free 33ft boat for me, do i take it

[silver72]

im new to boats, but i want to make sure that im not letting a good thing go by. i have a friend that has a 33ft 1972 silverton cabin cruiser that needs alot of work, but the haul is good. i had a guy that works for silverton look at it and he said the haul is good but the motors need rebuilt. there is no floor above the motors. and the cabin needs to be basically rebuilt. all the hardware is there. there is a spare motor. like i said im new to these things but i don't mind the work. i just need to know where to go to get more info on the boat so i can start the process of making her ship shape. so any direction at all would help.

 

[Ted S.]

Re: free 33ft boat for me, do i take it

Welcome to the world of old boats my friend!! For what its worth, it's your call, but be warned, your in for your fair share of work. It's like any restoration project, you find out later that things are usally worse than expected, and boats are no exception. But, on the up side, when you have worked hard, spent long hours detailing and preening your project, you almost develop a relationship with it. I love old things. Putting new life back into someones throwaways brings satisfaction and fulfillment that money can't buy. Just keep things in perspective as you work away at it and try not to becomed overwhelmed by the enormity of your task. Just take things a step at a time. An old sailor friend once said to me, "a boat is a hole in the water in which you pour endless amounts of money" My experience has told me that this isn't always the case. Be creative, and listen to the guys here on this message board too. Some of them have years of experience in seamanship to share, and most of them have had their share of "projects" that have taught them valuable lessons in patience, perseverance and hard work. Good luck with it if you plan to go ahead.

 

[f_inscreenname]

Re: free 33ft boat for me, do i take it

I have a 1972 19'Allmand. When I bought it I thought "it needs a paint job"(I do it all myself motor,paint,vinyl) $8000.00 (what I kept track of) and 2 years later......I am near done. <br />I tell you though,this is the second boat I have restored and there is nothing like knowing you done it your self. M

 

[paintermn]

Re: free 33ft boat for me, do i take it

On the other hand.......While I agree with the earlir posts, rest assured that you can expect a project like this to cost much more(In time and money) than you figured on the front end.<br /><br />You have to ask yourself if you want to do this as a rewarding restoration project-or-because you think you will end up with a cheap boat.<br /><br />If you are handy and can do all or most of the work, maybe. If you will have to pay to have most of the work done--I would pass.

 

[Walter]

Re: free 33ft boat for me, do i take it

After you've been into this restoration project for a while...you'll never again use the word "free" when describing this boat.<br /><br />I just got my project on the water last fall. It was worth every dime!<br /><br />Good luck!<br /><br />Walt

 

[ODDD1]

Re: free 33ft boat for me, do i take it

Free boat...thats funny! they all cost waaay more than you think, in time, money, sweat[blood,too].....on the positive side, a boat project is a good place to 'hide' when peace an quiet is needed......personally, I would start with the exspensive stuff first...

 

[rogerwa]

Re: free 33ft boat for me, do i take it

33ft is a big freakin boat. It's not something you would just tow around. The slip fees to use it would run at least 2K a year. Dry storage not tha much less. That's already not free.

 

[silver72]

Re: free 33ft boat for me, do i take it

time, money, blood, sweet, tears, hmmmm. sounds like the thing i need to lose myself into. i do enjoy projects, i just remodeled my entire house. it took a year to replace everything inside from tile floors to the stucco on the outside. now im done, i need this new project so i think im going to go for it. i hope to hear all your words of wisdom when i need them. thanks for welcoming me to your board. <br /><br />newbe<br />ron

 

[paintermn]

Re: free 33ft boat for me, do i take it

Remodeled your house, and now you are taking on a boat restoration. Just the kind of guy I'm looking for. Do you need a job??<br /><br />Painting that is.........