Need Advice!

[BeerBrewer]

I need a little advice from you folks. I've always wanted a boat, but never had the time. Now I have the time and don't have a lot of money! Any way, I stumbled on to a 1979 Grady White Chesapeake Cuddy (I think about 21'-22') with an OMC I/O and it needs restoring. The Hull seems okay, but the owner says the motor is toast. I haven't done a real close inspection (I will) on the Hull. The boat is basically free, but I need to buy a trailer. Assuming the hull is basically sound and everything mechanical (engine, out drive) needs replacing......is this boat worth restoring?

I'm real handy with wood work and I've done fiberglass work. I'm not what you'd call a motor head, but I have assisted friends rebuild their engines.

Your help is appreciated!

 

[ondarvr]

Re: Need Advice!

It depends on what you're looking for, or want to do.

If you want to go boating, fishing, etc, anytime soon, then you don't want a project like this, it will take a great deal of time and money, plus a place to work on it.

If you like projects more than boating, at least for this season and have the funds to buy all the needed equipment, then it would be OK. It will cost many thousands to get it back on the water.

 

[Bondo]

Re: Need Advice!

Ayuh,... Repowering with used Merc. drivelines will set you back from $3000. to 10,000. depending on what you find,+ how new it is...
Brand new would be in the $20,000. range..

The Up side is Grady's have the Name,+ you might get Most of it back upon selling...

 

[BeerBrewer]

Re: Need Advice!

I don't mind a project and I'm not afraid of dropping some money into it. As long as the boat is worth the money

 

[ondarvr]

Re: Need Advice!

The boat may only be worth the money to you, refurbished boats have little value on the open market. So don't expect to be rewarded (profit) from the time and effort you invest.

 

[BeerBrewer]

Re: Need Advice!

I'm not looking for a profit. I'm looking for a sound boat with as little investment as possible. I know my other option is to buy a newer used boat, but I'm afraid it's going to need a lot of maintenance and upkeep, cause I don't really know how well the former owner took care of it. I am willing to put in the work to restore the hull, but I'm wondering if the engine work will be too crazy expensive. I was hoping I'd get a good sea worthy boat, with new/rebuilt engine that gives me years of enjoyment. That said, I'm leery about a 1979 hull even if it is a Grady-White.

 

[tmcalavy]

Re: Need Advice!

Check the boat out, take someone who knows boats with you and check the hull (looks like f-glass), transom and deck. If it is sound and you have a place to put it (protected) for awhile, get it and work on it as you can. If the hull, deck or transom is not sound...pass. Engines aren't hard to rebuild if the outdrive is sound. I've also seen former I/O's refitted for outboard motors...it can be done if you have the time to do the work, even on a budget.

 

[ondarvr]

Re: Need Advice!

All boats need maintenance and up keep, it just goes with the territory.

If you keep looking you'll be able to find a decent boat at a good price that you should be able to use for season or so without a great deal of work. Rotten wood is one of the issues you need to look for in any boat.