Has anyone heard of Bonanza?

[BigBadJohn86]

I was looking at boats on craigslist yesterday at work and a coworker told me he had a boat and trailer in his garage at his farm and he wants to clear his sheds out.
Said he wanted $750 for it and that he would get pictures.

Brought some cel phone pics in today of it and he said he looked at the valve cover and it said 140 hp. Looks to be a GM 181 Merc 140 hp possibly and Im sure it has the merc lower unit as well.
It is an open bow rider. He said he was wrong in thinking that it was 21' but more like 17' or 18'
It definitely looks dirty. He said it hasnt been used in years. Its a late 70s or early 80s boat he said.
Never asked him if he had titles for both


May go look at it this week when Im off. I was just wondering if anyone has heard of them before. I hadnt
Hes a gun guy like me so he might be interested in a trade for a Romanian Dragunov I have. Ill wait and see

I found this boat on a craigslist listing and he said it looks the exact same

 

[NYBo]

Re: Has anyone heard of Bonanza?

You can do some research right here on iboats.

With a boat that old, however, it's all about how it was cared for over the years. There are many good threads about how to evaluate a used boat before purchase. Then factor in your ability and willingness to work on the boat (and trailer).

 

[BigBadJohn86]

Re: Has anyone heard of Bonanza?

You can do some research right here on iboats.

With a boat that old, however, it's all about how it was cared for over the years. There are many good threads about how to evaluate a used boat before purchase. Then factor in your ability and willingness to work on the boat (and trailer).

Thanks. I didnt know there was a boat manufacturer directory on here

 

[soaringhiggy]

Re: Has anyone heard of Bonanza?

If it has been in the shed the whole time it may have good floors, at least a chance of it.

I would have a look at that price for sure.

 

[BigBadJohn86]

Re: Has anyone heard of Bonanza?

What are some things to look out for in a boat thats been sitting for several years?

Engine/lower unit freeze/cracks? If so what are some give aways
Should I be able to tell floor rot just by walking around on it?
How do you run an engine on the trailer? Do you have to hook a water hose to it to run it for an extended time?

 

[BigBadJohn86]

Re: Has anyone heard of Bonanza?

He told me its probably been 8 or 10 years since its been on the water. Its been in a shed but does not have a cover so its been sheltered but not tarped