said it worked about 3 years ago. The seal seemed okay . any suggestions to make it stronger? Floors seam sturdy. If anyone can identify it that might help too. It says Cruisers on the side and vacationer on the dash. Tri hull w/ cuddy cabin . mecrusier 302 maybe? Trying to get an early start and will keep you all posted w/ picks. Hopefully will redo the whole thing. First I'm going to clean the outside really good.Any suggestions on best way to get the black stuff of from being outside. Second question. Do you think I should get a mechanic to fix the engine before I start the rest just in case it is unfixable? Going to replace seats and who knows what is broken. Hopefully you guys can help and enjoy my struggle. Cant wait to show some pics.

 

["G"]

Re: first time project coming

BOAT-
Just like any project there are important things that need to be determined BEFORE you lay out the major sheckles for the "anchor" someone is selling you. Look and poke around for transom dry rot, rockers or hooks in the boat hull, blisters and general hull condition. What condition is the fuel tank in? Next do a compression check wet and dry. Finally, is there water in the lower unit? Will it hold pressure or a vacuum (determining if the unit is sealed?) Add all that up and ask ourself; do I want this boat with all these expensive problems to fix? "Project boats" are cheap but you'll find them very expensive in the long run. A lobor of love is what you balance all that against.

 

[NickAndJena]

Re: first time project coming

I good friend explained to me what BOAT stands for after my wife and I bought our first boat (less than 4 months ago).

Break
Out
Another
Thousand $

I would say that is an understatement. I'm not sure what this boat is going for, but you should at the very least expect the worst and calculate how much it will cost to repair the worst case scenario. If you do that, and can still afford it I say go for it. The people on this site will help with the great advice they give, but it sure does take a lot of money and time to fix these damn things.

Nick

 

[bustoutanotherthousand]

Re: first time project coming

here are the pics...... hope to hear from someone.

http://s646.photobucket.com/albums/uu184/watermelon234/

 

[NickAndJena]

Re: first time project coming

Well after taking a peek at those pics, it's going to take a lot of time and effort. I have no doubt the participants of this site will be able to help you work through it.

If you really want this boat, you might go for it. You can always look around though, what do you want to use the boat for? Will this one do it for you?

Just some food for thought here.

Nick