Have I Lost My Mind?????

[ShellBack89]

Okay iBoats I haven't even finished the first restoration and I'm already thinking about taking on a new task which is twice as big as my current project. Have I lost my mind???

I'm getting the boat FREE, okay I've read enough thread to know where this is going, nothing is FREE. The boat was left at my buddies storage facility. It was kept inside until last year. The owner can't be found so I'll do up a lien sale purchase and will have to wait thirty days until it can be transferred to me. My buddy only wants $50.00 per month storage and will let me use all the power and water I need to restore it. I don't know anything else about this boat.

Just from walking around there are some soft spots on the top part of the deck and the PO installed two external fuel tanks on the deck which will taken off. There are several holes that were drilled in the siding but not the hull. The hull looks good. Didn't see any warping, cracked, spidering or anything else that would cause me to be alarmed. I'm not a motor guy but the PO was and they look okay. I checked the dip stick and it was fresh so that has to say something.....:facepalm:

I'm not looking to bust this out in the four months my Sea Ray took but if I can do it over a period of a few years and have fun with it I think I can make it a nice little live aboard. Thoughts?????

 

[ShellBack89]

Re: Have I Lost My Mind?????

Here are some more pics....

 

[ShellBack89]

Re: Have I Lost My Mind?????

 

[GT1000000]

Re: Have I Lost My Mind?????

First off, NAH!, you lost your mind a long time ago...so that should not even show up on the radar...

Secondly, WOW! what a score...like you said, no boat is ever free, but this could really turn into a nice weekender for the family...

Third, that being said...start at the beginning and make yourself a super-detailed list of things to find out before "sinking" a load of sweat, blood and cash into this monster...

Obviously, make ceratin you legally own it before you spend any green...

Meanwhile, you can do a lot of checking and listing of the many important things...I noticed what looks like TWO[2] Ford 289 OR 302 cubic inch engines...is this a shaft drive or an outdrive?...make sure the drive train is in as close to perfect working order as possible...carbs prolly need rebuilding, tune-ups, water pumps, make sure the heat risers are in great condition, etc, etc...two or four of everything mechanical...

Steering/shift controls, fuel system, electrical...

Also, looks like a three axle trailer with the middle one missing...is that a fifth wheel trailer? or just a regular tongue? will make a huge difference in your tow vehicle requirements...

You get the idea, take the time to know this big beauty inside and out before you do anything...that way you will have minimal surprises and maximum fun restoring this nice looking boat...

Don't forget to keep good records in both pictures and notes...try and sell of stuff you no longer want or need to help offset some of the bills...

And Most of all have a ton, well in the case of this boat, prolly closer to 3 tons, of fun!

Regards,
GT1M

PS- Make sure the storage agreement is in writing, 50 bucks a month is a great deal, but unfortunately, some friendships can go South when it comes to business dealings...:facepalm:...not wanting to be negative, just prudent...

 

[Pmccraney]

Re: Have I Lost My Mind?????

As noted by my man, GT - we are all restoring old boats and are, thus, certifiably insane. As you and he both noted, free is a dangerous word in dealing with boats.

That hull looks to be in good shape, but this is going to be a big project for sure... The interior/cosmetics certainly need work (and the cost of restore is inversely proportionate to the size of the boat). More importantly, I would look into the power situation. Often, those old "blue" motors are paired with an OMC drives... Plus, those engines look like they have seen better days (looks like one side the exhaust is not connected to the riser on the blue one - very strange)...

One option is to get the title through the lien sale and, if you are not inclined to add a huge project to your existing project, maybe sell it (or part it out) and make a little return on your investment.

I imagine it would take a long time (and lots of dough) to return a boat that size to its former glory.

 

[25thmustang]

Re: Have I Lost My Mind?????

Looking forward to this one. Those do look like Ford motors and it appears maybe some OMC drives (looks like a large opening behind the second motor photo). Thats a good sized boat, but those external fuel tanks are quite the site. I would lose those, fairly quickly.

