Keep repairing/ replacing or just buy another

[beanz2166]

We bought our first boat in February not knowing anything about boats. When we got it we knew it needed new upholstery that we were ok with. Daily we find more and more things, right now it's the wooden floor in the engine compartment and under the fiber glass bow insert are rotted. Someone replaced the floor at one time so the main floor is solid. But those areas need replaced. Also there are some gouges in the outside of the boat where a past owner hit stuff (dock presumably). I could get the upholstery done for under $800 but what would it cost if I took it to someone and got the entire flooring redone? I can't due it myself due to time and work hours. How long could one expect this to take? Also is it possible to fill and shape the gouges in the outside hull? Is it worth it or should I cut my losses and just buy a newer used boat. Current boat is a 1996 Glastron gs215

 

[Silverbullet555]

Re: Keep repairing/ replacing or just buy another

96 isn't that old for those kinds of issues. What do you have in to it so far?

All items can be repaired if you have enough time and money. Replacing floors usually leads to replacing stringers and often transoms so in general, it is not worth it. Those that do those repairs themselves often do it as a labor of love, not from a cost perspective.

If you are even considering cutting your losses it is probably a wise way to go in your situation. Often times, if a great deal was had on the boat, parting out the engine, drive, electronics, gauges, trailer can net more than you paid or at least get you real close.

Post the figures and specifics and I am sure someone will chime in with more experience than I.

 

[beanz2166]

Re: Keep repairing/ replacing or just buy another

Money really isn't the issue. We are getting a fairly large sum in about two months. I have no idea about the stringers but was expecting those and the transom replacements as well. We got $4500 in the boat plus about another $1000 in general maintainence and new upholstery(about 75% of the boat done). Motor is a 5.7 that runs solid and the gen II out drive is good as well. Are there businesses that do this work or is it a do it yourself kind of thing?