Is this as bad as I think?

[Bubba1235]

A friend (ex-employee) in Fort Worth called abotu a boat he found on eBay as a project. (Also up for local sale.) He is a very skilled "jack of all trades" and has the ability to do a resto. so that's not the issue. The issue is that when I read the details on the ad I thing the boat may be to far gone.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/1996...97b&_trksid=p4506.c0.m245&_trkparms=65:1|39:1

According to what I read, the floor and most certainly the stringers are gone. What bothers me is that he says the windshield was so badly aligned he had to remove the center pane. That suggests very stongly to me that the fiber glass has flexed and to my knowledge it doesn't do that, it cracks.

To those in the know, can that all be pulled back into position when the stringers are replaced? Wouldn't pulling it all back into place "flex" the FG even more? What sort of FG work would it take to repair that or is it simply not one to take on? (That is my gut reaction.)

 

[Numlaar]

Re: Is this as bad as I think?

It is possible for fiberglass to flex somewhat without cracking... it may be that the floor has sagged causing the two halves of the dash(es) with the window on either side to sag into the floor, decreasing the gap, and thereby not letting me close my center window.

Once I replaced the floor and cap the window/windshield was fine again...

That being said, I think that what he is asking for the project is a bit high for what you are getting... essentially you are buying a hull, and engine (and an engine that needs work at that), plus its just a 4cyl.

I would consider it, but would definitely not give them what they are asking for it, maybe 1000-1500 at absolute most.

Just my opinion.

Good luck

 

[jonesg]

Re: Is this as bad as I think?

Well its a nice tub, it will have to come apart but its very fixable.

Its not my type of boat but if he likes it and likes working on boats he could do a lot worse, I'd let the auction run its course then contact the seller.

If someone bids on it , let em have it.

"there is no deal so good that you cannot afford to walk away from"

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: Is this as bad as I think?

very fixable, very over priced for what is there.

 

[Schmoe]

Re: Is this as bad as I think?

That 3.0 engine looks REALLY good and it also has power steering, which is a surprise for that size of boat. The engine, outdrive and trailer are alone, worth the asking price. I've got a 96 Marada, same size, and they are fun on the water. Easy on gas, easy to load but can comfortably haul 4 to 5 adults. Shows that it has a cover, obviously not a waterproof one, but none the less. I find it hard that the floor and stringers are "gone." This may be a diamond in the rough.

 

[Numlaar]

Re: Is this as bad as I think?

Yup, it is over priced and hasn't drawn any bids. My friends intention is to make an offer in person.

So no one thinks this is a deal breaker and there is no real FG damage?

Thats probably the best approach... with this economy right now its a driver's market, and many good deals can be had. If its what he wants, and he is comfortable in knowing he is looking at a full rebuild, then go for it.

I dont think there is any real FG damage, as mentioned it can flex to a certain degree without actually cracking/breaking. (thats why you have to support the sides from flexing once you tear it apart).

The only way to tell though, sadly, will be once its all ripped apart.