Looking at a boat

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chads

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I might have found a boat. Trying to go look at it today. If not today then the weekend. It's a 78 or 79 16 ft smoker craft that needs a new floor and transom. Comes with trailer and 90 hp Johnson motor. Are these decent boats? I think I know the work I have ahead of me. I'm unsure about the engine either. Is this worth $500 to $600? Thanks
 
jbcurt00

jbcurt00

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Pix or the ad Chad?

Same SmokerCraft as the one discussed in your other topic:
Need advice

Needing a new deck and transom, it may need interior work too.

W/ out pix no idea if it's a $600 boat. Does the 90hp run? Run well?
Isn't that about half what the seller is asking, if it's the same boat from the other topic.

Have you put your hands on any boats since I asked if you had in the other topic? Again, hands on is important, and will help you 'see' the true condition of boats when you're looking at ads online and talking/texting/emailing sellers.

Dont forget its all about:
Condition
Condition
Condition​

In that order ^^^

Good luck.

Not sure this is a separate topic, just a continuation of the Need advice topic. For now I'll leave it separate, but it may get merged back into your other topic.

Post pix or links to the ads
 
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chads

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It's a different boat. I'm waiting on pictures from the seller. I'm only going by my conversation with him. I wanted to head up to the boat today but that's not going to work out. It will be Saturday morning I'm putting my hands on it.
Yes I have looked at a couple. The only one I was somewhat interested in was the fisher sv2 but I decided to keep looking at other boats. The engine I have no idea about I will only be able to take his word because it's removed from the transom. He did say the transom and floors are shot.
Sorry about starting a new thread. I wasn't sure if I should keep posting to the other one or start a new one that was more about a specific boat and not just some general questions. If it needs moved then please do that. Thanks again for the advice and help.
 
jbcurt00

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Don't worry about starting a new topic, if it was the same SmokerCraft, it'd be different

Whats his asking?

What all did you learn actually seeing some boats hands on? What on the Fisher told you to keep looking?
 
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chads

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With the fisher I just wasn't feeling good about it. The trailer I would not even trust towing home. The boat was in need of repair but that's what I'm looking for. He could not start the motor and the story with the motor history kept changing.
The smokercraft the guy is asking $700 for but came right out and told me to make an offer. i wanted to see it before I made any offers. I was more trying to determine what offer to make him given the little I know about the boat or boats in general.
 
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chads

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chads

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No pictures of motor. Does the splash well area look right(aside from rotten). The pictures I've saw of other boats I don't remember that big of a cut out? Does anything other than rot and a lot of work look wrong in the pictures? I'll try to get a picture of the motor. Thanks for any advice
 
jbcurt00

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All the stuff piled in it makes it tough to judge if there's anything to point out specifically.

It's for sure a complete gut and rehab and the helm console has tipped in towards the center of the boat, so there may be some damage along the gunwale where it attaches, or the console side panel could be bent.

Make sure you're up to date on your tetanus shot and dig into it when you see it.

Unless the motor can be shown to fire, runs well and shifts thru F-N-R, $500, IMO is on the high side. But thats for me in my market, you're market may be different.

Again it does look like it's got anti-fouling paint on the bottom, but from the 2 pix, the trailer looks to be in decent shape. Many prefer bunks over rollers for tin boat support. Given the boat's thrashed condition, I'd check the bottom and transom for damage very closely.
 
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chads

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Thanks that's what I was looking for. I thought $500 would be a good high offer. The tetenas shot in always current on. I always seem to hurt myself. My only consern from limited knowledge is the transom/splash well cut out. It looked like the boat had an inboard motor and not an outboard. The mounting area just looked awful deep and big. Again it's a picture and I'm not very knowledgeable about it.
 
jbcurt00

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Nope, splashwell appears to be about right.

Check it out closely, and check for cracks and tears in and around the splashwell. it looks rough
 
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chads

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Thanks. I'll look closely for any tears or issues. It is in rough shape. Think I should offer less and not go over the $500 target. I'm also assuming the motor is rough given the way the boat looks. I have to keep reminding myself to not "jump on the first one" because I'm looking. I don't know if I can get a boat in better condition for the same money or not? When fixed and taken care of are these boats decent(stability, ride, etc...)
 
roscoe

roscoe

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Well, the trailer is worth 300, and the motor should fetch $300 even if you sell it for parts.

Expected costs:
transom 200-400
floor 400-1000
seats 200-1000
wiring, side panels, hardware, and misc. 300-1500
motor 100-1000

Then there are things like electronics, stereo, steer and control cables, controls, fuel tank, lights, tires. side guides, etc, which are unknowns that could easily cost up to $3000

So you are looking at spending between $1200 and $7000 to fix her up, depending on materials used and how nice of a finished product you want.

Been there done that, did one cheap, and did one all out. I will never get my money out of it, but plan on keeping it till I can't boat any more.

So, before you dive in and spend 200 hours working on it, divide if you might be better off buying a water ready rig.
 
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chads

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Yeah I've been reading a lot on the Starcraft forum. I do like the Starcraft SS. I was actually looking at an 18ft SS but that fell through. When I see it this coming weekend I will decide at that point how much I am willing to pay. I did not notice the antifouling paint until it was mentioned. That alone gives me an uneasy feeling. I guess it's no big deal as long as it was done right with the right paint,
As far as plans, I want something that I can get ready for next spring for at least the electric only lake near my house. That means hull repairs(if needed), transom, floors, and interior. The electronics and accessories I figured I can add as I go.
I've never redone a boat before but look forward to the challenge. I've done a few cars and other things but this is a new one to me. Thanks again
 
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chads

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what is the difference between the Starcraft fish master and the SS? They look similar but I assume there has to be a difference. Thanks
 
jbcurt00

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Did you look thru the SC brochures at the Starcraft link i posted above?

1 is styled as a fishing boat, the other is a bowrider. Depending on what length and year they may be the same basic hull, but laid out, styled and setup different.

Lots of info in here if you take a look around. Wouldnt have to wait for an answer....
 
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chads

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Looks like I found one. A 1978 Starcraft SS 18ft. Looked at it last night and it seems to be in good shape aside from some cosmetic things. Will need a floor sometime but useable for now with a few springy areas. The deal should be finalized after a successful test ride. My only real question is about the motor. A Johnson stinger 90 hp. Any thoughts or opinions on these? I'll start a new thread with pictures when I get her home. Hoping that will happen next week
 
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chads

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Well things got even better. I don't usually have good luck. I'm picking it up tomorrow am after a good ride. Finalizing the paper work next weekend. Has a fish/depth finder, radio, Bimini top, and bow cover sitting on a 2002 load right trailer. Can't wait to supprise my daughter with it
 
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