Free boat, is it worth trying to fix?

[proshadetree]

Re: Free boat, is it worth trying to fix?

Aluminum brings a good price at the recyclers So if it was aluminum it would be worth hauling to them to watch it melt. Sorry Ja I just had to. I am just a freak that when a hull catches my eye and I like it I will fix it. .If it was running and broke then you would have to source parts anyway regardless of who made it. As stated above you could part her out and find the right one. Some like bow riders, I dont some like bass boats or tri hulls I dont. It all about what you like. If you just want a boat I would junk it or pass on it myself. My eyes stink so it might be a volvo but I thought it was an old OMC. Most around here dont care what kind of boat it is it is whether she runs or not that effects value.

 

[fat fanny]

Re: Free boat, is it worth trying to fix?

Part the boat out and sell the trailer you might just end up on the good end of a downpayment on something worth having with alot less work.

 

[sschefer]

Re: Free boat, is it worth trying to fix?

Agree on the Volvo, I had a few spare minutes and checked it out. Still, it would be a challenging restoration and I think a 2000.00 limit is a dream. I don't think it'll be on the water safely this season, (notice the caveat "safely").

I think a lot of would be restorers go on the premise that you can spend a little and then save for the next item and so you don't have to try and save up a bunch of money all at once. Those of us that have done them know there is some truth to that but it's really difficult to do without a lot of patience on the part of the restorer not to mention the stress it can put on those that are close to you. Think about it long an hard before you venture into this. I think we're all hoping that you'll let this one go and look for something better.

 

[Mark42]

Re: Free boat, is it worth trying to fix?

I agree with everyone who said to leave it. For the money you will spend fixing it, you can buy a nice boat. The real drawback is not that its old, but that it uses a discontinued outdrive.

 

[bonz_d]

Re: Free boat, is it worth trying to fix?

i guess the boat was abandoned there 15 years ago and they are not sure if it runs or not. And the interior and floors will need redone. But they have no title to the trailor or boat.

1: if it has sat for 15 years is the motor saveable?
2: how hard will it be to get a title of the boat and trailor dont come back as missing or stolen?
3: even though its a free boat and trailor will i end up having $2000 in a free boat?

My question is this, was it abandoned and left outside for 15 years or has it been stuck away in that big barn I see in the background? To me it doesn't look like something that's been left out in the wheather for 15 years. Still if even a consideration I would be more concerned at first with there being no titles!

 

[ezmobee]

Re: Free boat, is it worth trying to fix?

To me it doesn't look like something that's been left out in the wheather for 15 years

Are we lookin' at the same boat?

 

[bonz_d]

Re: Free boat, is it worth trying to fix?

Are we lookin' at the same boat?

Yes! If it has been outside untouched for 15 years I woudl expect to look much worse that it does. Looks more to me like it's been sitting in a barn. Other than what can be seen in the picture, yes the interior is shot but I don't see the fading or rust that I would expect to see from something that has been in the rain, snow, wind and dirt for 15 years. Even the chrome and aluminum windshield frame don't show the kind of tarnish one would expect from being in that state for so long.

I just think everyone is jumping the gun and assuming that it's been outside all that time and with what is known right now, no one can prove that.
I'm not there I haven't seen it in person so how can I or anyone else judge the true state or condition of that hull?

 

[wingmastr23]

Re: Free boat, is it worth trying to fix?

Yes! If it has been outside untouched for 15 years I woudl expect to look much worse that it does. Looks more to me like it's been sitting in a barn. Other than what can be seen in the picture, yes the interior is shot but I don't see the fading or rust that I would expect to see from something that has been in the rain, snow, wind and dirt for 15 years. Even the chrome and aluminum windshield frame don't show the kind of tarnish one would expect from being in that state for so long.

I just think everyone is jumping the gun and assuming that it's been outside all that time and with what is known right now, no one can prove that.
I'm not there I haven't seen it in person so how can I or anyone else judge the true state or condition of that hull?

Man....don't give this guy "hope".....the boat is crap.....and it requires an insane amount of work - and that is assuming the engine is in perfect running condition.

Look at frisco - If I remember correctly, he said he is into his floor/stringer remodel for about $3200 - he isn't even finished yet. HIS seats, vinyl, etc are in good shape!! Those will have to be trashed!! So you are looking at another $1000 easy!!

I would take the boat, part it out, sell the trailer, etc seperately, Hope to get $1000 for all of it - Take the $5000 you are gonna put into this POS and buy yourself a $6000 boat that will do the job.

Save you a title/registration headache.

Save you a TON of labor.

Save you some sanity.

Get you out on the lake alot sooner.

 

[Last Mohican]

Re: Free boat, is it worth trying to fix?

Not sure where you are but here in TX I would not touch a boat with no title. That alone would be enough for me to stay away from it. Even parting it out seems like too much work for too little return.

 

[bonz_d]

Re: Free boat, is it worth trying to fix?

I'm in no way stating that it is a good investment for anyone. Just that it may not be as far gone as everyone seems to think it is. I myself have been amazed at some of the things I've seen sitting in barns forgotten over the years.

Though no title or registration would keep me far away. Been down that road before and never ever again.