New here..have "project" question

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Corissamarie333

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Jun 15, 2016
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13
Hey y'all,
I'm new here and I need some guidance. I'm looking to buy a boat with limited funds..so I'm looking at boats that need a little love. I like one now that has a fiberglass hull and a treated, stained recently built deck. I've hears a resounding NO! When it comes to wood. Could I get some opinions about wood, and this boat in general? I have time to put into it, but not a lot of money. Thanks in advance for your help. Its a1988 Mariah 20 ft. for 1200 bucks
 
jbcurt00

jbcurt00

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Oct 25, 2011
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25,120
Nope
Nope
Nope

All work and statements by the seller are suspect. Just on the new deck (floor): Wrong wood, wrong sealing, wrong installation....

2K minimum to rehab in material only, you'd be doing 100% of the work, assuming NO engine/steering work/parts needed and interior is reuseable as is
 
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Corissamarie333

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Joined
Jun 15, 2016
Messages
13
Oh dang, thank you! Someone else said the deck looked like repurposed house deck wood. I will steer clear of that then. . Is it a horrible idea to get a boat that has no engine ? I have a few others in mind..one is a 196? Glasstron boat..it seems to be in good shape and the sellers welcome me to test in any way..bring a boat person or do whatever I need to. Its $500. For the boat and trailer..both are titled..no engine. Thank y'all so much for the advice already given.
 
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Corissamarie333

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Jun 15, 2016
Messages
13
Fhhuber thanks. I have had many people say its so easy to get a title..all sellers of course. I know if a boat us under 14 ft no title is required here in NC., but people are trying yo sell me title free trailers too. This link I posted has both titled, but would need a motor and wiring work. Like I said before I do have time to put I to it and a helper with electrical knowledge, but I just know so little about what boats are actually worth.
 
Woodonglass

Woodonglass

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Dec 29, 2009
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25,929
That Glastron Boat is a Really Good Deal IMHO. It sure appears to have been restored. You could put a 60hp motor on it and it would be a Great Ride!!!
 
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Corissamarie333

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Jun 15, 2016
Messages
13
Thanks for the input woodonglass..I'm about to go look at it in a bit. I'll take better pics if its as nice as it appears to be
 
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Corissamarie333

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Jun 15, 2016
Messages
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So, I looked at that little boat and it seems well kept up..guy has offered to gibe me a little motor it to. I didn't feel any soft spots..going back to look atbagaim on Sunday but I plan to buy it. Its the best boat I've seen so far. I took pictures but not sure if I can download them. When om looking for tot where would be the best places or places rot hides?
 
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pckeen

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Jun 20, 2012
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Put weight on the transom to see if it moves. Check out the boat buyer's thread - I think its a sticky on the general forum. Walk all over the floor and look for soft spots. The boat does look good, but a couple of red flags: you need more than a motor, you need a steering wheel and steering system - as the original seems to have been removed. In addition, if you want the guages to work, you'll need wiring to go from that to the motor, and a motor that is compatible with that boat. It also looks to me as this boat would have had a windshield, which is missing. If you are prepared to do a little work and spend a little more money, this boat may be worth it. You'll want a motor that is matched power wise to the boat (minimum 70% of the boat's maximum hp).

If you have never bought a boat before, I would suggest a 14-16 foot tin boat, with a tiller steering outboard - they are as simple as you can get.
 
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Corissamarie333

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Jun 15, 2016
Messages
13
Thank you for the advice, I appreciate it. Yes, it will need a steering wheel and system..I'm ok with having to spend some money and do some work. If the gauges don't work right away I'm ok with that. I didn't know that about the motor matching boats hp..I'll have to check that out.
Though this is my first boat purchase I'm not interested in a tin boat. I don't necessarily want the easiest boat..I want a boat I'm excited about..and that will eventually get me on the water. Thanks again for all your advice...appreciate it!
 
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pckeen

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Jun 20, 2012
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Then if you are prepared to do some work, if this recently restored boat is in good shape, it is very well priced. The reason for the 70% 'rule' is the boat won't perform well with an underpowered motor. You'll want an outboard that has the right shaft length to fit your transom size, and will need a compatible set of controls, plus a compatible steering system. Hunting for this is part of the fun.
 
redneck joe

redneck joe

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Mar 18, 2009
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11,514
Buy it. If its half as good and sound as it looks and you are halfway handy. Buy it. Any issues the people here can walk you thru any and i mean anything that needs done.


And no you dont need the gas guage to work, not on this kind of boat.
 
BuzzStPoint

BuzzStPoint

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May 27, 2009
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here's my thought. before I ventured into boats, I heard the same thing, 2000, 3000 dollars. Now maybe in the long run it will run 2000 dollars.. If you look in my sig you'll see my boat I picked up for less then 200 bucks. about 250 for engine. I have to update that thread as I have updates to the boat. When you do work yourself, the cost is a lot lower then professional shops.

Here's another thing. What are you looking for this boat to be? 100% restore back to factory? or shine it up and make it look good? Boar owners are a different breed. We don't really care all to much on how your boat looks. Just that you are out on the water and you are safe..
'
BTW, these guys here at Iboats can pretty much help you out with anything you may need.
 
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