Need to make a tough decision!

[BigManDan72]

Okay, I don't need to make the decision TODAY but it's out there and I want to have my thoughts together.

I bought a 1985 Wellcraft IO18ft bowrider this past season. I did a thorough check of the decking in the main cabin area when I bought the boat and it was solid, with no soft spots at all. I have since discovered a soft spot in the decking to the side of the engine compartment. So I know that I will need to make a decision at some point in the forseeable future on how to proceed with this rot problem. Funds are very much a concern at this point so I'm looking for the most cost effective means to stay on the water. I see two options:

1. Trade this boat in for a newer but still fairly old boat
2. Invest in the repairs to keep this boat going

I'm leaning toward the repair option because buying another older boat could put me right back where I am today in just a few years. The interior/upholstery etc. in the boat in question are really good so I wouldn't need to replace seats, vinyl etc. The engine is an old MerCruiser 470 but it runs well for now and could also be replaced at some point with a 3.0 or a 4.3 if maintaining that dinosaur becomes impossible. So I'm talking about a complete gutting of the hull and replacement of the stringers and decking. I am a moderately capable guy but have NO time to put into such a project myself so all of the work would be outsourced. How much can I expect to invest in such a project? I'm sure some of you have done the cost/benefit analysis on this scenario before and I'm wondering what the consensus is on this.

 

[flyingscott]

The only way for you to make a decision is have an estimate done for the repair. You might want to have it checked soon as if the rot has made it into the engine compartment. You might get luck and it is localized and cheaper to fix now.

 

[Woodonglass]

Prolly $4-6K with NO guarantees that the work will be done properly!!!! IF, BIG IF, you can find a reputable Marine Repair Shop with excellent references AND you keep close tabs on them with weekly spot checks to ensure they are doing what they said they would do and IF you get everything IN WRITING as far as what types of materials they will use and check to ensure they actually USE those types of materials you could get the job done for that kind of money, Maybe more. But lets say you Paid Double that!!! As long as it was good quality work You are NOT gunna find a boat in the $12K range that would be any where close to the condition that this boat will be in once it's completely restored. And a new 18ft BowRider is over $30K. Soooo IMHO if you want to continue boating and IF you can find a reputable repair shop, this it's worth the effort. IF you don't want to take the time and effort to vett the shop and spot check em thru the process, well then in the words of Tony Soprano...."Fuhgetaboutit!"

 

[Scott Danforth]

I would start drilling into the stringers you can get to in the engine compartment to see the condition of the stringers, then move on to transom. this will determine what you are starting with.

if you roll your sleeves up, we can help you rebuild it.

 

[tpenfield]

I agree with the $4K-$6K guesstimate. Most folks make the boat restoration thing work out financially by doing the work themselves. Outsourcing it will put you way invested into the boat. Plus, there is the quality factor to consider, as mentioned. Paying for something does not always mean it is done right. so, you will have to research potential shops quite a bit.

A dilemma with your other option (selling the boat) is that it is not the easiest thing to sell a boat with known problems. That is why many folks are 'forced' into repairing a boat versus taking it as a total loss.

 

[Bayou Dave]

I was in a similar situation 3 years ago. Bought a '87 Rinker and soon discovered a soft spot on the port stern next to the doghouse. That area was right where everyone entered the boat from the water. I tore up the floor only on the port side from stern to the cuddy cabin area and found some rotten wood. Not having the time or desire to repair it myself I found a boat builder/repair shop and had them look at it. Luckily the transom, motor mounts and all other areas were in really good shape.Ended up costing me $1200 for a very professional repair. I did stop by every week and saw what they were doing. Bottom line, you really don't know the cost until you investigate the problem.