 

[Pmccraney]

Re: Have I Lost My Mind?????

Those do look like Ford motors and it appears maybe some OMC drives (looks like a large opening behind the second motor photo).

Yeah, I saw the big rubber boot of despair...

 

[Luhrs28]

Re: Have I Lost My Mind?????

Why would anyone add 2 external tanks to a boat that probably already holds a lot of fuel? Drug runner?

 

[jbcurt00]

Re: Have I Lost My Mind?????

Great googly moogly that thing is huge............

Twin Ford inboards, in California, w/ easy access up & down the coast, plus refueling dock side can get fairly pricey. If it was trailered to & from most trips, I'd bet the external tanks are to save money on gas & buy it at a station while on the trailer. And make few stops along the way. Not a great go fast drug runner, I wouldn't think, but who knows.

When you can, try & find an ID plate on it somewhere.... It will be a nice place for you & Ernie to spend some quality time when the Admiral gets wind of this beast.... Man, just in shear size this thing is frightening, add the 'rough' interior and is it ever a dog w/ fleas. But spend some time & effort looking into it & the costs associated w/ ownership, and like they've ^^ all said it's got worth for sure. Even if you only sell of the serviceable goodies & scrap the rest. That trailer is beefy.......

Good luck, give us some info @ the boat: length, beam, etc etc etc You might even post a "What is she" thread in the Reinell owners group forum... Someone may have 1 or 1 very similar....

 

[Trooper82]

Re: Have I Lost My Mind?????

WOW!


Now that would be a fun project...but a big huge undertaking for sure. I'm sure you can do it, but like the rest have said, make sure it is what it is...and you can get ownership. Would be a pity to put all back together for naught...


You won't be working on that one in the street out front of the house.

Is that a radar doohicky on top of the bow?

Let us know what you decide.

 

[Decker83]

Re: Have I Lost My Mind?????

I think anyone who owns a boat is alittle crazy.

First thing I would do is make sure you can get the title in your name. In Texas, that would take a ton of paper work.

Next I would be really worried about the out drives. You have double the trouble on this one and double the cost. You could get into say 8k to 10k maybe in replacing them.

The rest of the boat is just a matter of you doing the work and investing the money. It's a great project for someone willing to spend the money and time. It would be fantastic when restored, and make for a great family boat.

 

[jigngrub]

Re: Have I Lost My Mind?????

Yer as crazy as a bedbug if you ask me.

Take some time off.

Relax.

Go fishing!

 

[ShellBack89]

Re: Have I Lost My Mind?????

First off, NAH!, you lost your mind a long time ago...so that should not even show up on the radar...

GT1 – So true, so true. I will definitely make sure that I can get the title in my name before I spend a dime. It is an outdrive but I’m not sure of the make just yet although, some have said they think its an OMC. Thanks for the help as always. I’ll keep you posted.

As noted by my man, GT - we are all restoring old boats and are, thus, certifiably insane. As you and he both noted, free is a dangerous word in dealing with boats.

That hull looks to be in good shape, but this is going to be a big project for sure... The interior/cosmetics certainly need work (and the cost of restore is inversely proportionate to the size of the boat). More importantly, I would look into the power situation. Often, those old "blue" motors are paired with an OMC drives... Plus, those engines look like they have seen better days (looks like one side the exhaust is not connected to the riser on the blue one - very strange)...

One option is to get the title through the lien sale and, if you are not inclined to add a huge project to your existing project, maybe sell it (or part it out) and make a little return on your investment.

I imagine it would take a long time (and lots of dough) to return a boat that size to its former glory.

PMC – you are right, we are certifiably insane for taking on these projects. I can look back at my early and some of my late post and that kept saying “NEVER AGAIN!” and yet here I am thinking about it again….. I’ll check to see if these are OMC drives. I’m not familiar with the type of drives but I have read repeatedly that OMC is not what I want!

