Getting a free boat, what do I need to know?

[myoung84]

My mom has this 1985 Thunder Craft 17' 135HP boat that has been sitting since the beginning of last summer and they have decided to just give it to me rather than letting it rot away. They already have a pontoon and a camper so a 2nd boat just never gets used. I don't know a lot about it, I have only been on it once and she is about 2 hours away. (I am picking it up Sunday)

I do know that last summer they were out in the lake and something broke, not sure what. It will no longer shift from neutral to drive/reverse. I know they replaced the cable before this happened so maybe something is out of alignment or came loose. It has the Mercruiser 135HP I/O. Does anyone know what the possible causes could be? I know a lot about engines but not so much about boats, but I am not afraid to tear into this thing.

What are some other things I should look out for? I know the seats need some attention but other than that I think its in fairly good shape considering the age. It already has a nice heavy duty trailer.

Once I get the shifting problem taken care of, will I be able to pull a wakeboarder with this boat? The most it would pull would be me at 200 lbs. Everyone else that would be wakeboarding would be much smaller.

What does this boat weigh approximately? I have a Dodge Ram 1500 quad cab with the 4.7L. I know my tow rating is 6400lbs (7400lbs without my 20" rims and 33" tires). I already have 4.56 gears in the truck, so I know this truck will pull it great.

Thanks!

 

[QC]

Re: Getting a free boat, what do I need to know?

Well a few things right off the bat. I have to slip in "there is no such thing as a free boat" . . . Be prepared to spend some money as parts will not be free and not everything can be handled with elbow grease.

Once you get the boat home and get some more info, post the I/O specific stuff in the Inboard and I/O forum section below vvvvvvvvv Could be a shift cable etc, but you will get better help for that down there . . .

Wakeboarding does not take much horsepower. Wakers pop up easily, so that should not be a problem. I would guess weight at about 3500, with a single axle trailer being around 850 - 1000 of that. This depends on how much crap you have on board. Another new boater tip should be "Minimise crap". Light boats are faster, easier on fuel, easier to tow and safer. All good.

 

[myoung84]

Re: Getting a free boat, what do I need to know?

Well a few things right off the bat. I have to slip in "there is no such thing as a free boat" . . . Be prepared to spend some money as parts will not be free and not everything can be handled with elbow grease.

Yep, I have already figured in for that. But with the boat itself being free, I can't complain.

 

[Knot Waiting]

Re: Getting a free boat, what do I need to know?

Well as QC said, free is a relative term, but heck regardless of what you put into it at least the inital cost is good.

The shift issue could be any number of things, easiest would be a shift cable. Other things to check whould be (depending on where you live) make sure it was properly winterized so you dont head into a cracked block situation. Check the engine mounts for cracks in the rubber, inspect the stringers, look at the sole(floor) for warpage or rot. Check all the fluids, change the engine oil and filter, fuel/water seperator, spark plugs, and out drive oil. Look at the prop and check for dents and dings. Test the battery and clean the terminals. Also check over the trailer, grease the hubs (if able) rotate the tires and check their pressures.

 

[INJUN]

Re: Getting a free boat, what do I need to know?

Take a safe boating course. I believe it's required in most states.

 

[myoung84]

Re: Getting a free boat, what do I need to know?

Take a safe boating course. I believe it's required in most states.

I actually don't believe it's required in Oklahoma unless your under 16 or 18, but I would not mind taking it regardless.

 

[Willyclay]

Re: Getting a free boat, what do I need to know?

I know you said it is from your Mom, but make sure you can register it in your name BEFORE spending any money on repairs, replacements, equipment, etc. Good luck!

 

[thenotsofreeboat]

Re: Getting a free boat, what do I need to know?

My screen name says it all.

After outboard repairs and just basic stuff like anchor, pump, wiring, nav lights, and such. It cost me the same as if i went and bought one or even more perhaps. It is nice to know that you did the work and it is done right, but with all said and done the boat has cost me more than the boat I wanted at first that started this slippery slope of boat ownership. If everything is in good shape it might work out better, just remember the boat isn't an investment in anything but fun.

 

[jonesg]

Re: Getting a free boat, what do I need to know?

All used boats cost at least $4 a pound.