Looking forward to this one. Those do look like Ford motors and it appears maybe some OMC drives (looks like a large opening behind the second motor photo). Thats a good sized boat, but those external fuel tanks are quite the site. I would lose those, fairly quickly.

Those external tanks are a joke. I’m not sure how he balanced when one was empty. They have to be at least 60 gallons each. They would be the first to go…..

When you can, try & find an ID plate on it somewhere.... It will be a nice place for you & Ernie to spend some quality time when the Admiral gets wind of this beast.... Man, just in shear size this thing is frightening, add the 'rough' interior and is it ever a dog w/ fleas. But spend some time & effort looking into it & the costs associated w/ ownership, and like they've ^^ all said it's got worth for sure. Even if you only sell of the serviceable goodies & scrap the rest. That trailer is beefy.......

Good luck, give us some info @ the boat: length, beam, etc etc etc You might even post a "What is she" thread in the Reinell owners group forum... Someone may have 1 or 1 very similar....

JB – The Admiral is actually giving me the thumbs up. Told her it would take several years and a lot of money. She didn’t mind the several years part and said as long as I don’t spend it all the first day I’m good. Guess she like the work I did???? I’m going to go over next week and spend more time poking around for ID plate, engine type and outdrive info. You guys are always great!!!!

WOW!


Now that would be a fun project...but a big huge undertaking for sure. I'm sure you can do it, but like the rest have said, make sure it is what it is...and you can get ownership. Would be a pity to put all back together for naught...


You won't be working on that one in the street out front of the house.

Is that a radar doohicky on top of the bow?

Let us know what you decide.

I appreciate that you have faith in me Trooper. You were one of the first with my Sea Ray. I can never say enough great things about this forum! There was a radar but nothing inside, just the array. I’m sure I could sell it on Ebay for a couple bucks.

I think anyone who owns a boat is alittle crazy.

Decker – No truer words have been spoken!

 

[ShellBack89]

Re: Have I Lost My Mind?????

Here is a picture of the outdrives. Not sure if this will help with the ID factor. I'll look next week and will get more info on it!

 

[erwinner]

Re: Have I Lost My Mind?????

That's a scary picture there! TWO out of production outdrives with lots of NLA parts.

 

[Woodonglass]

Re: Have I Lost My Mind?????

YES!!!! RUN AWAY as fast as you can. Find a good Therapist!!! This is NOT a project it's a NIGHTMARE!!!

 

[ShellBack89]

Re: Have I Lost My Mind?????

YES!!!! RUN AWAY as fast as you can. Find a good Therapist!!! This is NOT a project it's a NIGHTMARE!!!

Thank you sir! I was hoping a man of sound mind would put some sense in me . I definitely leaning to the running part. I'll keep looking. I've got time now that you all have put in my Sea Ray with a solid level deck!!!!

 

[chriscraft254]

Re: Have I Lost My Mind?????

YES!!!! RUN AWAY as fast as you can. Find a good Therapist!!! This is NOT a project it's a NIGHTMARE!!!

Yup, what he said!!!!!!!! ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ Run Forrest RUNNNNNNNNNN

 

[ShellBack89]

Re: Have I Lost My Mind?????

Yup, what he said!!!!!!!! ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ Run Forrest RUNNNNNNNNNN

And, I was RUNNING.......

 

[kmarine]

Re: Have I Lost My Mind?????

As a marine restoration addict I also admit a bit of insanity. What I see from the photos is a boat that restored would be valued at maybe $10k and needs about $20k of work. I myself see more value in the trailer allong with parting out the drives than I see as a running restored boat. It is only worth it if you really love and intend to keep this boat. Otherwise it would be money better spent to part out and buy somthing newer that will hold its value longer. I have restored many boats, but I think this looks too far gone and not worth the risk.
I really like the trailer and think It coud bring $4500 along with the drives at $800 each. Other parts could also be sold for additional$ to go tword somthing newer.